Old Whaling Station Adobe - a white building sitting next to a body of water
1 / 10

Old Whaling Station Adobe

4.5
·19 reviews·Monterey, United States

Discover Monterey's past at the Old Whaling Station Adobe, featuring the West Coast's last whalebone sidewalk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Scheduled tour days

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Old Whaling Station Adobe - a white building sitting next to a body of water

Old Whaling Station Adobe

Best Time

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Scheduled tour days

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Monterey's past at the Old Whaling Station Adobe, featuring the West Coast's last whalebone sidewalk.

4.5
(19 reviews)

"A unique historical gem with a fascinating whalebone sidewalk, but plan event bookings carefully."

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Tour Times

Tours are typically Tuesdays & Thursdays. Always confirm availability before your visit.

Book Events Early

For weddings or events, contact well in advance due to potential response delays.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whalebone Sidewalk

Whalebone Sidewalk

Walk on history! The last whalebone sidewalk on the West Coast, a truly unique and memorable sight.

Historic Adobe Architecture

Historic Adobe Architecture

Step back in time in this well-preserved adobe building, showcasing Monterey's rich past.

Seasonal Greenery

Seasonal Greenery

After rains, the grounds burst with vibrant green grass and flowers, creating a picturesque setting.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Old Whaling Station Adobe offers tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you're planning a visit, especially for events, confirm tour availability and booking well in advance. Some visitors have reported slow response times for event inquiries, so early planning is key to avoid disappointment. Reddit

A Unique Sidewalk Experience

Don't miss the chance to see the last remaining whalebone sidewalk on the West Coast! This unique feature adds a fascinating historical touch to the adobe. It's a quirky detail that many visitors find memorable and photogenic. TikTok

Best Times

When
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Why
Scheduled tour days
Crowd
Low
When
After rains
Why
Grounds are lush and green
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

As the rains poured down last week, Monterey came alive with green grass, flowers and… mossy whalebones?! Stop by the Old Whaling Station to see a world of moss come to life on its whalebone sidewalk. 🐋 Today, ours is the last remaining whalebone sidewalk on the West Coast. But did you know another one of our park buildings had a whalebone sidewalk in the 1860s? Comment your guess and we may just...
montereystatehistoricpark
87 likes • 0 views

Confirm Tour Times

Tours are typically Tuesdays & Thursdays. Always confirm availability before your visit. Reddit

Book Events Early

For weddings or events, contact well in advance due to potential response delays. Reddit

The Choir groups had amazing performances at Christmas in the Adobes! That wraps up our Winter season, catch us next semester to hear our Spring Repertoire! Happy Holidays!
mhs.sings
70 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

Tell me about The Whaling Station in Monterey

Admire the Sidewalk

Don't miss the unique whalebone sidewalk – a true historical gem! TikTok

Enjoy the Scenery

The grounds are beautiful, especially after rain when they're full of color. TikTok

reddit.com

Whaling Station - absolutely the best steak and Oysters I’ve had!

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Tour Times

Tours are typically Tuesdays & Thursdays. Always confirm availability before your visit. Reddit

Book Events Early

For weddings or events, contact well in advance due to potential response delays. Reddit

Admire the Sidewalk

Don't miss the unique whalebone sidewalk – a true historical gem! TikTok

Enjoy the Scenery

The grounds are beautiful, especially after rain when they're full of color. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(19 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Old Whaling Station Adobe for its unique historical features, particularly the whalebone sidewalk and well-maintained grounds. However, some potential visitors have expressed frustration with slow response times and communication issues when inquiring about event bookings or tours, leading to disappointment for those traveling long distances. Reddit

"Well maintained, minimalist look due to recent trimmings. Some spurts of color returning."

David P. Hughey

"I had tried 4-5 times to contact them regarding booking my wedding there next year. It took several weeks to get a response. Yesterday we made plans to tour.

The manager Terry stated tours were available Tuesdays and Thursdays. I then told her I lived in Irvine which is almost 6 hours away, and could only come on a weekend.

Terry then said if I could definitely come Saturday (today) she would give me a tour. I thanked her and let her know I would get there by early afternoon (again it’s 6 hours north). I figured I would let her knows when I was an hour away.

I left at 7 am. Four hours into the drive I stopped for gas and saw she emailed me at 9 stating she would cancel if I didn’t tell her when I’d be there and soon.

I then emailed back and texted her stating I had already been driving for 4 hours. She canceled anyway stating it was her day off. And then said I could still go look in the window.

Are you kidding? Needless to say we are going with another venue. I would not invest money in this poorly managed venue. My dogs and I are now on our 4 hour drive back home."

Moon Tots

""

Heather Lang

What People Like

Unique whalebone sidewalk
Historic adobe charm
Picturesque grounds

What People Dislike

Slow communication
Booking issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Whaling Station Adobe is located in Monterey, California. It's accessible by car, with parking typically available nearby. Public transportation options may also serve the area. Reddit

While specific parking details can vary, visitors generally find parking options in the vicinity of the adobe. It's advisable to check for any posted parking restrictions. Reddit

While tours are the primary way to experience the interior, you can often view the exterior and the unique whalebone sidewalk without a formal tour. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tours are typically offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's crucial to confirm the exact hours and availability directly with the venue, as they can change. Reddit

For tours, it's recommended to book in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind. For general viewing of the exterior, tickets are usually not required. Reddit

Information on tour fees or entry costs should be verified directly with the venue. Some historical sites offer free general access but charge for guided tours. Reddit

Yes, the venue is available for events and weddings. However, potential clients have noted that booking inquiries may take time to receive a response. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The most distinctive feature is undoubtedly the whalebone sidewalk, the last of its kind on the West Coast. It's a fascinating piece of maritime history. TikTok

Tours offer a glimpse into the adobe's history, showcasing its architecture and the stories of its past inhabitants and the whaling industry. Reddit

The adobe's historic architecture and the unique whalebone sidewalk offer great photographic opportunities. The grounds can also be picturesque, especially after rain. TikTok

The venue has hosted events like Christmas in the Adobes, featuring musical performances. Check their schedule for any upcoming public events. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Whaling Station Adobe offers a unique educational experience for families. The whalebone sidewalk is a guaranteed point of fascination for children, sparking curiosity about marine life and history. While tours might be more engaging for older children, the exterior and grounds provide space for younger ones to explore. Consider visiting after a rain to enjoy the vibrant greenery, making it a more visually stimulating outing. TikTok

It's advisable to check tour availability and content to ensure it aligns with your children's interests and attention spans. The historical context of the whaling industry can be a great way to teach kids about local heritage in an accessible way. Remember to confirm any event booking policies if you're considering a family gathering or party at the venue. Reddit

💍 Couples & Event Planners

For couples seeking a unique venue, the Old Whaling Station Adobe offers historic charm. The picturesque grounds and the distinctive whalebone sidewalk provide a memorable backdrop for photos and intimate gatherings. However, potential clients are advised to initiate contact for event bookings very early, as response times can be lengthy. Reddit

While the adobe itself is a charming historical site, thorough communication with the management is crucial for a smooth planning process. Understanding the venue's policies, available dates, and any potential limitations will help ensure your special day is everything you envision. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Whalebone Sidewalk: A Maritime Marvel

The Old Whaling Station Adobe boasts a truly unique historical artifact: the last remaining whalebone sidewalk on the West Coast. This fascinating feature is a tangible link to Monterey's rich whaling past. Imagine the ships that once sailed these waters and the industry that shaped this coastal town. The whalebones, meticulously laid, create a distinctive pathway that is both a historical curiosity and a striking visual element. Visitors often express surprise and fascination upon encountering this unusual piece of history, making it a must-see during any visit. TikTok

This sidewalk isn't just a novelty; it's a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the era. It serves as a powerful reminder of the scale of the whaling industry and its impact on coastal communities like Monterey. The preservation of this sidewalk ensures that future generations can appreciate this unique aspect of maritime heritage. It’s a conversation starter and a memorable photo opportunity that sets the Old Whaling Station Adobe apart. TikTok

Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers

When planning a trip to the Old Whaling Station Adobe, it's wise to heed the advice of fellow travelers. Tours are generally available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it's essential to confirm these times directly with the venue. Some visitors have reported challenges with booking inquiries for events, noting that it can take several weeks to receive a response. If you're considering the adobe for a wedding or special occasion, start your planning and communication well in advance to avoid potential scheduling conflicts or delays. Reddit

Beyond tours, the grounds of the adobe are also worth appreciating. After rainfall, the area transforms with lush green grass and blooming flowers, offering a picturesque setting. This natural beauty, combined with the historic architecture, makes for a pleasant visit. While the interior offers a glimpse into the past, the exterior and its unique whalebone sidewalk provide ample points of interest for those who may not be able to secure a guided tour. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2