Monterey State Historic Park

An adobe building constructed in 1827 during the period of Mexican rule; today the Custom House in Monterey houses an exhibition on the decades between 1830 and 1850. The two famous Monterey cypresses grow in the garden in front of the house.Monterey's Custom House (1814) is the oldest governmental building in California. It is listed as California State Historic Building #1. The building was used as a Custom House under the Spanish, Mexican and United States governments.Under Spanish dominion, it was a political and social center, where matters of state were settled and gala balls were conducted. It was built in three phases, the upper end under the Spanish in 1814, the center section under Mexico, and the lower end added by the United States in 1846. It was here on the Custom House flagpole that the American flag first flew over California (July 7, 1846) and the "dream of Manifest Destiny" became a reality.The building served as a Custom House until 1868, when it was deactivated and all Customs operations were moved to San Francisco.

Robert Louis Stevenson House, where the English poet lived for four months, when visiting his future wife. Numerous Stevenson memorabilia are on display, including many documents (530 Houston Street).Exhibits include articles of furniture, first editions, manuscripts, Stevenson's mother's scrapbooks, Fanny's painting of the bridge at Grez, portraits of Stevenson (by Fanny, Joe Strong and A.J. Daplyn), Fanny's Samoa diary, four of Stevenson's mother's scrapbooks of reviews, photographs and memorabilia given by members of Stevenson's family.

Casa Amesti was built by Jose Amesti and his wife. Construction on the adobe began in 1833 and lasted into the 1850s. As Amesti's wealth increased additions to the adobe were made.The adobe was restored by Frances Elkins, and after her death in 1953 the adobe was willed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Currently the adobe is being leased for private use.

Typical Californian adobe on Pierce street in Monterey built in the 1830s.The Monterey cypress in the front yard is said to have been planted as a seedling over the grave of the occupants first child who died as an infant.The adobe became home to acclaimed author John Steinbeck and his family in 1944 and they stayed for approximately one year.

The Perry Downer House was built in 1860 by Manuel Perry, a whaling captain, and his wife Mary de Mello Silva. The second floor was added in 1900 and the building was restored in 1969 by Mr. and Mrs. Webster Downer. The home was purchased in 1997 by the Monterey History and Art Association and currently houses their Gallery of Historic Costumes.

Located at the corner of Scott and Oliver Street Casa del Oro in Monterey is a restored grocer's shop dating from 1845.The adobe came to be known as Casa del Oro (The House of Gold) due to reports that miners stored their gold there.

Pacific House in Monterey is located on Custom House Plaza and dates from 1847. It is now a museum of Californian history with a special Indian section.The American Indian exhibit features baskets, pottery and other Native American artifacts.

Located at the corner of Pacific and Del Monte Street in Monterey Casa Soberanes is an adobe house with walls 3ft/1m thick dating from 1842; now a museum of local history spanning the years from 1830 to 1970.

Cooper Molera Adobe reflects the period in California between 1823 and 1900. The three acre complex depicts life as it was in the 1850s through living history demonstrations, farm animals, and historic flower and vegetable gardens.

Located at the corner of Pacific and Scott Streets this is California's oldest theater, originally a boarding house and saloon (also adobe), where shows have been held since 1847.

The Larkin House is at 510 Calle Principal in Monterey and was built in the 1830s. From 1843 to 1846 Thomas Larkin had his American consular offices here.