Monterey boasts 99 mi (159.3 km) of coastline, with amazing sunny beaches, sprawling valleys, and mountains. If you’re visiting this gorgeous Californian city with your family, head over to Monterey Bay Aquarium, which houses over 77,000 marine animals. Next, take a stroll on Cannery Row, once a busy sardine canning location but now filled with shops and restaurants. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail also features beautiful views, and you can ride bicycles along the trail with your kids. Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a historical attraction that was once a busy loading point for canned sardines but now features shops, fish markets, and restaurants. A walk along the pier offers waterfront vistas. With loads of attractions to explore, ensure that you secure comfortable accommodation for your family. Check out the top family-friendly hotels in Monterey, California, listed below.
Other family-friendly places to visit in Monterey:
El Estero Park Complex: Take your kids to this 45-acre (18.21-hectare) citywide recreational area for a day of fun and games. There are multiple play areas for kids, picnic areas, and barbecue equipment for families to enjoy. You can also find a fishing pier where adults can reel in a catch. Later, fuel up at the snack bar.
MY Museum-Monterey County Youth Museum: This museum offers a chance for kids to engage with interactive exhibits and learn new things in a fun way. The place has fun attractions such as MY Go-Fore Golf where you can teach your little one golf, or MY Theater, which provides access to various costumes!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 27, 2024.
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1. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (from USD 361)
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is just a few steps from Cannery Row and a short walk to Monterey Bay Aquarium, making it ideal for families who would be interested in visiting these attractions. A family-friendly establishment, the hotel has gorgeous family rooms with a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a private bath, and an electronics charging station. Daily housekeeping is provided and Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
Also, the hotel has child-friendly amenities, including kids’ meals, children’s television networks, baby safety gates, and babysitting services, providing families all they need for a great stay.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Address: 400 Cannery Row
700 meters (0.5 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
2. Hotel Pacific (from USD 220)
Decent free breakfast, good dining options within walking distance, and pet-friendly dining experiences.
Reasonably priced with free parking and pet-friendly options.
Well-located for downtown and waterfront attractions, within walking distance to amenities and restaurants.
Spacious rooms, gas fireplace, helpful staff, pet-friendly, free breakfast, and parking.
This is a boutique hotel located in the city center, a short walking distance to attractions such as Monterey Bay Aquarium Center and Window on the Bay Beach. Families seeking accommodation in this hotel will have access to spacious and modern family rooms, on-site dining options, daily cleaning services, and free Wi-Fi which will provide families with utmost convenience during their stay.
Hotel Pacific
Address: 300 Pacific Street
1.89 km (1.2 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
3. Monterey Tides (from USD 278)
Monterey Tides is about a ten-minute drive to Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium, making it an ideal choice for families keen on checking out these attractions. The hotel has direct beach access, so spend a fun time with your kids on the sand. These include free Wi-Fi and in-house dining options.
To ensure that every member of the family is well taken care of, the hotel has additional features such as spacious family rooms, kid-friendly meals and television networks, an outdoor swimming pool, and daily housekeeping services.
Monterey Beach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 2600 Sand Dunes Dr
3.94 km (2.5 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
4. Hotel Abrego (from USD 219)
With modern family rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, on-site dining, free Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping services, Hotel Abrego is well suited to take good care of vacationing families. This hotel is not only known for its quality accommodations but also its proximity to a variety of attractions. Guests will enjoy easy access to Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach Golf Course, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and several beaches, making it a great base for exploring the city.
Hotel Abrego
Address: 755 Abrego Street
2.77 km (1.8 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
5. Best Western Plus Monterey Inn (from USD 231)
Complimentary breakfast with varied options, but some guests found it lacking in quality and sustainability
Reasonable pricing for spacious and comfortable rooms with convenient parking
Central location for exploring Monterey's attractions and close to downtown
Friendly staff, clean rooms, and a pool, though limited gym and no guest laundry
At Best Western Plus Monterey Inn, you can expect quality accommodation with modern and nicely furnished rooms. Guests are provided a cable TV, a refrigerator, a coffee machine, and a private bath in their units. This hotel is also well suited for families, with amenities such as spacious rooms, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, cleaning services, and on-site dining facilities.
Best Western Plus Monterey Inn
Address: 825 Abrego Street
2.87 km (1.8 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
6. Hilton Garden Inn Monterey (from USD 230)
Hilton Garden Inn Monterey enjoys proximity to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and several world-class golf courses, restaurants, and shopping facilities. Some of the highlights in this facility include spacious guest rooms, a modern fitness center, an outdoor pool, and great on-site dining options. Families will also appreciate roomy family units, free Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping services.
Hilton Garden Inn Monterey
Address: 1000 Aguajito Road
3.46 km (2.2 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
7. Ramada by Wyndham Monterey (from USD 101)
Limited breakfast options, nearby dining suggestions, and grab-and-go breakfast available.
Economic, good value for short stays. Event pricing can be steep.
Convenient to downtown, beaches, and attractions. Close to airport and highways.
Clean, spacious rooms with friendly staff. Pool, gym, and breakfast available.
Ramada by Wyndham Monterey is a three-star establishment ready to treat families to a most memorable stay in the city. It features expansive family rooms fitted with amenities such as a coffee machine, a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a private bath. This hotel also boasts free Wi-Fi and children’s television networks, which help provide entertainment for every member of the family.
To keep kids happy, vending machines for snacks and drinks are available on the premises. A fenced outdoor pool area is also present, but make sure to inquire with the hotel if it’s open before booking.
Ramada by Wyndham Monterey
Address: 2058 North Fremont Street
4.23 km (2.7 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
8. Mariposa Inn and Suites (from USD 186)
At Mariposa Inn and Suites, your family will love the large, comfortable family rooms with a gas log fireplace, a mounted TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a tea/coffee machine. Children below 12 years old enjoy a complimentary stay as long as you share a room with them. You can also tag the family pet along. The hotel has pet-friendly rooms available at an added cost.
The outdoor pool welcomes guests of all ages, and it is open from 9 am to 9 pm. Other family activities you can do are bowling, canoeing, and windsurfing, though these are available off site and come with additional charges.
Mariposa Inn and Suites
Address: 1386 Munras Ave
3.81 km (2.4 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
9. Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay (from USD 98)
This hotel welcomes you to stay in its family rooms with daily housekeeping. Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay boasts an outdoor heated pool with a shallow end for children. The pool area has a fence and surrounding sun loungers.
Is there an infant in your entourage? This property will provide you with a baby crib. A complimentary breakfast jump-starts your day, and you can enjoy HBO film channels any time from the comfort of your room.
Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay
Address: 2030 North Fremont Street
4.12 km (2.6 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
10. Merritt House Hotel (from USD 294)
Healthy and fun continental breakfast served in a cute breakfast area, with plenty of nearby dining options.
Reasonable pricing for a boutique hotel in the heart of town, with convenient on-site parking for a fee.
Great downtown location within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf, restaurants, and shops.
Spacious and charming rooms with thoughtful decor, cozy fireplaces, and a lovely garden area. Continental breakfast included.
Family rooms at Merritt House Hotel can accommodate four people and come with a fireplace to curl up next to during colder months. The hotel allows kids under 12 years old to stay in the room for free, provided you have achieved the maximum room occupancy.
There is high-speed Wi-Fi for streaming online content and a free cable TV for the family’s entertainment. Well-tended lawns, a rose garden, and towering trees create a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for a relaxing family vacation.
Merritt House Hotel
Address: 386 Pacific Street
2.02 km (1.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
Family-friendly resorts in Monterey
If you wish to take your experience up a notch, you can also check into a family-friendly resort in Monterey. We’ve listed some options for you below!
11. InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel (from USD 401)
Delicious dining options with great views, though some minor issues with pricing and offerings.
Reasonable pricing for upscale location and amenities.
Prime location on Cannery Row, walking distance to attractions and dining.
Spacious rooms, ocean views, on-site restaurant and bar, and attentive staff.
If there is something that will appeal to you at this hotel, it would be the family-friendly amenities. Young ones can enjoy spending time at the children’s club. InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel, also offers family units with a 48-inch LCD HDTV and in-room movies that will keep you entertained. Kids’ meals, as well as child services, are other perks awaiting you here.
Aeneas Beach is only 600 m (1,968.5 ft) from the hotel, an easy walk to a day of soaking in the sunshine and playing on the sand.
InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 750 Cannery Row
195 meters (0.2 ft) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
12. Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa (from USD 282)
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa offers spacious rooms ideal for families. There is outdoor play equipment for kids, while board games and puzzles are available upon request. If you have a toddler with you, the hotel is glad to assist with babysitting services. You are welcome to bring in the family dog for company.
As the day ends, you can all have fun roasting marshmallows at one of the two fire pits before retreating to your room.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
Address: 1 Old Golf Course Road
3.68 km (2.3 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
13. Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa (from USD 225)
Your family will enjoy taking dips in this Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa’s heated outdoor pool, and there is a shallow end for children. The restaurant offers kids’ meals so that you can order your children’s favorite. A day spent on the beach is also an excellent idea, with one located only 700 m (2,297 ft) away from the property.
Borrow available titles at the hotel’s DVD library and enjoy a movie marathon in your family room. There is free Wi-Fi for you to stream videos, browse the web, and read emails.
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Address: 700 Munras Ave
2.67 km (1.7 mi) from Monterey Bay Aquarium
A lovely family vacation awaits you in Monterey
As a prime destination, Monterey has lots of family-friendly activities, which will leave every member of the family exhausted but happy at the end of an adventure-filled day. Consider our list of the top family-friendly hotels in Monterey, California, to treat your family to a great place to retreat to and recharge for the next day.
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