Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey State Historic Park is located in Old Monterey, which was once the capital of California. The park consists of historic homes and buildings and the attractions are linked by following yellow tiles in the sidewalks. Many of the buildings date from the early 19th Century. This area is not overly large, the main street/strip is 2 miles long. One unique attraction is the only remaining whalebone sidewalk.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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In addition to the stately homes and buildings, the flower gardens are what many visitors remember the most. There are ten gardens that most people visit and they range from stunning rose gardens, to cypress hedges, to an educational herb garden. The Custom House Garden is noted for its fine view out to Monterey Harbor. Some of the gardens can be tricky to find, but the search is worth it. Over the years budget cut backs have affected the availability of home and building tours, be sure to check with the tourist information center to see if they are being offered.
Monterey Parks and Recreation
20 Custom House Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940-2430
United States
20 Custom House Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940-2430
United States
Phone 1 (831) 649-7118
Fax 1 (831) 647-6236
Hours
May 29 to September 7
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
September 8 to May 28
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking
Pay
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Related Attractions
Casa Amesti
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.
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.
Casa Soberanes
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.
Casa del Oro
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.
The adobe came to be known as Casa del Oro (The House of Gold) due to reports that miners stored their gold there.
Cooper Molera Adobe
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.
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Lara-Soto Adobe
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 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.
Pacific House
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.
The American Indian exhibit features baskets, pottery and other Native American artifacts.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Perry Downer House
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.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | Closed | Closed | Closed | 13:00 | Closed |
| Close | 15:00 | 16:00 |
