Monterey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Monterey
Monterey
Monterey showing heritage architecture and general coastal views
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing mountains, general coastal views and landscape views
Monterey featuring general coastal views, mountains and a bridge

Monterey Travel Guide Video

Discover one of California’s most beautiful coastal cities, known for its fabulous aquarium and for being the setting for a famous John Steinbeck novel. 

Located along the rugged coastline of California, the oceanfront settlement of Monterey exudes seaside charm. Play on the dunes at public beaches, observe sea lions at the wharfs and embark on scenic walks along the coastal cliffs.

Get acquainted with the history of this coastal city, which was originally founded by the Spanish in 1770. Wander around Old Monterey and be on the look out for the Path of History plaques, which are placed along the sidewalk and point toward the landmark historical buildings.

During the earlier half of the 20th century, Monterey made its money from sardine canning, an industry that Steinbeck wrote about in his novel Cannery Row. Although the sardine canning businesses have closed, Cannery Row still exists. Stroll down the street and look for a bronze bust of Steinbeck and the old workers’ shacks, which show the harsh living conditions the workers here would have endured.

Take a stroll down Fisherman’s Wharf, browsing souvenir shops, seafood markets and admiring the 360-degree harbor views along the way. Sea lions and seals can often be seen in the waters here.

Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium its tanks are filled with kaleidoscopic marine creatures. The aquarium is right next to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins can all be spotted. Of particular note is the aquarium’s kelp forest and the surreal jellyfish exhibit.

For visitors who want to see the California coast’s signature crashing waves and oceanfront cliffs, head for Garrapata State Park. Follow hiking trails along steep coastal bluffs and through towering redwood forests. Point Lobos State Reserve is another good place to get back to nature. Rent a kayak and paddle through coves, looking for orcas, sea lions and seals. The 18-mile (29-kilometer) long Monterey Bay Coastal Trail is open to walkers and cyclists.

From San Francisco, reach Monterey by car in about 2.5 hours. Buses are also available from San Jose, while internal flights touch down at Monterey Regional Airport. In downtown Monterey, make use of the free trolley service check the Monterey-Salinas Transit website for the schedule.

Where to stay in Monterey

Carmel which includes street scenes, signage and a city

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.

Downtown Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium showing marine life and interior views

New Monterey

If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.

New Monterey
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Monterey Vista

While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Munras Avenue are some notable places to visit nearby.

Monterey Vista
Golden State Theatre showing a city and theatre scenes

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 Monterey State Historic Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Monterey
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Lighthouse District

Lighthouse District is well-regarded for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium, and you might also want to make a stop by Cannery Row, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

Lighthouse District
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Alta Mesa

While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.

Alta Mesa
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp4.312.537 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp4.312.537
Rp5.101.010 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,706 reviews)
"Beautiful property, great location, friendly staff"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,267 reviews)
"Enjoyed the location in downtown Monterey. It is a historic hotel. Comfortable, no housekeeping service, but able to request towels as needed. Staff was nice!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Monterey Hotel
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
The price is Rp5.434.712 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp5.434.712
Rp6.268.019 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,346 reviews)
"Wonderful experience here, bedding was so comfortable and staff was so friendly. Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 Mi to Beach: Home w/ Patio in Del Rey Oaks!

2 Mi to Beach: Home w/ Patio in Del Rey Oaks!

3 out of 5
Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Monterey. Enjoy free parking, a marina and patios. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Exelent location and cosy house thanks Denny."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

2 Mi to Beach: Home w/ Patio in Del Rey Oaks!
Del Rey Oaks Vacation Home w/ Mini-golf Course!

Del Rey Oaks Vacation Home w/ Mini-golf Course!

3 out of 5
Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Monterey. Enjoy free parking, a marina and a garden. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"I traveled to the Monterey Bay Area with my 4 kids, all under the age of 12. The house had everything we needed, including safety and space."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Del Rey Oaks Vacation Home w/ Mini-golf Course!
Modern Del Rey Oaks Retreat: 2 Mi to Monterey Bay!

Modern Del Rey Oaks Retreat: 2 Mi to Monterey Bay!

3 out of 5
Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Monterey. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium ...
Modern Del Rey Oaks Retreat: 2 Mi to Monterey Bay!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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