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

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 Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre 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
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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
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
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
$124 nightly
The price is $142 total per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
$142 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total with taxes and 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! (1,292 reviews)
"It was nice"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

The Monterey Hotel
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
$263 nightly
The price is $311 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$311 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total with taxes and 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! (2,691 reviews)
"Great property with very convenient location. Two queen room was great for family."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
$332 nightly
The price is $382 total per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
$382 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,337 reviews)
"Language took more than 1 hr to get to our room… restaurant service is great as same as the food is delicious, valet parking great / front desk very friendly"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
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.
Cozy Oaks | A coastal getaway with idyllic scenery!

Cozy Oaks | A coastal getaway with idyllic scenery!

2 out of 5
Del Rey Oaks
Stay at this vacation home in Monterey. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
"Great location, quiet neighborhood, and it was awesome that we didn’t have to bring a high chair and pak-n-play for my son. Super close to so much too! The house is laid out nicely, on a slab foundation so we didn’t have to tip-toe around after putting the kiddo down, and has a great back deck and ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Cozy Oaks | A coastal getaway with idyllic scenery!
Double Queen near Downtown Monterey

Double Queen near Downtown Monterey

Monterey
Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and 17-Mile Drive are located ...
6.6/10 (12 reviews)
Great Place
"It was great."

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2025

Double Queen near Downtown Monterey
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"stayed there before. love the house"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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.

Getting around Monterey

Although the historic areas of Monterey are very compact and best explored on foot, to get around the wider area you will definitely need a car. There is no public transportation option that can serve as an adequate substitute. The good news is there are plenty of places to get a rental car in Monterey. Pick one up at the airport, or at one of the rental companies located within Monterey itself. Visit the Monterey-Salinas TransitOpens in a new window website.Browse Monterey rental cars.

Best time to visit

The weather in Monterey is perfect for a vacation at any time of year. Although the winters do get slightly cooler, they are almost never cold and you usually still have plenty of hours of sunshine. Beat the summer crowds and visit Monterey in late spring or early fall instead when daytime temperatures are likely to be in the mid to high 60s (15 C and above). Accommodations will be less expensive, too.

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