Downtown Monterey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Monterey
Carmel featuring a city, street scenes and nightlife
Monterey featuring a bridge, rugged coastline and mountains
Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes interior views and marine life
Carmel featuring shopping, a city and street scenes

Popular places to visit

Golden State Theatre showing theatre scenes and a city

Golden State Theatre

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.

Golden State Theatre
Dennis the Menace Park which includes a playground as well as children

Dennis the Menace Playground

Set up a picnic on the tranquil shore of Lake El Estero and let the kids run free in this sandy playground.

Dennis the Menace Playground
Monterey State Historic Park showing a park and signage

Monterey State Historic Park

Find out about California’s Spanish, Mexican and American past with a tour of this park’s restored historical houses and museums.

Monterey State Historic Park
Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo featuring religious elements, heritage elements and a monument

San Carlos Cathedral

Admire ecclesiastical relics on display in the heritage center to learn about this cathedral, which is California’s oldest stone building.

San Carlos Cathedral
Maritime Museum showing interior views

Maritime Museum

Follow the story of this fascinating area from the first inhabitants 6000 years ago, to the days of Cannery Row and beyond.

Maritime Museum

Monterey Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Monterey Convention Center during your trip to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

Monterey Convention Center

Activities

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

NZ$119
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

NZ$128
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Picture 9 for Activity Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

NZ$106
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

NZ$39
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
If you stay around long enough, you may feel a tug at your pant leg at Colton Hall Jail.

Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures

NZ$55
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

NZ$34
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
See all activities in Monterey

Our pick of the best Downtown Monterey Hotel Deals

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 NZ$425 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
NZ$425
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,732 reviews)
"Always a great stay"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
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! (1,350 reviews)
"The neighborhood had many restaurants shops, and stores to keep your attention occupied, great area, Id stay there again"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

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The Monterey Hotel
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is NZ$623 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
NZ$623
3 Oct - 4 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,617 reviews)
"Great hotel! Cute and small, perfect for a couple. Very clean and in a great central location"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
The Stevenson Monterey

The Stevenson Monterey

2.5 out of 5
675 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Staff was friendly. Room clean. Ac noise very loud. Bus stop down below was convenient but added to noise."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

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The Stevenson Monterey
Hotel Pacific

Hotel Pacific

3.5 out of 5
300 Pacific St, Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,381 reviews)
"Restaurants near by and bakeries"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

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Hotel Pacific
Colton Inn

Colton Inn

2.5 out of 5
707 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA
The price is NZ$206 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
NZ$206
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Very nice (and still affordable) place. Walking thru central 5 min to wharf with many good restaurants etc. Nice walk to Pacific Grove (easy enjoy). Easy access to Hwy 1. And still quite. Love this hotel."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Colton Inn
See all 1,400 properties in Downtown Monterey
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Monterey

Golden State Theatre showing theatre scenes and a city

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 Monterey State Historic Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Monterey
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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.

Oak Grove
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Alta Mesa

While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.

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
Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes interior views and marine life

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 isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Munras Avenue are some notable places to visit nearby.

Monterey Vista

Downtown Monterey Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: