A Monterey Tour: A Guide to its Pirate History

If you thought pirates only sailed the seas around the Caribbean and Atlantic, then you’d be mistaken. While the West Coast doesn’t have the same relationship with pirates as some of its counterparts, pirates were drawn to the area thanks to gold-laden Spanish ships making their way to Asia. On this walking tour around the park surrounding the Presidio of Monterey Museum, I’ll share Monterey Bay’s rich pirate history with you.

The tour takes you from the 18th century cannon outside the museum, through museum field and down Artillery Street to the historical Portola-Serra Landing Site. There you’ll hear how Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino set up a port of call over 400 years ago. You’ll then make your way to ther Lower Presidio Historic Park and the Junipero Serra monument. While you learn about the El Castillo fortress that once stood in the park, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Monterey Harbor and Fisherman's Wharf.

Along the way, you’ll:

• Find out about the Spanish search for a safe bay to protect their ships from British pirates
• Walk in the footsteps of renowned Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, who stayed in Monterey for three months in 1879 before penning one of the most famous pirate stories of all time
• Stand where pirate cannon fire once exploded onto the walls of a small Spanish fortress
• Learn about the fate of the famed Vizcaino-Serra Oak tree
• Relive the only land-to-sea battle in the history of California

While this 40-minute walk will shed light on the area’s mystery-enshrouded pirate history, I’ll also pepper in interesting facts and fascinating tidbits about Monterey’s general history.You'll also want to give yourself plenty of time to explore Carmel’s shops or the sea life at the Aquarium. Let's sail the seven seas of history and delve into the dirty deeds and hi-jinks of these historic characters.