Monterey: The city of California’s firsts

It was California’s first capital under Spanish and Mexican rule. It was also where California’s first constitution was drafted for admission into the U.S. as its 31st state. This is Monterey, a city of firsts—California’s first theater, public library, printing press, and many more. Aside from these pioneering events, Monterey also saw the boom and bust of the whaling and canning industries in the early 20th century, while continuing to inspire a thriving art community to this day. Spend a weekend here, and you will see California’s rich and diverse heritage unfold in front of you. 

Tips

• Start your trip at Pacific House Museum for an overview of California history and some fun facts about notable buildings. 
• Take the “Path of History” self-guided tour to see the key historic sites and adobe structures around the city: https://www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/historic-attractions/adobes/
• Stop by Colton Hall, THE site that hosted the first California Constitutional Convention in 1849. Check out the 35 bronze plaques leading up to walkway with timelines of key events in California history. 
• Visit Stanton Center to learn about Monterey’s past and present artistic landscape. 
• Do not miss the highly appraised Monterey Aquarium, famous for its Kelp Forest and its rich marine exhibits.