Downtown Monterey Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Monterey
Popular places to visit
Golden State Theatre
Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.
Monterey State Historic Park
Find out about California’s Spanish, Mexican and American past with a tour of this park’s restored historical houses and museums.
San Carlos Cathedral
Admire ecclesiastical relics on display in the heritage center to learn about this cathedral, which is California’s oldest stone building.
Maritime Museum
Follow the story of this fascinating area from the first inhabitants 6000 years ago, to the days of Cannery Row and beyond.
Dennis the Menace Playground
Set up a picnic on the tranquil shore of Lake El Estero and let the kids run free in this sandy playground.
Monterey Convention Center
Learn about the events happening in Monterey Convention Center during your trip to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.
Activities
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Our pick of the best Downtown Monterey Hotel Deals
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Room was clean, warm, staff was helpful.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
The Monterey Hotel
Nice front desk
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Service was great!
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
The Stevenson Monterey
Friendly staff, clean room, parking on site, great location.
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Hotel Pacific
The location of Hotel Pacific is hard to beat. The proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf and Alvarado Street is fantastic, and it’s a half hour walk to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The staff was friendly and welcoming. The architecture of the property is wonderful, with a Spanish flair, but there is some ...
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
Monterey Marriott
Beautiful, clean room and friendly staff. I loved the free water filling station on the first floor that allowed you to get flat or sparkling water plus you could get flavored sparkling water or hot water. You're a short 5 minute walk to Canary Row pier.
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Monterey
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.
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.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
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.
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.
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.
