Originally served by the Monterey and Salinas Valley Railroad, the line was purchased by Southern Pacific on September 29, 1879.

The Monterey and Pacific Grove Railway opened a streetcar extension to the station in 1892,[1] providing local connections until about 1923.

The depot was converted to retail space, and is occupied by a brewpub as of 2019[update].

[3] Restoration of service along the Monterey Branch Line was studied in the 1984–89 Caltrans passenger rail development plan.

[4] Later suggestions call for establishment of light rail service along the Monterey Branch Line, but the Monterey stop is planned to be located at the Custom House Plaza.