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Free things to do in Monterey

9 places in Monterey with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Free things to do in Monterey

  1. See

    Colton Hall

    Considered one of the most historic buildings in California, Colton Hall is the birthplace of the State of California. Home of the California Constitutional Convention of 1849, visit the site where 48 delegates debated the decisions that made California a free state. See original documents, artifacts, and even walk on the same floor as the delegates. the.

    Sat-Sun 10AM-4PMfree

  2. See

    Cooper Molera Adobe

    An adobe from 1827 which now houses a small museum, a garden, cafe, restaurant and event venue. Formerly the site was part of the Monterey State Historic Park but now is owned by National Trust for Historic Preservation. The ground floor museum exhibit is open on weekends but the rest of the museum is closed due to COVID.

    Sat Sun 10AM-4PMfree

  3. See

    Custom House

    Oldest government building in California and first designated California Historical Landmark. First floor is a small museum and gift shop.

    Tue-Sun 10AM-4PMfree

  4. See

    Monterey Museum of Art

    It has two locations. The 559 Pacific Street location, across from Colton Hall, has eight galleries, with both permanent and rotating exhibitions. The La Mirada building is one of Monterey's Mexican-era adobes. Located at 720 Via Mirada, near Monterey Peninsula College, it has four galleries, plus great views of Monterey Bay. Admission is $10, with $5 admission for students and military. One Thursday a month, the Pacific Street location hosts "Art After Hours," with free admission, light appetizers and drinks.

  5. See

    Monterey State Historic Park

    This park is the historic downtown area known as Old Monterey, containing a number of historic buildings and gardens. Most of the buildings are from the first half of the 19th century, and most of the historic gardens are about a century old. Start at Custom House Plaza, in downtown Monterey, near the Old Fisherman's Wharf, and look for the yellow plaques that mark the Monterey Walking Path of History to take in some of the town's most intriguing buildings. Informational signs are posted at each stop. Maps and tour information are available at the Pacific House and the Cooper Molera store. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available near the Central Plaza in the Casa del Oro Garden and in the Cooper Molera courtyard.

    Gardens open daily 9AM–5PM summer; 10AM–4PM winter; museums varyfree

  6. See

    Old Monterey Jail

    When California became a state in 1850, Monterey was selected as the seat of Monterey County government and this was the new jail that was built. The jail is open whenever Colton Hall is open.

    Sat 10AM-4PMfree

  7. See

    Pacific House Museum

    Offers detailed displays on local history and Native American life.

    Tue-Sun 10AM-4PMfree

  8. See

    Presidio of Monterey Museum

    Gives the history of the Presidio of Monterey from pre-history through the War on Terror.

    Sat-Sun noon-4PMfree

  9. See Not mapped

    Heritage Center Museum

    Located in the Parish Offices Building east of the cathedral is a small museum which contains part of the Junipero Oak. Closed due to COVID.

    Sun 10AM-noon 1-3PMfree

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Monterey (CC BY-SA 4.0).