Visit Lighthouse District
Popular places to visit
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.
17-Mile Drive
Discover palatial mansions, lush golf courses and a wild stretch of coastline inhabited by sea lions on a road often dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Cannery Row
Renamed after John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, this historic area has transformed since the gritty industrial days described in the book.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
Del Monte Beach
Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.
San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater during your travels in Monterey? Amble around the area's seaside or visit its shops.
Activities
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Our pick of the best Lighthouse District Hotel Deals
Cannery Row Inn
Great location, for both beach and shops!
Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025
Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row by IHG
Cleanliness of the room and grounds. Easy walk to the Cannery Row and Aquarium. Short drive to downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Only downside was the loud HVAC system.
Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Location, Location, Location!!!
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025
The Monterey Hotel
Staff was super pleasant, and as always, i enjoyed my stay.
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Spa is not actually a spa, staff in general ignorant and neither steam room nor sauna was ready for guests to enjoy. Shouldn’t be there as the rest of the property and staff was brilliant!
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Clean, well appointed room, comfortable mattress and pillows, solid WiFi, and large TVs. Vanity space was lacking. Restaurant prices were high but service and food were good. Biggest complaint was the near-$200 in resort fees and parking. This has always been a reputable property in Monterey, but ...
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Lighthouse District
New Monterey
If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.
Old Monterey
Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for its 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 neighbourhood.
Downtown Monterey
The pristine beaches and popular aquarium 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.
Oak Grove
While Oak Grove may 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 Monterey State Beach.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
Monterey Vista
While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Munras Avenue are some notable places to visit nearby.
