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Historic places in Monterey

11 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Monterey.

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

Historic places 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

    Maritime Museum of History

    Showcases exhibits that revolve around Monterey's history as a port, and the history of both seafaring and commercial fishing, from the whaling era to the present day.

  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

    Pacific House Museum

    Offers detailed displays on local history and Native American life.

    Tue-Sun 10AM-4PMfree

  7. Eat

    Parker-Lusseau Pastries

    Tucked away in the historic Fremont Adobe building next door to the post office, this small patisserie offers some of the best French pastries and lattes this side of the Atlantic.

  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

    San Carlos Cathedral

    Royal Presidio Chapel

    The oldest continuously operating parish and the oldest stone building in California.

  10. Eat

    Tarpy's Roadhouse

    For a taste of Monterey history head to this historic former homestead, housed in a beautiful stone building nestled into a hillside. Classy atmosphere with classic California cuisine - accompany your meal with one of the many local wines on offer.

  11. 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).