Monterey neighbourhoods at a glance
Distances are measured from the city centre. Typical prices are the median nightly rate of hotels nearby.
| Area | Best for | From centre | Typical hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannery Row & The Waterfront | Families, First-time visitors, Shoppers and diners | 1.9 km | €211 |
| Old Fisherman's Wharf & Downtown | Food lovers, History buffs, Couples on a stroll | – | – |
| Pacific Grove | Nature lovers, Photographers, Those seeking a peaceful retreat | 3.1 km | €176 |
| New Monterey & Lighthouse District | Budget travelers, Surfers and divers, Travelers wanting local flavor | 1.7 km | €211 |
Cannery Row & The Waterfront
The historic heart of Monterey's sardine-packing industry, now transformed into a vibrant, bustling waterfront district. The scent of saltwater and popcorn fills the air along this mile-long stretch, packed with attractions, shops, and restaurants built into the old cannery buildings.
Around Cannery Row & The Waterfront
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row Brewing Company
- The Coast Guard Pier (sea lion spotting)
- Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
Hotels in or near Cannery Row & The Waterfront
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeOld Fisherman's Wharf & Downtown
A working wharf with a classic, bustling boardwalk vibe, adjacent to the historic adobe buildings of downtown Monterey. This area is the epicenter for fresh seafood, souvenir shops, and the city's Spanish and Mexican colonial history.
Around Old Fisherman's Wharf & Downtown
- Old Fisherman's Wharf (clam chowder samples)
- Custom House Plaza
- Monterey Museum of Art
- San Carlos Cathedral
Pacific Grove
A serene, residential neighborhood known as 'Butterfly Town, U.S.A.' for its annual monarch migration. It offers a quieter, more Victorian charm with stunning oceanfront parks, a picturesque lighthouse, and a quaint downtown.
Around Pacific Grove
- Point Pinos Lighthouse
- Lovers Point Park
- Monarch Grove Sanctuary
- Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Hotels in or near Pacific Grove
Petit budget
Petit budget
Milieu de gammeNew Monterey & Lighthouse District
A laid-back, locals-focused area with a bohemian feel, stretching from the Monterey Bay Aquarium towards Pacific Grove. It's known for its excellent, less-touristy restaurants, surf shops, and incredible views from shoreline parks.
Around New Monterey & Lighthouse District
- San Carlos Beach (dive park)
- Presidio of Monterey
- Window on the Bay Park
- Lighthouse Avenue's restaurants and shops
Hotels in or near New Monterey & Lighthouse District
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Milieu de gammeHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Plan the rest of your Monterey trip
Where to stay in Monterey: FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Monterey?+
For a first visit, New Monterey & Lighthouse District is the most central of the areas we cover (1.7 km from the centre). A laid-back, locals-focused area with a bohemian feel, stretching from the Monterey Bay Aquarium towards Pacific Grove.
Where to stay in Monterey on a budget?+
Pacific Grove has the lowest typical hotel price of the areas we compared, around €176 a night. A serene, residential neighborhood known as 'Butterfly Town, U.S.A.' for its annual monarch migration.
How much does a hotel in Monterey cost per night?+
Typical nightly prices near the areas in this guide range from €176 to €211, based on hotel prices checked on February 4, 2026. Prices change with your dates.
Which Monterey neighbourhood suits which traveller?+
Cannery Row & The Waterfront: Families, First-time visitors, Shoppers and diners. Old Fisherman's Wharf & Downtown: Food lovers, History buffs, Couples on a stroll. Pacific Grove: Nature lovers, Photographers, Those seeking a peaceful retreat. New Monterey & Lighthouse District: Budget travelers, Surfers and divers, Travelers wanting local flavor.