Top Rated Attractions in Monterey

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.

Tor House, one of the most prominent attractions in Carmel, was the home of poet Robinson Jeffers and his family from 1919 to 1999. This piece of property located on Carmel Point has an absolutely breathtaking view of the coastline. The property consists of a stone house, Celtic tower and an English garden. A tour of the facility is highly recommended to learn about the famous poet's life.

This inexpensive and spectacular two-hour guided tour takes you through all the hot spots, back streets and secret pathways of this unique town. See places haunted by famous authors and artists. See historical buildings and many off-the-beaten-track places. The tour has been raved about in many, many media outlets including Bay Area Back Roads and USA Today. Definitely not a thing to miss, this is a perfect way to familiarize yourself with Carmel.

Few things can match tasting wine at the Bargetto Tasting Room whilst enjoying splendid views of the Pacific Ocean. Established in 1933, the Bargetto is famed for its dessert wines under the Chaucer's brand name. The winery also stacks the famous red and white wines along with the sparsely available sparkling ones. With the vineyards situated just a stone's throw away in the Santa Cruz mountains, the wines produced are completely unadulterated. Wine apparel and gift baskets are available at this outlet as well.

The Old Customhouse is a Spanish Colonial style building that's famous because it's where US Commodore John Drake Sloat declared that California was part of the United States in 1846. Built in 1827, this historic building was used for civic purposes of Monterey County. The one-story structure, with a balcony in the front, reflects the olden style homes. This is the oldest government building in the state and the first State Historic Landmark.

This two level, brick house has been a refuge for many artists, families, writers and people from all walks of life during the early 18th-century. The French House as it was called then was the abode of famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson where he courted his to-be wife. This is where he wrote the "Old Pacific Capital," and was inspired to pen the “Treasure Island.” To save it from the verge of destruction, it was bought by two women who in turn gifted it to the state to make it a memorial. Today the Stevenson House has many memorabilia that includes furniture, first edition books and personal belongings of the writer.