Larkin House
Historic 1832 adobe home, a blend of Spanish Colonial and New England styles, believed to be California's first 2-story residence.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Interior tours available
Larkin House
Best Time
Interior tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1832 adobe home, a blend of Spanish Colonial and New England styles, believed to be California's first 2-story residence.
"A hidden treasure garden of solace and silent lucidity, perfect for reflection. "
🎯 Verify Tour Times
Interior tours are limited to Fri/Sat. Check hours online as on-site info can be unclear. :ticket:
🌸 Enjoy the Gardens
The gardens are often accessible even when the house is closed. A lovely spot for quiet reflection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Larkin House Gardens
Exterior grounds
A tranquil 'Garden of Solace' offering a peaceful retreat with benches and beautiful blooms.
Historic Adobe Architecture
Exterior
Admire the 1832 Spanish Colonial and New England-style architecture, California's first 2-story residence.
Lieutenant William T. Sherman's Quarters
Interior (during tours)
Learn about the historical significance of this site, once occupied by the future Civil War General.
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Planning Your Visit
Check Tour Availability
Embrace the Path of History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Tour Times
Interior tours are limited to Fri/Sat. Check hours online as on-site info can be unclear. :ticket:
🌸 Enjoy the Gardens
The gardens are often accessible even when the house is closed. A lovely spot for quiet reflection.
🚶♀️ Walk the Path of History
Larkin House is part of a larger historic walking tour. Great for exploring Monterey's past.
📸 Capture the Charm
The historic architecture and serene gardens make for beautiful photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Tour Times
Interior tours are limited to Fri/Sat. Check hours online as on-site info can be unclear. :ticket:
🌸 Enjoy the Gardens
The gardens are often accessible even when the house is closed. A lovely spot for quiet reflection.
🚶♀️ Walk the Path of History
Larkin House is part of a larger historic walking tour. Great for exploring Monterey's past.
📸 Capture the Charm
The historic architecture and serene gardens make for beautiful photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Larkin House for its beautiful, tranquil gardens and its significant historical architecture, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into early California. However, some find the tour availability inconsistent and on-site information lacking, leading to potential confusion about access.
"Exterior was open to the public with an informational QR code. The interior was only open on Fridays and Saturdays."
Marcha Rawson
"This is one of the stops of the Monterey Path of History. On my visit, the gardens were open and they were beautiful. It is definitely worth the stop. I would like to add that I have attempted to visit several other times within the open hours listed on Google and found that they were not open. Also, there is no signage on the home itself in any of the windows that would indicate whether or not this home is available for touring. I do realize this information may be available somewhere online, but it would be nice for tourists and locals alike for more information to be available on-site. Otherwise, two random garden doors marked "entrance" can be quite confusing as once you are back there it almost feels as though you are somewhere you are not supposed to be."
Kevin Wolff
"Very pleasant to be hanging around history. Larkin House and Sherman's Quarters offer a quiet garden with many benches.
This small adobe was built in 1834 by Thomas Oliver Larkin and has changed little from its construction.
In 1847, it was the quarters of Lieutenant William T. Sherman who was in charge of troops constructing a fort on the site of today's Presidio Military Reservation. Sherman would eventually achieve the rank of General in the American Civil War."
Pat R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Larkin House is located in Old Monterey. It's easily accessible by car, and parking can be found in nearby public lots. It's also a stop on the Monterey Path of History, making it walkable if you're exploring the downtown area.
Yes, Larkin House is a significant stop on the Monterey Path of History, which connects several important historic adobes and sites in the area.
Absolutely! Larkin House is a great stop for those on a California Highway 1 road trip, offering a glimpse into early California history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The interior of Larkin House is typically open for tours only on Fridays and Saturdays. It's crucial to check the official schedule as hours can vary.
Tours of the interior are usually $10 per person, with free admission for those 17 and under. The gardens are often accessible for free.
While not always required, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for specific tour times, to ensure your spot.
The gardens are generally accessible even when the house interior is closed, offering a peaceful space to explore. However, it's always best to confirm current access.
Some visitors have noted that on-site signage can be minimal or confusing, making it important to research tour availability and access points beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
The beautifully maintained gardens offer picturesque scenes with flowers and benches. The exterior architecture itself is also a great subject for photos.
Photography policies inside historic homes can vary. It's best to inquire with your tour guide upon arrival about restrictions.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Thomas Oliver Larkin was a prominent merchant and the first and only U.S. Consul to Mexican California. He built Larkin House in 1834.
Built in 1832, it's believed to be California's first two-story residence and played a role in early American expansion in California. It also served as quarters for Lt. William T. Sherman.
Yes, it was a center of American activity during the Mexican-American War and later housed Lt. William T. Sherman, who would become a famous Civil War general.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit to Larkin House with other family-friendly activities in Monterey, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium or a walk along Cannery Row. The Path of History itself can be an engaging way to introduce kids to local history in a less formal setting.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
For a deeper dive, explore the entire Monterey Path of History, which includes Larkin House and other historic adobes. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of Monterey's evolution.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Larkin House Gardens
These gardens provide a wonderful opportunity for photography, capturing the interplay of historic architecture and natural beauty. The tranquility of the space makes it a refreshing stop for both locals and tourists seeking a moment of calm.
Understanding the History of Larkin House
The house was built by Thomas Oliver Larkin, a prominent merchant and the first U.S. Consul to Mexican California, making it a hub of American activity during a pivotal period. During the Mexican-American War, Larkin House served as a key location for American forces. Later, in 1847, it became the quarters for Lieutenant William T. Sherman, who was tasked with overseeing troops constructing a fort. Sherman would go on to become a renowned General in the American Civil War.
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