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

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$43
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey Ghosts Walking Tour By US Ghost Adventures
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

NZ$158
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
Monterey & Carmel Tour with optional Monterey Bay Aquarium

San Francisco: Monterey & Carmel Tour

NZ$232
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: Monterey & Carmel Tour
Monterey: Surfing Rental Package

Monterey: Surfing Rental Package

NZ$42
per adult
Monterey: Surfing Rental Package
Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package

Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package

NZ$353
per adult
Carmel Valley Wine Tour's Premium Package
Picture 9 for Activity Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

NZ$103
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
See all activities in Monterey

Our pick of the best Downtown Monterey Hotel Deals

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! (1,247 reviews)
"Nice hotel, carpet is a bit worn. Not a lot of style for an old hotel but it’s in a great location"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

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The Monterey Hotel
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
The price is NZ$533 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
NZ$533
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (2,700 reviews)
"Amazing the people are very friendly and it's also pet friendly. Just unable to leave pet's in room to go site seeing and do some shopping. It's near a busy street with lots of shopping and eating places."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

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 NZ$497 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$497
29 July - 30 July
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! (1,588 reviews)
"Perfect location for walking to the wharf or even Cannery Row. Great atmosphere to relax by the pool in between activities in town. Great restaurant with lovely ambiance at the hotel. If you are visiting a student at Middlebury In Monterey this is your place! The only negative was it was advertised ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
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! (1,332 reviews)
"It was well worth the price and within walking distance from the wharf. Would totally come back!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

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Hotel Pacific
Monterey Marriott

Monterey Marriott

3.5 out of 5
350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The price is NZ$565 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$565
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Monterey. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Advantages & disadvantages in centric area
"The hotel is in a centric area with easy access to the trolleys that can take you to the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Cannery Row for free. The centric area has its disadvantages with parking and with a busy hot tub and pool. The room was comfortable and clean as described."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Monterey Marriott
The Stevenson Monterey

The Stevenson Monterey

2.5 out of 5
675 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is NZ$270 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$270
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Was looking for a nice place to stay for the night. And went by the pictures and pictures dudnt disappointed. Was really nice and in a nice area,short distance from fisherman's wharf"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

The Stevenson Monterey
See all 1,389 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

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