San Carlos Cathedral, Downtown Monterey

San Carlos Cathedral, also called Royal Presidio Chapel, in Downtown Monterey is a gorgeous church and well worth walking over to! Outside it looks a little rough, but inside it is in pristine condition. It is painted with the loveliest folk-style designs. Admire the gorgeous sculptures, including Saint Rosalia, who holds a skull on her hip, as a symbol of mortality. You can light a candle and say a prayer of thanks for your trip. A garden wraps around the church, with more sculptures hidden here and there. In October, there is a beautiful Day of the Dead display in front of the school office. 

After, walk over and have a chocolate croissant at Parker-Lusseau Pastries (closed Sun), run by a real Frenchman from Nantes. It is in a sweet historical adobe building with two tables on the front porch. There are restrooms at the Trader Joe's Market.
This church is part of the Path of History Walk in downtown Monterey. Walk over to Colton Hall and admire the mother and baby bears sculpture and the gorgeous gardens. Here you will find Moon Tree, a redwood that traveled to the moon and back as a seed on Apollo 14.
Dennis the Menace Playground is a ten minute walk away, along the lake. It is the most popular page on this website!

Directions

Open M-F 8:30-4, and for masses throughout the week.

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