What is the best area to stay in Monterey?
By Lorayne Busby. May 16, 2023
California’s Central Coast gem, set on the south point of Monterey Bay next to neighboring towns such as Seaside, Pacific Grove, and Carmel, Monterey is a quaint, charming, yet booming tourist area with a strong fisherman’s history with plenty of literary inspiration (this is Steinbeck Country) and activities for athletes and foodies who enjoy water sports, hiking through cypress, oak, and pine trees that cover most of the streets through the county, observing the sea otters and seals that chill out on Fisherman’s Wharf, and sampling the World Renowned Restaurants that line Downtown’s Alvarado strip.
The best area to stay while you visit Monterey is Cannery Row. Historically its coastal, panoramic views and fishing industry culture has lured newcomers into this top-rated sight. Cannery Row during weekends and holidays can pack in tourists like sardines, travelers all want a taste of its top notch, scrumptious seafood delicacies. The short walking/biking path (0.7 miles) from Cannery Row to Fisherman’s Wharf is a perfect way to take in the beauty and marine wildlife of the Monterey Coast. If you are feeling adventurous you can easily rent a kayak, bike, or boat to really explore the Bay.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Monterey, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Monterey, you may also be interested in where to stay in Los Angeles, where to stay in Santa Barbara, where to stay in Palm Springs and where to stay in Carmel by the Sea.
Cannery Row, the best area to stay in Monterey
Ocean and nature lovers can start with a tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium which boasts rugged, rocky, and majestic views of the Bay’s coastline. This marine attraction has sea life touch pools, penguins and otters on full display, and a kelp forest exhibit; it’s great especially for young kids and studets.
Next you can head down the road and explore famous landmarks such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Company which originated in Monterey (in honor of Forrest Gump), Paluca Trattoria, the restaurant that the women of the “Monterey 5” from Big Little Lies would frequent from the popular HBO series, and the Steinbeck Plaza which provides vibrant flower gardens which surround waterfront establishments for shopping and dining.
Candy, ice cream, and coffee cafes such as Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop, arts and craft stores, and bike rentals such as Adventures By The Sea are there to provide all your day trip adventures.
Other areas to stay in Monterey
Downtown
‘Old Monterey’ is the Heart of Downtown. Alvarado St. is the main road and gateway to many dining options, retail shops, and entertainment venues; it’s a one way street that is adjacent to many historical landmarks including California’s first theater, Monterey’s Old Custom House, Robert Louis Stevenson House, and Colton Hall, all built circa 1800s and are now museums that can be toured daily.
History buffs will find that the Downtown area has plenty to offer, not only with exploring museums, but also Downtown offers Spa Treatments, Candy and Ice Cream Stores, a bustling Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays where. There is also a lively night scene where tourists can enjoy craft beers at popular local hangouts such as Peter B’s at the Portola Plaza and Alvarado’s Brewing Company. Concerts are held at the Golden State Theater and there is live music almost every evening at Cibo’s across the street from the Monterey Marriot.
North Fremont
North Fremont’s Business District is a nice getaway from the touristy bustle of Downtown and Cannery Row. Affordable hotels, old school diners, and their famous local bowling alley Seaside Lanes can be found here for budget and low key travelers who want to find their go to retail shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, and gas stations such as CVS, Safeway, Walgreens, and Chevron, all with ample parking. Here you can find everything for your basic necessities without the hassle of paying tourist prices.
North Fremont is also one block away from the Monterey County Fairgrounds which hosts their local amusement park Fair filled with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and bumper car rides in the summertime and holds many famous concerts such as the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Cal Roots Festival. This area is blooming with flowers and forestry and it’s the closest district near the Monterey Peninsula Airport
Munras Ave
Munras Ave. provides a strip of hotels on a long road that travels up into the mountains toward Highway 1. For adventurous tourists looking to stay in a location surrounded with trees and scenic views that is close to the neighboring towns of Carmel and Big Sur this area provides easy access to getting into the Valleys of the Monterey Bay. Del Monte Shopping Center is right next to Munras Ave; for locals this serves as the regional, open- air place for Mall shops and restaurants.
The largest movie theater in the county, Cinemark Monterey 13, is located here along with upscale shopping and grocery stores like Whole Foods, Macy’s, Apple, Victoria’s Secret, and Banana Republic. Monterey Peninsula College offers a campus with many biking trails that surround this neighborhood, you can rent a bike on Alvarado St and easily travel up into the hills of the forestry Peninsula.
Del Monte Beach
Del Monte Beach is a local favorite, a pristine dog-friendly beach where fitness buffs can walk, run, kayak, surf, scuba dive, pretty much perform every water sport that is available. Because its set away from the main tourist section its a clean and lovely escape from the crowds. Del Monte Beach is next to a Boardwalk and El Estero Lake where you can rent a paddle boat and check the seagulls, ducks, and bird sanctuaries or fish for Trout.
Dennis the Menace Playground, designed for small children, has been open since 1956 and has many creative structures such as an adventure ship, climbing wall, and a play area that includes a locomotive steam engine from 1924. Various jungle gyms with animal themes cover the park and provides a safe and fun haven for families who can picnic and spend a delightful day there.
Our recommended hotels in Monterey
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in MontereyNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
