11. Cycling to Monterey County’s History Spots
Why do they call it “Old Monterey”? What’s up with “Steinbeck Country”? And where’s that 1791 mission in Soledad?
One of the greatest things about traveling by bicycle is that you notice your surroundings more. And history buffs will surely notice the many signs of early California history throughout Monterey County. To get you started, check out the information about Monterey and Salinas below.
The Hetland family—Jeremy, Nichole, Autom, Aiden, and Aubrie—
are Monterey County residents due to military dad Jeremy’s assignment.
They are pictured here in front of the historic Custom House.
City of Monterey
Did you know that in 1776 Spain named Monterey the capital of Baja and Alta California? Have you ever thought about what bicycling was like here in days gone by?
All around Monterey…
The official City of Monterey website is one place to begin exploring Monterey history. Check out the City of Monterey museums . And explore other local history spots, including the Royal Presidio Chapel and Heritage Museum, En Encinal Cemetery, and so much more.
The California History Room and Archives at the City of Monterey Public Library are a treasure chest for history researchers. Something about biking makes many of us want to sing while we’re pedaling! And when I wanted to find an early California children’s song for which the lyrics escaped me, where did I go? To the California History Room at the library!
Monterey Police Officers on bikes, at Larkin House on Calle Principal
At the Monterey State Historic Sites…
Where to get the most up-to-date info on Monterey State Historic Sites? Call 831-649-7118 with questions; you may want to speak with Jeannie Sturges, who has a wealth of info to share about local history sites. First, though, please refer to the California State Parks website, http://www.parks.ca.gov/mshp
There is an entire menu of web pages about the various historic sites, which are sure to pique a history buff’s interest! As of October 2010, two pages are especially relevant:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/mshp – The address takes you to this default page, which includes directions http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=575
And this page includes upcoming events: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24072
As of October 2010, California budget cuts mean some historic sites remain closed, others open on weekends only. No worries, visit the open sites, and also check out other ways to enjoy Monterey’s history: read on.
What’s behind those walls?
One positive exception to closed historic sites: as of May 2012, the museum store (and gardens) of the Cooper Molera Adobe remain open!
The Cooper Molera Adobe
Seeing the adobe from the street, you’d never guess what’s happening behind those walls. Many Monterey children have had the joy of a living history experience here during summer programs, and you can get a taste of that history too. And if you’re here during the winter holiday season, don’t miss Christmas in the Adobes!
Also known as “The Cooper House,” this historic adobe sits at the top of Alvarado Street, at the five-way intersection (including Munras and Alvarado). It is across the street from the Monterey’s downtown Monterey-Salinas Transit Center.
The Stevenson House
Leaving the Cooper House, bike along Pearl Street, which is on the left/north side of the Monterey-Salinas Transit Center. (You’ll bike between Ordway Pharmacy and the Transit Center.) Continue past the first stop sign. Then watch for the little Houston Street on your right, just after Alfredo’s Cantina, across from East Village Coffee Lounge.
Houston is a one-way street, with little traffic.
Make a right on Houston Street, and you’ll soon come to this doorway to the Stevenson House gardens!
State Historic Site gardens are open, 7 days a week
As of October 2010, all history gardens remain open 7 days a week from 10-4. Enjoy lingering on the same soil, sniffing many of the same scents, and otherwise sharing in the beauty that early residents and visitors experienced.
A notable exception is that occasionally a garden may be rented on weekends. This would most often happen at the Memory Garden, at Cooper Molera sometimes, and at Stevenson House least often. Don’t let that stop you, as even if one garden is rented, the others will still be open for public enjoyment.
Bicycling on the multi-use path near the entrance to Wharf #1 in Monterey, alongside the Custom House.
What kid–of any age–doesn’t like circling the fountain at Monterey’s Custom House Plaza?
Self-led tours of State Historic Sites
You may pick up a copy of a map on the door at the Custom House, which accompanies a two-minute phone tour of historic sites in the downtown area. Call (831) 998-9458 for the audio tour, which includes:
- Custom House
- Pacific House
- First Brick House
- Old Whaling Station
- California’s First Theater
- Casa Soberanes
- Larkin House
- Cooper-Molera Adobe
- Robert Louis Stevenson House
- Casa de Oro (J. Boston Store)
Self-led tours of Path of History
Or, if you’re biking the Monterey Path of History with an iPod, you may first want to download the free audio history tour provided by the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.seemonterey.com/docs/main_media_gallery/podcasts/thumb/mccvb-path-of-history-tour.mp3
It’s the law: safety and earplug use
For safety and to avoid a ticket (see DMV website; refer to VC 27400), remember to bike with one earplug out. This is essential to staying alert to sounds around you!
If you’re a person who really cares about sound quality, you may want to check out One Good Earbud.
Salinas
The official City of Salinas website has a brief intro on local history. The real goldmine on local history is found at the National Steinbeck Center! Not only is there history about literary great John Steinbeck, there is an agricultural museum for this Salad Bowl of America/the World too!
For history tours of Salinas, the Monterey County seat, see the “Biking Salinas” section of this guide.
Linda and Matt Greenlaw on arrival at the National Steinbeck Center.
As residents of Salinas, they are able to catch the many changing exhibitions and activities at Steinbeck.
More Monterey County history spots
Soledad
History spots abound in Monterey County! HER Helmet Thursdays participant Paraiso Vineyards is a neighbor to Soledad mission built in 1791. Visit the City of Soledad’s webpage about Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.
Another HER Helmet Thursday winery, Hahn SLH Estate Winery, is nearby too. What a lovely way to spend a day–exploring Monterey County history, biking, sipping wine, picnicking in vineyards, and more. (Don’t want to pack a picnic? Consider La Plaza Bakery & Cafe or Marisco’s Puerto Nuevo, which are also HER Helmet Thursdays spots!)
More help in getting around…
Also see “Bike Rentals in Monterey County, plus Self-Led and Guided Tours.“
