Monterey, CA

Travel Guide

Carmel Beach which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach
Monterey
Monterey showing general coastal views and heritage architecture
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and landscape views
Monterey showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a bridge

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 featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Downtown Monterey

4.5/5(251 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views 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
Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views

New Monterey

If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.

New Monterey
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Monterey Vista

While Monterey Vista might 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 Munras Avenue.

Monterey Vista
Golden State Theatre showing theater scenes and a city

Old Monterey

4.5/5(453 area reviews)

Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Old Monterey
De repente Califórnia

Lighthouse District

4.5/5(258 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 neighborhood.

Lighthouse District
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Alta Mesa

If you're spending some time in Alta Mesa, Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Alta Mesa
The Monterey Hotel
The Monterey Hotel
3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,995 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥21,995
¥25,057 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,228 reviews)
"Came home with sore back all rooms need new mattress confirmed by friend who also stayed there"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Monterey Hotel
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥37,418 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥37,418
¥49,060 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,382 reviews)
"The lobby, fireplaces and gym were nice and the dining options were good. The room we stayed in was dusty. The balcony gate was damaged so our little one couldn't be there unsupervised. I recommend staying at a room close to the main lobby area that overlooks the golf course. The rooms on the other ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Stargazer Inn and Suites
Stargazer Inn and Suites
2.5 out of 5
1046 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
Stay at this motel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,505 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Stargazer Inn and Suites
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 Home Near Pebble Beach & Carmel with Putting Green & AC 3Bed 2 Bath
Monterey Bay Home Near Pebble Beach & Carmel with Putting Green & AC 3Bed 2 Bath
Del Rey Oaks
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
Nice house in Monterey
"This house is very nice with lots of room and amenities. Great location near the Monterey airport and not far from Pebble Beach and Carmel."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Monterey Bay Home Near Pebble Beach & Carmel with Putting Green & AC 3Bed 2 Bath
Coastal Cul-De-Sac, Centrally Located Monterey Peninsula Home
Coastal Cul-De-Sac, Centrally Located Monterey Peninsula Home
Del Rey Oaks
Stay at this vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf are ...
Coastal cul-de-sac
"It was perfect. House size, cleanliness, amenities, location and owners. If you are traveling to Monterey area stay here better than any hotel."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025

Coastal Cul-De-Sac, Centrally Located Monterey Peninsula Home
Monterey Bay Ocean Peak Home Near Carmel & Pebble Beach 4 Bed 3.5 Bath & AC
Monterey Bay Ocean Peak Home Near Carmel & Pebble Beach 4 Bed 3.5 Bath & AC
2 out of 5
Del Rey Oaks
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Family Vacation
"We had a comfortable stay and the house, it was clean and well stocked, and was conveniently located to what we wanted to see."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Monterey Bay Ocean Peak Home Near Carmel & Pebble Beach 4 Bed 3.5 Bath & AC
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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