Monterey Bay is rich with preserved history. Here are a few of our favorites.

Architecture & Attractions
Asilomar Conference Grounds. Established in 1913 and known for its American Craftsman architecture, the main hall and guest rooms were designed by Julia Morgan. Preserved in Asilomar State Beach Park.
800 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove (831) 646-6440

Bayview Hotel. Built in 1878 along a newly developed rail line in the center of Aptos village, the striking Italianate design was built to attract tourism and businessmen. It was a private residence, but is currently vacant.
8041 Soquel Dr, Aptos

Bixby Bridge. Completed in 1932, the iconic bridge of Big Sur soars 260 feet above a steep canyon with breath taking views of the rugged Big Sur coast.
15 miles south of Carmel, Highway 1, Big Sur

Boronda Adobe. Built in 1846, it is a rare example of a Mexican era rancho adobe with features of the Monterey Colonial style. Preserved as the Boronda Adobe History Center.
333 Boronda Rd, Salinas (831) 757-8085

Castro Adobe. This two-story home is one of the finest examples of a rancho hacienda in the Monterey Bay area. Preserved in the Castro Adobe State Historic Park and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
184 Old Adobe Rd, Watsonville.

City of Pacific Grove. Known for its Victorian era and unique homes and lover’s point seashore.

Felton Covered Bridge. An 1890’s wooden bridge, the tallest covered bridge in the US. Preserved in the Felton Covered Bridge County Park.
Graham Hill Rd at Mt. Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley (831) 454-7938

Flanders Mansion. A 1925 Tudor Revival house, significant for its innovative construction with precast concrete blocks. Preserved within the Mission Trail Park in Carmel.

John Steinbeck House. Birthplace and family home of John Steinbeck (1902-1968) inhabited by the author up to 1935. Noted for its Queen Anne architecture. Now a restaurant and museum.
132 Central Ave, Salinas (831) 424-2735

Loof Carousel and Roller Coaster. The hand carved horses by Charles Loof were delivered to Santa Cruz in 1911. His son, built the Santa Cruz Boardwalk’s Giant Dipper. A National Historic Landmark and local treasure.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Beach St, Santa Cruz

Monterey State Historic Park. Several dozen buildings dating to Monterey’s years as the Spanish and Mexican capital of Alta California. Historic houses and buildings are interspersed throughout Old Monterey.
20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey (831)) 649-2907

Santa Cruz Downtown Historic District. Cape Row Houses, 412-420 Lincoln St. Rincon St, Church, Chestnut, Walnut, Cedar, Laurel, Myrtle and Lincoln St.

Tor House & Hawk Tower. Longtime home of poet Robinson Jeffers (1887-1962) features a hand-built masonry house and 40-foot tower completed in 1919. Preserved by a private foundation.
26304 Ocean View Ave, Carmel (831)624-1813

King City Joint Union High School Auditorium. Built in 1939, the auditorium is significant for its Streamline Modern design and ornamentation by local sculptor, artist, cartoonist, Jo Mora.
N. Mildred and Broadway, King City

Whaler’s Cabin. Established around 1850, by either Portuguese whalers or Chinese fisherman. Preserved within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Wilder Ranch. A former dairy farm on 7000 coastal acres with an 1840 adobe, Victorian farmhouse and innovative farm machinery from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. Tours, picnics, hikes, biking, horseback riding and horse camping. Preserved by Wilder Ranch State Park.
1 mile north of Western Dr, Santa Cruz (831) 423-9703

Lighthouses
Pigeon Point Light Station. Situated about 25 miles north of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in America and has been guiding mariners since 1872. Includes a park store, beach and hostel.
210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero (650) 879-2120

Point Pinos Lighthouse. The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, established in 1855. Preserved within the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
80 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove

Point Sur Light Station. Lighthouse complex established in 1899, noted for retaining all of its major original out buildings and Romanesque Revival architecture. Preserved within Point Sur State Historic Park.
15 miles south of Carmel, along Highway 1, Big Sur

Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse. Located at the northern tip of Monterey Bay, this lighthouse is actually a monument and surfing museum. Preserved by the Santa Cruz Surfing Club Preservation Society.

Walton Lighthouse. Located at Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor.

Mission Era
Mission Carmel. Second of the mission chain, it was established by Junipero Serra in 1790. It served as the headquarters for the mission chain and Serra is buried here. Many period relics are on display. Managed by the Diocese of Monterey.
3080 Rio Rd, Carmel

Mission San Juan Bautista. Fifteenth in the chain, it was founded in 1797 and was damaged by great earthquakes of 1812, 1906 and 1989, largely because it sits on the San Andreas fault. It is restored and is currently used as a church and museum. Surrounding plaza include an 1814 hotel, the 1868 Plaza Hall and 1874 stable.
San Juan Bautista

Mission San Antonio de Padua. Third of the twenty-one missions and one of the few to retain its rural character. Founded in 1771, it is now a church, museum and fiesta grounds and managed by the Diocese of Monterey.
End of Mission Creek Rd, Jolon, near King City (831) 385-4478

San Carlos Cathedral. Completed in 1794, it is the oldest continuously functioning church, the first cathedral and stone building in California. The exquisite Spanish Colonial style with stone facade and Moorish influence is within walking of Fisherman’s Wharf. Managed by the Diocese of Monterey.
500 Church St, Monterey (831) 373-2628

Santa Cruz Mission Hill Historic District. The twelfth mission and one of the smallest, it is a replica on the original site but houses original paintings, statues and vestments.

Mission Soledad. Founded in 1791, it is the 13th mission but it fell to ruin and little of the original remains. In 1954 restoration began and it is now used as a Catholic chapel and museum. Managed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Monterey.
36641 Fort Romie Rd, Soledad

More to explore
California Missions Foundation
Carmel Heritage Society
Monterey County Historical Society
Pajaro Valley Historical Association
Soquel Pioneers

Wikipedia has a list of places on the National Registry of Historical Places. Check it out and go explore.
Monterey County
San Benito County
Santa Cruz County

Eco-guide to living lighter

Historical Landmarks of Monterey Bay

Historical Landmarks of Monterey Bay

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