The Old Whaling Station was built in 1847 by Scottish adventurer, David Wight, as a home for his wife and daughter. The Wights lived in the home for a short time before leaving to explore the California gold fields.

In 1855, the Old Whaling Station Company began using the adobe for onshore whaling operations, hence the unusual name. Local legend has it that whalers kept their look-out from the upstairs windows which had unobstructed panoramic views of the bay

When the whaling business waned at the turn of the century, the building fell into disrepair. Since 1980, the Old Whaling Station has been leased by the Junior League of Monterey County Inc. from the California State Department of Parks and Recreation. Through the Junior League s efforts, the property has undergone extensive restoration.The result is a beautiful adobe complete with period antiques and furnishings.

The Old Whaling Station is adjacent to the First Brick House of California which the Junior League of Monterey County renovated into a self-guided museum. Both buildings are nationally registered historic landmarks.