Lighthouse District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Fabiana Lima
Photo by Fabiana Lima

Popular places to visit

Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life

Monterey Bay Aquarium

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
17-Mile Drive featuring a beach and rugged coastline

17-Mile Drive

4.5/5(15 reviews)

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.

17-Mile Drive
Cannery Row showing a beach as well as a small group of people

Cannery Row

4/5(17 reviews)

Renamed after John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, this historic area has transformed since the gritty industrial days described in the book.

Cannery Row
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring boating and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(31 reviews)

Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.

Fisherman's Wharf
Del Monte Beach which includes a beach and mist or fog

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 Beach
San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater

San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater

4/5(1 review)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater during your travels in Monterey? Amble around the area's seaside or visit its shops.

San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater

Activities

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

AU$114
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

AU$107
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

AU$99
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

AU$30
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

AU$35
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

AU$145
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
See all activities in Monterey

Our pick of the best Lighthouse District Hotel Deals

Cannery Row Inn

Cannery Row Inn

2 out of 5
200 Foam St Monterey, Monterey, CA
Stay at this hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,192 reviews)
"Very nice place to stay, close to cannery row and a short walk to the wharf. Did not like the new kiosk system."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

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Cannery Row Inn
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 AU$400 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$400
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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 our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,758 reviews)
"Clean room | Staff | Pet-friendly | Parking"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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 WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,379 reviews)
"This is an older older hotel but that’s what makes it so cozy. My room didn’t have central heater/air but had a fire place. Some rooms do have Central heating and Air I think you need to ask the front desk if that’s important to you. My room was Comfy and clean. Staff was super friendly. They do ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

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The Monterey Hotel
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$557 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$557
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,374 reviews)
"Best hotel in the area"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA
The price is AU$410 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$410
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,463 reviews)
"Loved it"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is AU$400 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$400
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,616 reviews)
"Beautiful property"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
See all 1,493 properties in Lighthouse District
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Lighthouse District

Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes interior views and marine life

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 theatre scenes and a city

Old Monterey

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

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
Carmel featuring a city, street scenes and nightlife

Downtown Monterey

5/5(5 area reviews)

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
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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.

Oak Grove
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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
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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

Lighthouse District Travel Guide

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