Monterey State Historic Park, Monterey (must see)

Monterey State Historic Park preserves a compact but rich collection of buildings that trace California’s early political, commercial, and cultural development. Set within the historic core of Monterey, the former capital under both Spanish and Mexican rule, the park brings together adobe homes, civic structures, and maritime facilities that reflect the region’s rich and layered past. Many of these buildings date to the early 1800s and formed the heart of a busy port city that once governed a vast stretch of the Pacific coast. Today, the park offers visitors a clear sense of this formative era through its carefully maintained architecture and interpretive exhibits.

Among the most significant sites is the Custom House, widely recognised as the oldest surviving government building in California. Constructed during the Mexican period, it served as the administrative hub for trade, customs duties, and official inspections. It was also here that the U.S. flag was raised in 1846, marking the beginning of American governance in California. Its simple, sturdy adobe form still anchors the waterfront, reminding visitors of Monterey’s role as a major trading port.

A short distance inland stands the Pacific House, another key highlight of the park. Built in the 1840s, it originally served various civic and commercial purposes, including a hotel and government offices. Today, it serves as a museum, presenting exhibits on Monterey’s multicultural history, regional trade networks, and the diverse communities that have shaped the city’s growth. Its restored rooms and displays help contextualise the broader story presented throughout the park.

Together, these landmarks—along with others such as the Stevenson House, Larkin House, and Casa del Oro—form a walkable network that reveals Monterey’s evolution across Spanish, Mexican, and early American periods. For visitors, the park provides an accessible introduction to the city’s historic landscape, offering a thoughtful balance of architecture, interpretation, and quiet coastal atmosphere.