Old Monterrey is the beating heart of Monterey’s historic downtown district. Tour heritage sites and museums that retell the city’s role in the foundation of California. Stroll tree-lined streets, where bars and restaurants sit beside independent shops and galleries. Find lively entertainment at the Old Monterey quayside.

Monterey State Historic Park is a collection of historic buildings that hark back to the early days of California. Visit the Custom House Museum, where the U.S. flag was raised for the first time in 1846. The Monterey Walking Path of History retraces the footsteps of Spanish explorers. See California’s First Theater, Larkin House, Stevenson House and the Pacific House Museum, which has exhibitions about the evolution of the city.

Art enthusiasts head to the MHAA: Salvador Dali to appreciate masterpieces by one of the world’s most-famous surrealist artists. Admire collections of Californian art and photography at the Monterey Museum of Art. Children will love the city-themed interactive exhibits at the Monterey County Youth Museum. Learn about the Rumsien and Ohlone tribespeople, Spanish explorers and Monterey’s seafaring past at the Maritime Museum.

Busy Alvarado Street is packed with drinking and dining options. Fill up on everything from Asian fare and tacos to bagels, donuts and creative ice creams. Attend concerts, movie festivals and theatrical productions at the Golden State Theater.

Make your way to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf to dine at beachside restaurants that serve up mouthwatering seafood dishes. Whale-watching cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, fishing trips and sailing excursions depart from the wharf. Dedicate an afternoon to picnicking, kayaking, swimming and walking through sand dunes at Del Monte Beach. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail passes the beach on its 18 mile (29 kilometer) journey around Monterey Bay.

Old Monterey is a compact neighborhood that lends itself to exploring on foot. Ample metered parking is available on the waterfront. Time your visit to coincide with great annual festivals, including March’s Jazz Bash by the Bay and September’s Monterey Bay Greek Festival.