Lighthouse District Travel Guide
Monterey
Visit Lighthouse District
Popular places to visit
Cannery Row
Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
You can take time to visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during your travels to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
17-Mile Drive
Discover palatial mansions, lush golf courses and a wild stretch of coastline inhabited by sea lions on a road often dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
Del Monte Beach
Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.
Del Monte Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf in Monterey at Del Monte Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Things to do
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Top hotels in Lighthouse District
Cannery Row Inn
Great location, close to beach, bike rental, restaurants, Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Staff is helpful and friendly. No laundry facilities, pillows are hard and fridge is noisy. Coffee and hot chocolate was very good and also complimentary.
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Victorian Inn
The property was a bit run down but the location was fabulous and the parking excellent. Nice hotel breakfast included and very dog friendly (wished we brought ours).
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
We will continue to choose Portola for our stays in Monterey due to the hotel’s amenities, location, cleanliness, and high level customer service.
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Rooms doe not have microwave. Floor was dirty so take sandals. Rooms felt humid, and the air conditioner was not working well made a loud noise.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Rooms and parking are very spread out. Not worth the price.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Windows were falling apart wouldn't close all the way, sink was not secured to the wall. TV was not working. We were staying in the historical part which I'm sure contributed.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026
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Other neighbourhoods around Lighthouse District
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Cannery Row and San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater are top sights worth seeing.
Old Monterey
Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium. You might also want to check out attractions like Waterfront or Perry House while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Downtown Monterey
The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.
Oak Grove
While Oak Grove may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey State Beach.
Monterey Vista
While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Munras Avenue and Waterfront are some notable places to visit nearby.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
