Custom House
The Custom House is the oldest government building on the West Coast and is California State Park landmark #1. Built in 1827, by the Mexican Government for the purpose of collecting "custom duties" from trading ships that made regular visits to California. When war broke out between the U.S. and Mexico, it is here where Commodore John Sloat first raised the American Flag on July 7, 1846 proclaiming, "henceforth California will be a part of the United States".

The Maritime Museum of Monterey
The Maritime Museum of Monterey is located on Monterey’s historic waterfront in the 18000 square-foot Stanton Center, the museum explores the region’s rich maritime heritage from the Rumsien/Ohlone Indians and Spanish explorers to Monterey’s era as the sardine capitol of the world. With its more then 500-glass prisms the historic Fresnel lens of the Point Sur Lightstation illuminates the museums seven exhibit areas.

The Pacific House
The Pacific House built in 1847 by David Wight an Englishmen who came to Monterey in 1846. The house was built for Thomas Larkin who in turn rented it to the U.S. Quartermaster for offices and storage of military supplies. Army Horses were corralled in the back which is now the Memory Garden where in earlier times when Monterey was part of Mexico, bull and bear fights were held. The Pacific House has had many uses over the years, including a tavern, courthouse, dry goods store, newspaper offices and even a ballroom. Today the building is part of the Monterey State Parks system where they house a wonderful museum that tells the early story of Monterey.