Business Directory

Custom House Store

Location
1 Custom House Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
831-649-7111
www.mshpa.org/shop

The Monterey State Historic Park Association (MSHPA) is proud to announce the opening of their new gift shop location in the historic Custom House. The shop specializes in locally made greeting cards, crafts, games, and books on Monterey history. It is staffed entirely by volunteers; proceeds support the park's educational programs. We welcome you to visit us seven days a week!

The Custom House was first constructed in 1827 by the Mexican government to collect custom duties from foreign shipping at a time when Monterey was the capital of Alta California, Mexico’s northernmost province. In 1841, Thomas O. Larkin, U.S. Consul to Alta California, contracted with the Mexican government to rebuild and expand the Custom House into its present form. It was here that Commodore John Drake Sloat raised the American flag in July 1846, officially claiming California as a U.S. territory.

Location

Custom House Store
1 Custom House Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
831-649-7111
www.mshpa.org/shop
Get Directions

Posts

  • Los Exploradores de Monterey Summer Day Camp 2025

    Monterey, CA

    California State Parks presents Los Exploradores de Monterey Summer Day Camp at Monterey State Historic Park, a day camp for students grades 3-5.

    In this unique summer program, day campers will experience Monterey's historical buildings and colorful gardens through hands-on activities and interactive guided tours. All four 5-day sessions will be held in June and July. Learn more.

Upcoming Events

  • Free Art and Literature Tours in Monterey State Historic Park

     
    6/12/25
     
    free
     
    Custom House Store

    Monterey State Historic Park is celebrating California State Parks Week , June 12-15! Join us for free special tours departing daily at 12:30pm from Custom House in Downtown Old Monterey. Registration is recommended (search by date).

    On Thursday (6/12) and Saturday (6/14), Monterey State Historic Park is offering a free Arts and Literature Tour, where we'll explore Monterey's historic cultural importance. In addition to hearing passages read aloud about the Monterey Bay area by notable writers, you'll be able to view some of the park’s impressive art pieces, especially when the tour makes its way inside Casa Soberanes.