The Path of History & Monterey Adobes

55 historic sites lay along Monterey's two-mile "Path of History," providing residents and visitors with a unique, hands-on chance to experience California's rich heritage.

Self-Guided Tour of the Path of History!

Take yourself on a tour of the Path of History by following the yellow tiles on the sidewalk or with this informative map. You can also download our See Monterey App and follow the Monterey Path of History Itinerary. You will see and learn about important adobes and structures such as Colton Hall, Custom House Plaza, Pacific House, and the Golden State Theatre.

Historic Events

For serious history buffs, you can celebrate a number of local historical events throughout the year, including Sloat's Landing Ceremony in honor of the historic July day when Commodore John Drake Sloat declared California as part of the United States. During Christmas, visitors can stroll through the adobes and enjoy brightly lit Luminaries light and the scent of Mexican hot chocolate.

Notable Historic Buildings

The Royal Presidio Chapel is the oldest structure in Monterey, constructed by the Spanish government in 1794. It’s also the first architect-designed building in California and is now a National Historic Landmark. Learn more about its history here. 

The original portion of the Robert Louis Stevenson House dates from the late 1830s. Here the author reportedly began his classic tale of adventure, Treasure Island.

In 1849, Colton Hall hosted the first California Constitutional Convention.

California's First Theater was built in the 1840s by Jack Swan, an English sailor, as a saloon and apartments. The 1st New York Volunteers, an Army unit stationed in Monterey, put on their first play at the building in 1850, establishing it as Monterey's theatrical destination.

Larkin House was the first house built in the Monterey Colonial architectural style. Thomas Oliver Larkin built it in 1834, adapting traditional New England motifs to the available redwood and adobe.

The Custom House, Monterey State Historic Park, at the entrance to Fisherman's Wharf, is the oldest government building in California and is California State Historic Monument #1.

Pacific House has served many different purposes in its history. Since it was built in 1847, it's been a military supply storage site, a hotel, a church, and a ballroom, among other things. It's now a history museum.

Cooper-Molera Adobe was home to three generations of Coopers. Built in the 1820s and remodeled many times until 1900, it now houses a visitor center with a shop full of old-time treasures. Don't miss its historic garden.

Casa Soberanes is a Mexican Colonial adobe structure furnished with handsomely preserved antique furniture, artwork, and silver.

Casa Serrano has a special significance in California's early history because it served simultaneously as one of the first schools after the U.S. flag was flown over the Custom House in 1846. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 2-4pm and free to the public.

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