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Original Monterey Walking Tours: Historic Exploration
4.7
23 Ratings
Monterey
The top historical tours of Monterey are best enjoyed on foot through the Original Monterey Walking Tours. Discover the Birthplace of California through an experience that is equally engaging, enlightening, and amusing for every age group.
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Monterey State Historic Park - We will see and visit many historic buildings and sites, including some State Park properties.
- Colton Hall Museum - Visit California’s “Constitution Hall”.
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The Original Monterey Walking Tours - guided tours of historic Monterey and Cannery Row - The best tours of historic Monterey are up close and on foot with the Original Monterey Walking Tours.
Visit historic buildings and sites on a highly rated experience that’s interesting, informative and fun for all ages.
![](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/07/7d/e7/46.jpg)
What's Included
- Personable and knowledgeable tour guide
What's Not Included
- gratuities
Location
3 Portola Plaza
Portola Plaza
At the statue of Portola , in front of the Portola Hotel, in Portola Plaza.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(23 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Randi_w
Apr 29, 2024
Filled with information - This was a very interesting tour learned a lot of the history of Monterey tour guide did a great job with colorful stories
Review provided by Viator
Tanef2018
Apr 9, 2024
You won’t regret a tour with Shirley. Outstanding in every way - It was a 10! Shirley was so knowledgable and enthusiastic. Promptly met us, and even went overtime to show us some extra things since it was just us two. Really happy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valarie_f
Mar 10, 2024
Informative, Enjoyable tour. - The history of the constitution of CA, looking at the writings of each person in the same building the convention was held. Looking at the different professions and length of time the person was in CA. Fascinating that a person living in CA 3 months would be included in the creation.
Import taxation was at the Bay of Monterey. Ships coming in to San Diego did not have customs/taxation origionally.
Review provided by Viator
Nemotrip
Feb 24, 2024
Excellent tour of historic Monterey buildings - Thom’s enthusiasm for Monterey (and California) history and architecture comes through clearly in his walking tour. Most of the tour is easy going, there’s only one serious staircase at Colton Hall. Happy to recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X8866flvirginiac
Dec 31, 2022
A view of Cannery Row for visitors and locals! - Two locals and two visitors walked the streets of Cannery Row with Thom as our guide. The gray day with on and off sprinkles was filled with the Cannery Row of Steinbeck as well as the eclectic mix of homes and businesses that dot the area today. Thom is so very knowledgeable but yet his delivery is as if he is showing friends around town. Book with Thom. You will not be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raggawal77
Dec 5, 2022
Highly recommend! - Monterey is such a quaint town, and Tom’s historical guidance through the town brought it to life. Learned a lot and enjoyed Tom’s humor. Leaving with a new sense of appreciation for Monterey! Would definitely recommend this tour when in town. You’ll learning about the area and overall history of California.Thanks, Tom Diggins!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James
Aug 5, 2022
Knowledgeable and friendly guide - My wife and I really enjoyed the walking tour! We did the afternoon tour of Monterey. Thom was a knowledgeable and friendly guide. We had fun and learned a lot!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide366195
Nov 24, 2021
Look at Monterey in a whole new way - My family did a tour with Tom for my father's 80th birthday and the tour was a great hit with everyone. Even as frequent visitors to the area, little did we know the important role Monterey played in both California's and the US's formation- all of our minds were blown. The tour was a very pleasant walk around key points in downtown Monterey, it was well planned and delivered. Tom was a great guide, lots of fun and enthusiastic about his expertise, and the value was unbeatable. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anna_k
Sep 5, 2021
Monterey is super special.. knew it all along - Tom solidified with the tour! - We have a vacation home in Monterey.. so we claim to know the area.. we learned a lot from Tom! He reminded me of my Dad.. who is a resident expert historian of many areas.. and he told the story of Monterey as we walked around. I loved knowing how special Monterey is to California's story and how it came to be.. why not Monterey as the capitol? My teenage kids enjoyed it too - it was a great family affair. We love tours.. it's hard to do it yourself.. why not let an expert show you around? It was long overdue for us! Sometimes it was hard to hear with the traffic, but that's part of the city!!! We like it.. we debriefed over our dinner and we all agreed it was a nice 2 hour afternoon - and we are much better educated - and think Monterey is super special!
Review provided by Viator
Bob_c
Apr 19, 2022
Nice Lady Shirley.... - Nice Lady Shirley.
However tour has gone down hill since years earlier.
Buildings closed and looks like the city of Monterey is more interested in tourism and not founding fathers history sites.
Extremely disappointed from taking on my own years ago.
Started 15 minutes late waiting for no shows.
Review provided by Viator
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