Monterey Path of History walk

Path of History Walk (+ Food Bonuses)

Do the Self-Guided Path of History Walk in Monterey

old church on Monterey Path of History

You like urban walks with beautiful secret gardens, historically significant places, and food bonuses? Walk this way! Monterey’s 2-mile yellow tiled, multilingual Path of History is a do-it-yourself stroll among some of the area’s most interesting, beautiful, and culturally important sites. You'll walk through the Old Town, past Mexican-era adobes, and to the beautiful Royal Presidio Chapel—the oldest structure in Monterey. The path includes Monterey State Historic Park and the Pacific House Museum, home to the impressive Holman Collection of Native American artifacts.

Monterey Path of History medallion

Alta Bakery Monterey Path of History

woman walking Monterey Path of History

Along the way, you can make brief detours to sample a few locals’ favorites for delicious, sustainable food.

Use this map, and follow the path (there's audio tour options via your mobile, too).

You’ll see the Cooper Molera Adobe, one of the most significant Mexican Era landmarks in Monterey.

Alta Bakery is here too. Have lunch on their outdoor patio. The menu is filled with fresh made salads, pizzas, pastries, and with everything from peach fizz mimosas to chamomile honey lattes.

woman walking Monterey Path of History

Alta Baker Monterey Path of History

Alta Bakery Monterey Path of History

Other highlights on the Path of History are the residence where Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson lived for a while, and the Custom House—aka California State Historic Monument #1 (the oldest government building). Here you’re close enough for a detour to Troya Turkish Delight and Baklava in Steinbeck Plaza. It’s a must stop for an authentic Turkish coffee and some beautiful baklava; the only challenge you’ll have is trying to decide which flavor to select … powdered pistachio pomegranate is a favorite.

Troya Turkish Delight

Monterey Bay Aquarium dining

BONUS MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM DINING: You can easily combine the Path of History with a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, so if you do, grab a bite at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Café. It’s a sustainable, tasty food experience with exemplary initiatives in supporting the concept of “food with a future.”

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View