Sunday, February 23, 2014

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Our itinerary for the day includes having a big breakfast and burning it off by taking the Path of History Walking Tour to the historic buildings around Old Monterey. The map is free-you can get it at the Visitors Center on Camino El Estero at El Estero Park or at the Pacific House Museum at Monterey State Historic Park off Alvarado St near Fisherman’s Wharf.

We begin our walk from the parking lot off the National Rail-Trail Network on Del Monte Blvd. The short walk along the Rec Trail goes by Monterey State Beach with gorgeous scenic views of the wharf area and the sandy beaches with cypress trees looming in the foreground.

Our breakfast stop at the Old Monterey Cafe on Alvarado St. This is a nice little place with friendly service and good food. I have my usual waffle combo with eggs & bacon and Michael goes for the avocado & bacon omelette with crispy hash browns & biscuits and gravy. 

We walk a few blocks to El Estero Park to pick up a walking map at the Visitors Center.

These are sites around Monterey Historic State Park & the Plaza:

Sensory Garden:

Sites on Scott St:

Sites on Van Buren:

Sites at the Presidio with views of Monterey Bay:

Sites on Pacific St: 

Sites on Pierce St: 

Sites on Dutra St:

Sites on Pacific St:

Outdoor sculptures at the Monterey Museum of Art:

Friendly Plaza:

Sites on Jefferson St:

Sites on Calle Principal:

Sites on Polk St, Harnell:

Sites on Houston & Webster:

Sites on Church St:

Sites on Tyler:

Sites on Alvarado:

Back to Plaza area:

This Path of History Walk is very well marked with signs posted at every site-just follow the yellow markers embedded in the walkway. It’s a great way to explore the city. There are plenty of places to stop for a snack and or a rest along the route. Take the time to walk up to the Presidio-the views are phenomenal!

The maps below are about the same with one showing just a little more detail than the other.  Click here to read the details of the historic buildings

You can also do the Cell Phone Tour.

FYI-If you don’t mind walking, there are a few places you can park for free with no time restrictions. On Sundays, you can park for free on the city streets from Franklin St southward around the neighborhoods and commercial business areas-about 2 blocks away from the busy wharf area. The small parking lot at El Estero Park off Camino El Estero is also free any day of the week. The other free daily parking lot is on Del Monte Blvd off the National Rail-Trail Network across from the Naval Postgraduate School. The $$ you save on parking can go towards lunch or dinner!