Visit Lighthouse District
Popular places to visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
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.
Cannery Row
Renamed after John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, this historic area has transformed since the gritty industrial days described in the book.
Del Monte Beach
Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.
Golden State Theatre
Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.
Activities
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Our pick of the best Lighthouse District Hotel Deals
Victorian Inn
The room was clean and the staff are really friendly
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Cannery Row Inn
Nice but beds were hard
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Wave Street Inn
Very good room and love how it was close to the aquarium if your looking for something close to it and a lot of places to shop and eat
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row by IHG
This Holiday Inn is centrally located. Walking distance to the Wharf & Cannerary Row. The hotel was clean, quiet, & the breakfast was good.
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Good staff
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Staff was friendly and very efficient!
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Check Lighthouse District hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Lighthouse District
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row 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 Colton Hall Museum 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 Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue 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 Del Monte Golf Course.
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.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
