Are you a history buff? Historic attractions aren’t all on the East Coast! Monterey County alone is filled with historic sites and attractions here in Central California. As your Central California real estate agent, I’d like to fill you in on a few of them. Make a day of it, take a short weekend trip, or just spend a few hours exploring sites you haven’t visited yet.
1, Path of History. If you’d like to visit a whole bunch of historic sites in one two-mile trek, “Path of History” is what you’re seeking! There are 55 historic sites along these two miles, which is why Monterey has been deemed the most historic city in California. You can pick up an informative map or a phone tour to take a self-guided tour of this path. There are also events that take place on the path, such as History Fest, which is held every October.
2. Old Fisherman’s Wharf. This, along with Cannery Row, will give you a feel for Monterey County’s turn-of-the-century fishing history. While seaside, stop in Pacific Grove to see the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. For another lighthouse, Point Sur Lightstation is a short drive down Highway 1.
3. Missions. There are three historic missions established by Spanish missionaries in Monterey County, located in Carmel, Soledad and Jolon in the late 1700s. Carmel Mission was the first to be built from stone. Carmel-by-the-Sea is only minutes away from Carmel Mission, and you can see how this architecture spread. Stroll the streets there to view fantasy cottages built by an array of well-known architects. The beautiful Mission San Antonio de Padua sits within the “Valley of the Oaks” and is only 20 minutes from Oak Shores!
4. Monterey County Agricultural l & Rural Life Museum. This resides in Salinas Valley and will make you feel like you traveled back in time to the 19th century. Here you can visit its historic train depot, school and farmhouse, and you can view early cultivating and irrigation equipment. This is a great way to see what California was like in its early days! Another great option is Pacific Grove’s Museum of Natural History, where you can learn about early wildlife and Native American culture.
5. Hearst Castle. While this is technically in Northern San Luis Obispo County, it can hardly be left out when talking about historic sites worth visiting! The land that Hearst Castle resides on was purchased in 1865, and the castle itself was finished in 1947. It is complete with 165 rooms, 127 acres and 25,000 artifacts! Tours are available for viewing gardens, terraces, pools and interior rooms.
For an entire list of the historic site and attractions in Monterey County, visit See Monterey. To buy a home in Monterey County or Northern San Luis Obispo County, contact me, your Central California real estate agent! I’d love to help you achieve your real estate goals here in Central California.
From Grace Borzini
grace@oakshoresrealty.com