Monterey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes interior views and marine life

Monterey Travel Guide Video

Discover one of California’s most beautiful coastal cities, known for its fabulous aquarium and for being the setting for a famous John Steinbeck novel.

Located along the rugged coastline of California, the oceanfront settlement of Monterey exudes seaside charm. Play on the dunes at public beaches, observe sea lions at the wharfs and embark on scenic walks along the coastal cliffs.

Get acquainted with the history of this coastal city, which was originally founded by the Spanish in 1770. Wander around Old Monterey and be on the look out for the Path of History plaques, which are placed along the sidewalk and point toward the landmark historical buildings.

During the earlier half of the 20th century, Monterey made its money from sardine canning, an industry that Steinbeck wrote about in his novel Cannery Row. Although the sardine canning businesses have closed, Cannery Row still exists. Stroll down the street and look for a bronze bust of Steinbeck and the old workers’ shacks, which show the harsh living conditions the workers here would have endured.

Take a stroll down Fisherman’s Wharf, browsing souvenir shops, seafood markets and admiring the 360-degree harbor views along the way. Sea lions and seals can often be seen in the waters here.

Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium its tanks are filled with kaleidoscopic marine creatures. The aquarium is right next to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins can all be spotted. Of particular note is the aquarium’s kelp forest and the surreal jellyfish exhibit.

For visitors who want to see the California coast’s signature crashing waves and oceanfront cliffs, head for Garrapata State Park. Follow hiking trails along steep coastal bluffs and through towering redwood forests. Point Lobos State Reserve is another good place to get back to nature. Rent a kayak and paddle through coves, looking for orcas, sea lions and seals. The 18-mile (29-kilometer) long Monterey Bay Coastal Trail is open to walkers and cyclists.

From San Francisco, reach Monterey by car in about 2.5 hours. Buses are also available from San Jose, while internal flights touch down at Monterey Regional Airport. In downtown Monterey, make use of the free trolley service check the Monterey-Salinas Transit website for the schedule.

Where to stay in Monterey

Carmel which includes street scenes, signage and a city

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 Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
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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 a city and theatre scenes

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 Perry House while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Monterey
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Monterey Vista

While visiting Monterey Vista, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Don Dahvee Park.

Monterey Vista
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Alta Mesa

While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada.

Alta Mesa
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Lighthouse District

5/5(4 area reviews)

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.

Lighthouse District
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$354 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$354
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,379 reviews)
"Great location Nice staff Clean"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
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$471 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$471
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,903 reviews)
"Property has the best location! Two minute walk to the Wharf and literally some of the best dining right down the street. The rooms are nice and clean and so is the property. We used the hot tub every night and met so cool people also enjoying the hot tub. We’ll definitely be staying here again and ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is AU$389 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
AU$389
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 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 reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,346 reviews)
"Very nice and accessible. I received a welcome text the morning before check in. The staff was available and answered all of our questions. The hotel is very well located. About an 8 minute walk from the wharf and an old downtown area. Lots of food, bars, desserts, and breakfast. The grounds are ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
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.
Monterey Bay Beauty
Monterey Bay Beauty
Del Rey Oaks
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
Great location
"The location was just right between Monterrey and all other surrounding cities. Clean home with all the amenities accessible to feel like home away from home. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 16 Feb. 2024

Monterey Bay Beauty
Spacious, quiet home close to Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Laguna Seca.
Spacious, quiet home close to Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Laguna Seca.
Monterey
Stay at this vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a patio. Popular attractions WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Laguna Seca Golf ...
Spacious, quiet home close to Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Laguna Seca.
Monterey‘s safest neighborhood beach house in the woods
Monterey‘s safest neighborhood beach house in the woods
Del Rey Oaks
Stay at this vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Will definitely be coming back.
"The house is gorgeous! We were very comfortable. Our host was very communicative and friendly. The overall experience was excellent and we definitely plan on returning, in the future."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2023

Monterey‘s safest neighborhood beach house in the woods
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.

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