Monterey Travel Guide

Don’t miss Monterey’s top attractions!

Cannery Row

Renamed after John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, this historic area has transformed since the gritty industrial days described in the book.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.

Carmel Mission Basilica

This tranquil 18th-century stone mission and museum offers a fascinating look into 200 years of spiritual and everyday life in Monterey County.

Carmel Beach

Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.

Forest Theater Guild

Enjoy a classic play or film beneath the pine trees and stars at this century-old outdoor theater in historic seaside Carmel.

Asilomar State Beach

Wander amid the rock pools, sand dunes and forests of this special place and you’ll understand why its name translates to “refuge by the sea.”

Bixby Bridge

This single-span bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering that provides incredible views of one of the finest stretches of U.S. coastline.

Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo

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

Colton Hall Museum

Find out about the early days of Californian state rules via the displays and guides in this historic 19th-century building.

Del Monte Beach

Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.

Dennis the Menace Park

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

Fisherman's Wharf

Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.

Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Stroll along a meandering trail to encounter sand dunes and a former military site beneath an array of impressive cliffs.

Garrapata Beach

Search for wildlife in the abundant rock pools and be at one with nature at this wild and untamed stretch of perfect white sand.

Golden State Theatre

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

Lovers Point

Enjoy a day of sun and surf at this beautiful beach, which is one of the few places on the U.S. west coast where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean.

Monterey Maritime Museum

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

McWay Falls

Walk to this pretty waterfall, stand at viewpoints with superb coastal views and spot varied wildlife in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

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.

National Steinbeck Center

Immerse yourself in the life, times and works of legendary American novelist John Steinbeck through memorabilia, photos, journals and film.

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Step into a field guide to the Californian Central Coast, packed with local birdlife, marine life and Native American culture.

Partington Cove

Follow a winding trail through a scenic canyon to a remote bay, which served as a loading harbor for tanbark in the late 1800s.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Hike, camp or picnic among the redwood trees, waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs that have inspired artists, poets and writers for the past century.

Point Lobos State Reserve

This wildlife sanctuary, a magnet for nature lovers and artists, is a jewel of the California State Park system.

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Experience a piece of American maritime history with a tour of one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast.

Point Sur Lighthouse

Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.

Sunset Center

Catch local up-and-coming acts and international superstars in one of America’s most intimate theaters.

Tor House

Be inspired by this fairytale stone cottage on the dramatic Carmel Big Sur coastline, built by one of America’s legendary poets.

Where to stay in Monterey

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

1 Old Golf Course Rd

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Monterey, this luxury resort is within a 15-minute walk of Lake El Estero and Monterey Bay. Monterey County Fairgrounds and Munras Avenue are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

400 Cannery Row

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Monterey, this luxury resort is within a 5-minute walk of Cannery Row and Monterey Bay. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf are also within 15 minutes.

Monterey Tides

2600 Sand Dunes Dr

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Monterey hotel is just steps from Monterey State Beach and Monterey Bay. Del Monte Beach and Monterey County Fairgrounds are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Situated near the airport, this hotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from The Barnyard and within 3 mi (5 km) of Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive. Carmel Mission Basilica and Sunset Center are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Two Portola Plaza

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Downtown Monterey, this resort is within a 5-minute walk of Monterey Convention Center and Fisherman's Wharf. Monterey Bay and Munras Avenue are also within 15 minutes.

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

700 Munras Ave

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Monterey Convention Center, Dennis the Menace Park, and Fisherman's Wharf. Naval Postgraduate School and Steinbeck Plaza are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay

2030 North Fremont St

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Monterey, this golf motel is within a 10-minute walk of North Fremont Street and Monterey County Fairgrounds. Monterey Pines Golf Course and Monterey State Beach are also within 15 minutes.

Mariposa Inn & Suites

1386 Munras Avenue

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Dennis the Menace Park, Fisherman's Wharf, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel Beach and Pebble Beach Golf Links are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Hotel Abrego

755 Abrego Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Monterey, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Munras Avenue, Monterey Bay, and Fisherman's Wharf. Cannery Row and Del Monte Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel

750 Cannery Row

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is steps from Cannery Row, Steinbeck Plaza, and Monterey Bay. Monterey Bay Aquarium and American Tin Cannery are also within 5 minutes.

Lovers Point Inn

625 Ocean View Blvd

Located in the heart of Pacific Grove, this motel is steps from Oceanview Boulevard, Monterey Bay, and Lovers Point. Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Holiday Inn Express at Monterey Bay, an IHG Hotel

1400 Del Monte Blvd

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Monterey State Beach and Monterey Bay. Del Monte Beach and Monterey County Fairgrounds are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Things to do in Monterey

Self-Drive Excursion in a Convertible California Roadster

By Sea Car Tours

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Fall madly in love with Monterey during a self-drive excursion in a compact electric car. Slide behind the wheel of a zippy convertible and travel to the

Duration: 2h

California Coastline: Monterey & Carmel

By Tower Tours

Recommended 94% by Travellers

Cruise along roads flanked by dramatic rock formations and pounding surf as you travel down the coast in a comfortable coach. Roll by championship golf

Duration: 11h

Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea Day Tour

By Gray Line San Francisco

Recommended 88% by Travellers

Escape the big city for a trip along the beautiful Monterey Peninsula via the Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy stunning seascape views, the famous Monterey Bay

Duration: 11h

Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea Explorer

By Extranomical Tours

Recommended 84% by Travellers

The experiences you’ll have on tour from San Francisco to Monterey, Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea are extraordinary – starting with the Pacific

Duration: 11h

Monterey & Carmel Day Trip

By See USA Tours

Recommended 76% by Travellers

Cruise along the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean as you explore the spectacular sights around Carmel and Monterey on this all-encompassing day trip. With an

Duration: 11h

3-Day California Coast Excursion

By Get America Tours

Spend 3 days discovering the postcard-worthy coastal scenery along California's coast during a bus tour that takes you all the way from Los Angeles up to San

Duration: 3d

3-Day Coastal Camping Tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles

By Incredible Adventures Inc.

Journey down the extraordinary Pacific Coast on this immersive 3-day camping tour that takes you to some of California's most charming cities. DAY 1 - San

Duration: 3d

5-Days California Dreaming Excursion

By Get America Tours

California is filled with must-see cities, sights, and sounds, from its northern border all the way south. Discover the many highlights of the Golden State

Duration: 5d

Monterey

When you find a spot where locals like to go on holiday, you know it’s good. That’s Monterey.

Explore Monterey

Carmel

Pacific Grove

Marina

Big Sur

Don’t miss Monterey’s top attractions!

Things to do in Monterey

Monterey Beaches

Monterey Outdoor Activities

Monterey Parks

Monterey Wine Country

Where to stay in Monterey

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Tides

Carmel Mission Inn

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay

Mariposa Inn & Suites

Hotel Abrego

InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel

Lovers Point Inn

Holiday Inn Express at Monterey Bay, an IHG Hotel

Things to do in Monterey