Old Monterey Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Old Monterey
Popular places to visit
Waterfront
Enjoy a trip to Waterfront and popular activities such as golfing in Monterey. Discover the area's seafood restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.
Colton Hall Museum
Find out about the early days of Californian state rules via the displays and guides in this historic 19th-century building.
Cannery Row
Renamed after John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, this historic area has transformed since the gritty industrial days described in the book.
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.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
You can take time to visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during your travels 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: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Our pick of the best Old Monterey Hotel Deals
Merritt House Hotel
Very clean. Loved the themed rooms. Staff were very helpful. Breakfast was nice. Parking a little tight with a larger vehicle. I would definitely stay again.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Hotel Pacific
For a suite hotel, the room was not as clean as it could have been. There were hand smudge prints on the walls and furniture was kinda dirty. Bathroom could have been cleaner. Grout was dirty on multiple spots. Unfortunately the elevators were out so 3 flights of stairs, with dry rot on the steps ...
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Location was great! Next to the wharf. Service is slow. Front desk staff was hit or miss. I requested a crib ahead of time and confirmed with front desk but it was not in the room even after they said it would be in there already when I checked in. When we got to our room, we waited almost an hour ...
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Fantastic opportunity to be right on the bay. Beautiful views. Spacious room. Small balcony but very special opportunity to have comfort and feel very close to nature. I’ve been many times and continue to go.
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
We stay here at least twice a year. Staff is helpful, friendly. Rooms are clean. Appreciate the refillable water bottles.
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Generally a good experience, but the bed needs to be replaced. Felt like a water bed - room 305.
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Old Monterey
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.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
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.
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, Cannery Row and San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater are top sights worth seeing.
Monterey Vista
While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Munras Avenue and Waterfront are some notable places to visit nearby.
