District Blog

Monterey Hostel, located at 7789 Hawthorne Street just steps from Lighthouse Avenue, is rolling out our 2025 Summer Specials to help travelers save on their next trip to the coast. Book directly on our website to enjoy these offers.

2025 Summer Specials

Coastal Explorer
10% off when you book 4+ nights

Weekly Wanderer
15% off when you book 7+ nights

Student Stays
$5 off per night with valid student ID & promo code STUDENT5

Last Minute Offer
Book within 24 hours of arrival & save 5% with promo code LASTMINUTE

Monterey Neighbors Discount
Locals from Monterey or PG can save up to 15% when booking 2+ nights for visiting friends & family. Just stop by or email us before booking with proof of residency.

Restrictions

Special offers must be booked directly at montereyhostel.com prior to arrival. Discounts can’t be added after booking, and offers may not be combined. Subject to change without notice.

About Monterey Hostel

We are operated by HostelingOn, a 501(c)3 nonprofit on a mission to preserve and promote the hostel movement. Hostels help connect people of all ages and cultures so they can experience and learn about local communities through travel, shared adventures, and sustainable tourism.

The Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation are seeking volunteers for our 4th of July Parade in Downtown Old Monterey!

Parade Details

This old fashioned community parade, with marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, and community groups is a wonderful Monterey tradition that draws thousands of locals and visitors of all ages for a morning of family-friendly fun.

Volunteer Details

Volunteers will serve 8am-12pm on Friday, July 4. As a volunteer, you may end up marching in the parade or placed along the route for crowd and parade control. Because of this, it is very important that you be able to walk a mile and stand for a few hours.

Interested? Fill out this short form and you'll be contacted by the Parade Volunteer Coordinator. If you have questions, please phone the OMBA office at 831-655-8070.

A message from the City of Monterey about our local sea lions:

City of Monterey's Parks Division this week has temporarily closed San Carlos Beach, located at Cannery Row and Reeside Avenue. A colony of sea lions have arrived en masse to use the beach as a resting spot.

The City of Monterey is working closely with staff at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We will keep the public informed as to the beach's status.

We want residents and visitors to be safe while visiting the coastline, and remind you to enjoy and watch the sea lions from a distance of at least 150 feet. Sea lions are large and can be unpredictable and territorial.

Please remember, we humans are sharing this space with other species. Marine mammals, including sea lions, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. People who harass, feed, capture, or kill any marine mammal could face a hefty fine or even jail time.

- June 6, 2025

Learn more about Valentina, the co-owner of Bon Ton L'Roy's Lighthouse Smokehouse, in a lovely, casual interview on the local podcast, Alligator in Alignment!

In this podcast episode, Alligator and Valentina talk about the beginnings of the restaurant, her take on the wonderful cuisine, leaning into the New Orleans Creole tradition, and her connection to Martha Stewart...

Monterey's favorite Cajun musician, Alligator, performs on the second Saturday of every month at Bon Ton L'Roy's Lighthouse Smokehouse, located at 794 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Are you ready to feel amazing this summer? Grab a great deal with the Monterey Core Fitness 2025 Summer Sale! Our independent gym is where strong women shine. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up, we’ve got you at 191 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Summer Sale

3-month gym membership: $150 (includes sign-up)

5-pack group training for $100

5-pack personal training:
50 min for $300
30 min for $200

Sign Up

Give your body the gift of strength, energy, and confidence. Contact Monterey Core Fitness.

Hula's Island Grill has fresh shirts, sweatshirts, hats, glassware, and stickers in stock! Ask a staff member next time you come in to show you the merchandise. Our restaurant is located at 622 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Wondering when to buy or sell your home? Get a free consultation with Christian Viollaz of Chez Christian Real Estate, located right down the street at 191 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite A3.

An independent brokerage in operation for more than 20 years, we know it's often difficult to get relevant information when you're looking to buy or sell a home. Let us help you. Phone for an appointment, 831-393-0324.

The Monterey trolley is returning! This free service will operate May 24 - September 1, 10am-6pm daily. Trolleys run every 10-15 minutes. Look for the green MST Trolley signs to board along the route.

Park and Ride

Park in the Downtown Monterey Garage (340 Tyler Street) or the Cannery Row Garage (601 Foam Street) and get a free ride to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, the Lighthouse District, Downtown Old Monterey, and Old Fisherman's Wharf.

The New Monterey Business Association belatedly welcomes Carmel Valley Guitar to the Lighthouse District! This gem of a shop, which moved to 623B Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey in February, is owned and operated by master luthier Bernie Hefner.

About the Shop

Carmel Valley Guitar is a complete guitar and amplifier repair shop - actually, it's fully equipped to handle any stringed instrument repair or restoration. You'll also find an array of acoustic and electric guitars for sale on consignment as well as fresh necessities like guitar strings. The inventory is growing every day!

The shop is open Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm. Come meet and speak with Bernie, who has has 39 years of experience in the guitar manufacturing industry. No appointment necessary.

Building a Supportive Musical Community

Carmel Valley Guitar is a great place for guitar enthusiasts of all ages. Owner Bernie Hefner aims to develop a supportive environment where knowledge, experience, and instruments are shared, fostering a thriving musical community.

American Burger presents....the Carnitas Burger! A meeting of North American and Central American cuisines, the Carnitas Burger features tender pork carnitas with cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and avocado on a hamburger bun. Come try it!

American Burger is a family-run restaurant bringing big smiles and great food to all ages at 738 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

The Lighthouse District's newest restaurant, Oystertown, is now open Thursday - Monday! Stop by, meet owners Phil Wojtowicz and Monica Schweiger, and try out their menu at 281 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

About Oystertown

Oystertown, true to its name, serves the freshest oysters in town plus a selection of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. And don't miss the desserts - they're heavenly. No reservations, walk-ins only.

Hours

Thursday - Saturday, 4:30pm-9pm
Sunday, 11:30am-4:40pm
Monday, 4:30pm-9pm