Royal Presidio Chapel / San Carlos Cathedral

Fr. Junipero Serra and the Gaspar Portola Expedition founded the Presidio of Monterey and Mission at this site in June 1770. Monterey can truly be called the Plymouth Rock of the Pacific Coast.

The Heritage Center Museum displays many artifacts discovered during the 2006-2008 conservation effort as well as other historic items. Numerous panels replete with historic images, pictures and graphics explain the history of Alta [Upper] California. Visitors can also take self-guided or docent led tours of the adjacent Cathedral building and grounds.