The San Carlos Cathedral, also known as Royal Presidio Chapel, was constructed in the 1770s. As the oldest functioning Catholic Church and the first stone building in the state of California, this cathedral's significance to local history is undeniable. The beautiful architectural style of this cathedral is breathtaking, with Spanish and Moorish influences.
This famous Monterey playground is located in the El Estero Park. First opened in 1956, the park has undergone various renovations with the most recent in 2005. Named after the comic character by Hank Ketchum, the park features a toddler area and larger slides and structures meant for older children. A maze with a lookout tower, climbing wall, suspension bridge and statue of Dennis himself, this park is full of fun for kids of all ages.
A striking ensemble of time-honored landmarks comprise the Monterey State Historic Park. You can tour numerous historic period homes that date back to the 1800s as well as early adobe buildings. Each house has been restored to its original condition and is decorated with authentic antiques to match. There are also gardens you can explore. Come experience a piece of regional history and culture. Admission to the park is free.
The Coast Guard Pier is one of the go-to spots for locals and tourists during summer afternoons and weekends. Close to beach parks and other local attractions, the wharf is a major recreational spot for those who wish to indulge in water sports. On a sunny day, you can see sea lions and sea otters lazing around on the rocks.
Tucked away amidst sprawling farms in the vast countryside, Pierce Ranch Vineyards is where some of the city's finest wines come to life. Spanning a massive 30 acres (12.14 hectares) of vineyards and farmland, everything that goes into the wine is grown on-site, which helps maintain consistency in flavor and texture. Regular tours of the vineyard offer a glimpse of what it takes to produce a fine batch of wine. Visitors can witness the various stages of production, from the picking of fruits, to the barreling and ageing process.
The gorgeous Monterey State Beach is the perfect setting for an afternoon of family fun in the sun. From swimming, fishing, boating, making sand castles, flying kites, kayaking and more, the range of outdoor activities are endless here. Its lengthy stretch of sand and gentle breeze also makes it favorable for a healthy walk or a jog. Be prepared for cold weather, the fog rolls in quickly here, so be sure to pack an extra layer of clothing!
At this gallery, you can find photographic art of the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. The gallery exhibits the breathtaking photography of Helmut Horn. Particularly inspiring and breathtaking is Horns' Rising Storm and Last Light. Gary Geigers' Yellow Pots photographic art is intriguing. Another equally impressive work is The Eighth Hole at Pebble Beach by Joan Dost. The photographic art displayed in this gallery is exquisite and not to missed on your visit to Carmel.
Cross the threshold of this renowned gallery and you will find a vast array of paintings and limited edition prints by such artists as Randall Sexton, Jane Mason Burke, Stephen McMillan, Gail Packer, Leslie Toms, Carolyn Lord, Teresa Onada, Chirs Newhard, Kipp Stewart, and much, much more. Step through the French doors and browse for a while, or chat with the friendly staff who will be glad to answer any questions. It is truly an outstanding collection.
This internationally renowned gallery specializes in Early Californian and American paintings dating from 1880 through 1945. It also represents several estates. The gallery has produced several exceptional publications through the years and is always on the hunt for quality impressionist and modernist paintings from the aforementioned time period. Artists represented include Maurice Braun, Guy Rose, William Wendt, Edgar Payne, Granville Redmond and John Gamble. It is a must-see for any art lover while visiting the Carmel area.
Whether it be sports, history, or landscape pictures, this gallery has something for everyone, including hundreds of collectibles. More than 3,000 photographs comprise the inventory, which was put together from various auctions and archives from around the world. Everything to showcase art is here, and a variety of frames are available for whatever photo you decide to buy. The staff members are top-notch experts in their fields, and this is a truly unequaled gallery experience.
The organization's motto is "Be Dazzled," and you will. For decades, world-class chamber music ensembles have graced stages as part of one of their many programs. Past performers have included the Mozart Piano Quartet, the Takacs String Quartet and Quartetto Gelato. The selections range from early baroque to contemporary and all are performed with virtuoso skill and passion. Lodging/dining packages are available in conjunction with some of the area's most charming hotels. Additionally, the organization hosts competitions and sponsors an education program, touching many classical music fans, and making it a true mainstay of the Monterey chamber music community. See website for event calendar, programs and more.
The historic building that houses the Golden Bough Theatre was occupied by the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club for nearly 100 years. It continues its legacy as a center for creativity as a performance site for the Pacific Repertory Theatre. The Circle Theatre, a round stage venue, is located just below the Golden Bough playhouse.