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.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
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
Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.
Del Monte Beach
Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.
Golden State Theatre
Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.
Things to do
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Top hotels in Lighthouse District
Victorian Inn
The room was clean, staff friendly and responsive.
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Cannery Row Inn
Clean room walking distance to the beach love it!
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Wave Street Inn
Very good room and love how it was close to the aquarium if your looking for something close to it and a lot of places to shop and eat
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
The spa is the real deal.
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
The Monterey Hotel
Amazing hotel, staff were super helpful and lovely. Hotel location is right in the middle of town with loads of eating and wine bars next to it.
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
we stayed in a junior suite & fell
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
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 Colton Hall Museum 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 Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue 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 Del Monte Golf Course.
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.
Alta Mesa
While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.
