Situated in the hills east of the City of Monterey and west of Salinas Del Rey Oaks includes Stone Creek shopping center, a nature trail in the Frog Pond Preserve and Del Rey Oaks Golf Club.
Del Rey Oaks was established as a city in 1953. Del Rey
Oaks and its surrounding Monterey County region hold a rich history as one
of the oldest settlements in the State of California. Near Del Rey
Oaks is a restaurant that not only offers a beautiful setting but is of
historical interest. Tarpy's Roadhouse is popular for its cuisine and catered events. It was named for the lynching of Matt Tarpy on March 17, 1873 for the murder of his neighbor, Mrs. Sarah Nicholson.
The stone building that houses Tarpy's Roadhouse was originally the Ryan
Ranch family homestead that dated to the early 1900's. The house took almost 10
years to build.
Tarpy's Roadhouse, 2999 Monterey Salinas Highway, Phone: (831) 647-1444. Matt Tarpy immigrated from Ireland to California in 1851. Living in south Santa Cruz county with a wife and three daughters, he became known as a fiery supporter of the Democratic party and a force behind the Pajaro Property Protective Society. Lawlessness such as thefts of land in Pajaro Valley were a source of violent disputes, including one that brought the demise of this well-meaning vigilante. Tarpy was hanged from a tree in this region. Getting to Del Rey Oaks: From Highway 101, exit S. Sanborn Rd and travel west to E. Blanco Road. This road intersects Highway 68, Monterey Salinas Highway. Turn onto this road, where you will pass Toro Regional Park and Laguna Seca Golf Club. Canyon del Rey will signal your arrival in Del Rey Oaks.