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Monterey Historic Attractions

Throughout the county, Monterey has a rich and complex history, from the time of its original inhabitants, the Ohlone (formerly Costanoan), Esselen and Salinan groups, to the time of the first California Constitutional Convention at Colton Hall in 1849. The story of Monterey's history is evident in adobes, gardens, mission bells and lighthouses. The allure of this historic area continues to enthrall visitors. You can explore the history of Monterey County through guided or self-guided tours. Search below and discover more historical attractions in Monterey County.

For more information on local history, visit the Monterey County Historical Society and for more on historic attractions in Monterey visit www.MSHPA.org, the official website for the Monterey State Historic Park Association.

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Monterey Historic Attractions

Cannery Row Antique Mall

THE LARGEST ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLES MALL ON THE CENTRAL COAST, SET IN CANNERY ROW, WITH VIEWS OF MONTEREY BAY. We house over 100 antique dealers brimming with vintage rarities! The Carmel Canning Company warehouse #2 is…

Monterey Historic Attractions

Monterey County Historical Society

Founded in 1933, and incorporated in 1955, the Monterey County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the ongoing preservation of our own past. The Society is responsible for a massive collection of family, city…

Monterey Historic Attractions

SkinHappy Discovery Center

Come explore the fascinating world of your skin’s health. The SkinHappy™ Discovery Center offers visitors a chance to laugh and learn about skin in one of Monterey’s oldest adobes, the Casa De La Torre. ·Get behind…

Monterey Historic Attractions

California's First Theater

This building was built about 1844 as a sailor's lodging house by Jack Swan. In 1848 it was commandeered by a group of mustered-out soldiers of Colonel Stevenson's regiment of New Yorkers looking for a place…

Monterey Historic Attractions

Larkin House

The 1830s home of American businessman and diplomat, Thomas Oliver Larkin. The house doubled as the American Consulate in the 1840s. Today the house is furnished with Larkin family furniture and art much as it was…

Monterey Historic Attractions

Cooper-Molera Adobe

For almost two centuries, the Cooper Molera Adobe has stood at the center of civic, commercial and social interactions in Downtown Old Monterey, witnessing Monterey's transition from a Mexican capitol to an American city. After the…

Monterey Historic Attractions

Casa Soberanes

During the 1840s, Rafael Estrada built this home from sun-dried mud (adobe). Generations of families have called this home. The Soberanes family lived here from 1860 to 1922. The Serranos later purchased and restored the house…

Monterey Historic Attractions

San Carlos Cathedral (The Royal Presidio Chapel)

San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey was founded by Father Junipero Serra on June 3, 1770, on the shores of Monterey Bay, as the cornerstone of his Mission. A year later, Fr. Serra moved the Mission to…

Monterey Historic Attractions

The Historic Hacienda

The Hacienda is an historic site that now serves as a hotel in Monterey County, California. The building was completed in 1930 by William Randolph Hearst. He built the structure to serve as temporary housing for…

Monterey Historic Attractions

The Robert Stanton Auditorium

The King City High School Auditorium, also known as the Robert Stanton Theater, is an Art Moderne style auditorium in King City, California. Built in 1939 with Works Progress Administration funding, the auditorium is one of…

Monterey Historic Attractions

Carmel Mission Basilica

The Carmel Mission, also referred to as Carmel Mission Basilica, was founded by Fr. Junipero Serra in 1770, making it the second of the 21 California missions. Though Carmel Mission was founded in Monterey, it was…

Monterey Historic Attractions

Ed Ricketts’ Lab

The City of Monterey schedules free public tours of this historical site & provides special opportunities for educational or cultural groups to visit.