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.
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.
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.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
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 Old Monterey Hotel Deals
Hotel Pacific
My Gf and I’s stay was pretty good overall. My main complaint would just be how certain things were maintained. Their elevator was out of order and while that’s not a problem taking the stairs from the 4th floor (where our room is located) to the garage to get some stuff, it can get tiring. Staff ...
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Merritt House Hotel
Beautiful room had a log fire
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Was very close to the custom house plaza. Had a good amount of stores and food places around it. Very easy to get to and the staff were on top of everything would definitely go back. Room was spacious and clean
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The adjoining room door was next to the bed. Very poor sound proofing. The next room’s conversations at normal tones sounded like they were in our room. They talked until 2:45AM. The hotel clerk did make note of it the next morning when I reported it. Hopefully they will fix the problem.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
The staff was very helpful nice
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
The Monterey Hotel
I would not recommend this place. Our room was basically filled with the bed, and the carpet was so disgustingly dirty that we had to place towels on the floor to walk without our shoes. The walls were so thin that we heard several people snoring at night, as well as phones vibrating. We hardly slept! ...
Reviewed on 12 May 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 Golden State Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.
