Lower Presidio Historic Park.mp4

Historic Hidden Gem

Visit the hidden gem Lower Presidio Historic Park in Monterey

Smack in the middle of Monterey, and featuring a phenomenal view of the bay and the harbor, Lower Presidio Historic Park is truly an undiscovered gem. In fact, some historians have called it “the most historically significant site on the West Coast of America.” Indeed, historical events here span eras of Native Americans, the Spanish and Mexican periods, through to invading Americans and the stationing of Buffalo Soldiers and development of the Defense Language Institute.

The park’s less-visited status might be because the entrance into the park looks quite formal, located on a protected preserve of the U.S. Army. This place is open and very welcoming to the public—and it’s well worth a visit. The hilltop, marked by the impressive Sloat Monument—a massive granite eagle—has featured prominently in much of the state’s evolution.

Placards throughout the park provide history and context as you wend your way up the path. There’s a museum that’s free to visit on weekends, with a docent on site. Opposite the Sloat Monument and across the parking area, you’ll find the Lower Presidio’s Harbor Trail, a short and easy path documenting details of Monterey’s First Peoples—the Esselen and Rumsien Ohlone—and of the Bouchard Monument, named for a Navy commander from Argentina who was viewed by Californians as a rebellious pirate (!), and the Junipero Serra Monument.

The vista from here is nothing short of sublime, whether the coast is clear or distant fog is rolling in … sailboats bob in the sea, and the colorful wharf buildings brighten up the setting.

BEER BUZZ: Dust Bowl Brewing Company in downtown Monterey is a must-stop Tap Depot for those who like a great atmosphere with their tasty beer (24 taps, to be precise). The front patio is where you go to play some corn-hole and the back patio here is casual and warmed by a fire-pit and heaters on cooler days. Eclectic varieties of beer include Peace, Love, and Haze, Taco Truck Amber, and the Cherry Pie Picker (Stout).

MORE BUZZ: If you like an authentic local coffee roaster, head to the best coffee in Monterey at Captain and Stoker. This is not a hidden gem, because the coffee is that good. So you’ll stand in line, but it’s worth it for that classic cup of … what’s it gonna be, The Captain, or The Stoker?

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View