The city's main art museum occupies two buildings in the old town, a short walk from the Custom House. The permanent collection focuses on California art — particularly the work of photographers and painters who came to the Monterey Peninsula in the early 20th century, drawn by the light, the cypress trees, and the coast. Ansel Adams photographed here early in his career; Edward Weston spent most of his working life in nearby Carmel. The Pacific Rim collection, including Asian and Latin American art, is also strong.
The La Mirada property, the museum's second building, is a 19th-century adobe with formal gardens that hosts the decorative arts collection. Closed Tuesday.
559 Pacific St, Monterey.