Monterey

Travel Guide
Monterey Bay Aquarium showing marine life and interior views

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 featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Downtown Monterey

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
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New Monterey

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

New Monterey
Golden State Theatre showing theater scenes and a city

Old Monterey

Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Old Monterey
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Monterey Vista

If you're spending some time in Monterey Vista, Munras Avenue and Don Dahvee Park are top sights worth seeing.

Monterey Vista
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Alta Mesa

If you're spending some time in Alta Mesa, Munras Avenue and Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada are top sights worth seeing.

Alta Mesa
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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 neighborhood.

Lighthouse District
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is P11,095 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P11,095
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,340 reviews)
2nd Excellent Visit
"This was our second stay at Casa Munras and it was a perfect stay, just like the first time. Service is excellent, room is clean and location is good too. We didn't bring our dogs this trip but we love that they are pet friendly!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
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 P14,651 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P14,651
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,906 reviews)
"very nice place, near with our destination at Monterey Bay Aquarium. will recommend to friends."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA
Fully refundable
The price is P11,208 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P11,208
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,376 reviews)
"Absolutely loved the feel of this property! Can’t wait to come back and use all the amenities! Parking was a nightmare, but I understand. Beautiful rooms! We will always stay here going forward!"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Hyatt Regency Monterey 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.
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
219 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (279 reviews)
"Very convenient location with within walking distance of metro and other public transport. Walking distance to a lot of great sights within the city. The actual location though had a lot of vagrants within the area. Would not recommend walking around at night alone."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
3.5 out of 5
1091 Pinehurst Ln, Palm Desert, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Palm Desert. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Marriott's Desert Springs Villas II
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
4 out of 5
3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Carlsbad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,083 reviews)
"Room was a bit dated and not the cleanest. Love the location and view from the pool and jacuzzi area. Staff was friendly."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
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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