Lake El Estero is an excellent place to take a break from the bustle of daily life. See if any water activities are on offer here, or simply enjoy the calming ambiance.

When you've spent a bit of time at this body of water in Downtown Monterey, why not check out Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, and California State University Monterey Bay? They're near Lake El Estero and also a favorite with many tourists.

Plan a trip to see Lake El Estero

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

San Francisco Proper Hotel

Downtown San Francisco

Save 100% on your flight

$361

per person

Dec 31 - Jan 4

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO)

8.8/10 Excellent! (789 reviews)

Despite the surround area, the hotel itself is very welcoming and everyone very friendly and above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Rooms were clean and good amenities. I didn’t have a reservation for the rooftop but the team squeezed me in - great views and cocktails!

Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

Westside Santa Cruz

$482

per person

Jan 9 - Jan 12

found 22 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

6/10 (581 reviews)

The room was dirty and I'm very sure the bed sheets/blankets washed.

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2025

Montage Healdsburg

$960

per person

Jan 29 - Feb 1

found 17 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (113 reviews)

Overall, the property was beautiful. However, we had an issue with black beetles in our restroom. I notified the front desk after killing three of them myself and all they did was spray a menthol cleaning agent around the tub. In the morning, I woke up to five or six of them under the bathmat. This ruined room as I am deadly terrified of bugs. At checkout, I did let them know about this and they comped my parking which I feel was an understatement considering what an inconvenience it was to smash black bugs all night. Sad to say that I was not very comfortable.

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Lake El Estero

Tours & day trips

See all 55 activities

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Free cancellation available

History & culture

See all 16 activities

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Adventure & outdoor

See all 12 activities

Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

Dennis the Menace Park showing a playground as well as children

Dennis the Menace Playground

4.5/5(289 reviews)

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

Monterey State Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Monterey State Beach during your trip to Sand City? Wander the beaches and seaside while you're in the area.

Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo featuring flowers, religious 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.

Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada during your travels in Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.