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Monterey State Historic Park

20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
831-649-7118
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Ranked #13 of 53 attractions in Monterey
Type: State Parks
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Description: A state park in Monterey that operates tours of its gardens and historic buildings dating back to the 17th century.
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18 reviews from our community

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    9
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Date Rating
Santa Cruz, California
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Found this by accident while visiting Monterey. Had heard about it and wanted to do it. Started with an audio cell phone tour, and then just started getting out of the car and walking into the building, talking with the docents, and walking the trail. Good printed materials and maps. Will do this again this December when more buildings are... More

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Fort Bragg, California
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

This groupings of museums tell the story of Monterey. We enjoyed the ones we were able to visit, but some are not open midweek. Please check before you go. The MOM was open and quite well done telling the story of the area. There is also a lighthouse lens that can be seen up close. Definitely worth at least half... More

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See 6 more reviews by RosalieG3 for Monterey
Salt Lake City, Utah
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 April 2013

We were fortunate to meet the landscaper/gardener who told us the history of the plantings; and a docent who took us through the buildings and talked about the history of Monterrey. It's always a good idea to talk to knowledgeable people!

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See 3 more reviews by Laker_11 for Monterey
santa rosa, ca
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2013

We walked around a lot of this park in downtown Monterey. Visited the Custom House and Pacific House which had a great museum about the history of the place and a native American exhibit, and don't miss them. We also visited the Museum at city hall and found it very interesting. Worth the walk. We were able to park for... More

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See 6 more reviews by billd2005 for Monterey
San Rafael, California
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2013

If you like to walk you will love being on Alvarado Street it is so perfect. There is so much history in that small location. Walk out onto Fisherman’s Wharf all the way out to the end you can go up the stairs and have a panoramic view of the bay. It is the perfect place to take pictures of... More

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See 2 more reviews by DiamondJim3 for Monterey
Monterey, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 attraction reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 January 2013

Downtown Monterey is filled with wonderful, historic buildings and gardens. A lovely stroll will tell you the story of Monterey's early days as the capitol of California. Just a lovely way to spend the day and dream of long-ago times.

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See 9 more reviews by pgsongbird for Monterey
Kansas City, Kansas
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 December 2012

If you like historic walking tours and old adobes, this is for you. Pick up a map and be prepared to walk as buildings are somewhat spread out--a good way to see old Monterey.

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See 4 more reviews by Kansan_12 for Monterey
Salinas, California
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 December 2012

This is one of those places where you just have to get out of the car and walk for a while. Have your camera ready.

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See 20 more reviews by Jim S for Monterey
Monterey, California
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 July 2012

As California's first Capitol (the Constitutional Convention was held at Colton Hall), Monterey provides history buffs with an amazing banquet of buildings and gardens. The Monterey State Historic Park has been the guiding force behind the preservation and protection of many of these valuable sites. Generally, the houses are closed to tours in the winter, but open in the spring... More

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See 26 more reviews by HonoreH for Monterey
Anvil
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 June 2012

Fascinating history about how the town came into existence.

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See 4 more reviews by ChrisAnvil for Monterey

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