Wharf Walks Walking Tours

Details

• Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday
• Location: Fisherman's Wharf Association, 1 Old Fisherman's Wharf , Monterey, CA
• Phone: (831) 238-0777
• Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Price: Free event. Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email timsardine@yahoo.com. The tour is for ages 10-adult only, with no more than 15 people.
• Description:
  

  In 2024, Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf Association continues its popular Wharf Walks with award-winning Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author, Tim Thomas and these fascinating walks will be at no-charge to attendees and will continue to be held for free on every month on the first Saturday from 10 am - Noon. During his 2-hour tour, Tim will provide a cultural history tour of the Monterey Wharf and the surrounding neighborhood with the theme of "Tales of the Sea: Stories from the Monterey Bay"

  Tours will meet at the head of Old Fisherman's Wharf (near the pink "Harbor House" store, #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey).

   

  About Tim Thomas:

  Tim Thomas, fourth-generation native of the Monterey area, is a popular speaker and lively tour guide. For 16 years, he was historian and curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum and has worked with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He is author of "The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter," "The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula" and co-author of "Monterey's Waterfront." Tim is on the Board of Directors of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and serves as the Curator of the new Heritage Center/Museum at the JACL. Tim Thomas, along with his friend, Linda Yamane, is the 2023 recipient of the Ed Ricketts Memorial award, given by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

   

  About Wharf Walks:

  For thousands of years people have made their living fishing the Monterey Bay, beginning with the Rumsien Ohlone, the Native People of the Monterey area. From abalone to rockfish, everything was fished and utilized and the Monterey Bay was a multi-cultural stew, made up of whalers from the Azores, squid fishermen from China, salmon fishermen and abalone divers from Japan, and Sicilians fishing sardines in the "dark of the moon." This entertaining tour of Old Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront will take us back in time to explore the history of the Monterey Wharf, early history of the Monterey waterfront, The Rumsien/Ohlone People--Monterey's first fishermen, the abalone industry, whaling the bay and of course, the legendary sardine industry. Discover some of the people and cultures of Monterey's colorful past and hear fascinating stories about Old Fisherman's Wharf and those who worked and walked there. Learn more about the sardine and squid industry, too.

   

  About Old Fisherman’s Wharf:

   A top attraction on the Monterey Peninsula for decades, Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California has a rich history as a waterfront district that has been a hub for fishing and trade for over 179 years. Built in 1845 for regular passenger and freight service, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is conveniently located near Downtown Monterey, right off the Monterey Recreation Trail.

  The Wharf is home to many outstanding restaurants, fish markets, and gift shops that showcase the area's cultural heritage and local seafood cuisine.  It also offers whale watch and fishing trips, a glass bottom boat and sailing excursions as well as three candy shops. Enjoy award-winning dining, family-friendly special events, seeing an array of marine life, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay. Featuring both al fresco and indoor dining options, visitors can take in views of the beautiful Monterey Harbor or enjoy “people watching” while dining.

  Savor delicious cuisine at a myriad of fabulous restaurants featuring stunning views and award-winning Italian food, sustainable seafood, steaks and pizza, including the region’s famous clam chowder and calamari. Sample many flavors of salt water taffy, homemade chocolates, caramel apples, cotton candy and many other yummy treats at three candy shops and there is also an ice cream shop. View sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales, seabirds and other wildlife up close and personal that also share the Wharf. Watch people who have gone out and caught their own fish on the local and chartered fishing boats return with their own “catch of the day”.  Celebrate the first location in Monterey County where tender abalone was cooked and served in a restaurant. The Wharf features an array of gift shops and jewelry shops. Visitors can check out the many fun shops to find the perfect memento of their visit and a variety of unique gifts.

  In addition to dining and shopping, there are several attractions on Old Fisherman's Wharf, including four whale watching tour companies with knowledgeable marine biologists and naturalists, two fishing charters, sailing, and glass-bottom boat rides, which provide a unique glimpse into the underwater world of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

  As a top destination for visitors from across the globe, Old Fisherman's Wharf is known by many as the "Whale Watching Capital of the World" and attracts around 4 million visitors per year. Its Whalefest Monterey event (to be held on April 12-13, 2025) is an important event that attracts thousands of locals and visitors. Old Fisherman’s Wharf was also a main location for the filming of the hit HBO series, Big Little Lies, Season 1.

  Whether it's enjoying award-winning dining, viewing marine life up close, or strolling in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay, Old Fisherman's Wharf is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Monterey, California. There is ample parking in the adjacent parking lot and visitors should GPS to 201 Washington Street in Monterey.