Monterey State Historic Park

Monterey State Historic Park is at 20 Custom House Plaza. The 7-acre site, with additional adobes located throughout the downtown area, preserves the historical and architectural heritage of old Monterey. Nearby is the site where Sebastián Vizcaíno landed in 1602—and Father Junípero Serra 167 years later. Monterey served as California's capital under Spanish and Mexican rule, and it was here that the U.S. flag was first officially raised in California on July 7, 1846.

Guided 50-minute walking tours, departing from the Custom House Plaza, allow visitors to see the park as well as buildings and residences from California's early history. Private guided tours of the historic house interiors, individually or in combination, may be booked in advance for groups of up to 14 guests; the house gardens are open to the public.