While known for their historic significance, Monterey State Historic Park’s 19th Century buildings have also inspired some of the world’s most important writers and California’s preeminent painters. Explore the park’s cultural importance with a free Arts and Literature Tour starting at the Custom House (1 Custom House Plaza) at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 12 and Saturday, June 14. In addition to hearing passages read aloud about the Monterey Bay area by notable writers, tourgoers will be able to enjoy some of the park’s impressive art pieces, especially when the tour makes its way inside Casa Soberanes. This is a part of California State Parks Week.