Old Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Wharf
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Gift shops and stores fill this part of town.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,774 reviews
Excellent
965
Very good
1,062
Average
602
Poor
107
Terrible
38
angie g
Marysville, CA33 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Years ago, this was a really cute stop for the family. Now it is just a tourist trap with a bunch of stores that have the usual tourist T-shirts and stuff. There are a few places to eat but not that amazing. It also needs to be cleaned up a little, because it was looking rundown. Are used to be a lot of wildlife there to view, but it wasn’t there any longer.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff R
Sacramento, CA1,046 contributions
Nov 2022
Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey is a fun excursion with food, treats, shops, whale watching boats and restaurants. A great place for a strolling couple or the whole family.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oliver S
New York City, NY11,306 contributions
Nov 2022
Fine dining this isn’t
If you like views, fried seafood, overpriced clam chowder, limited wine list and distracted service with Spanish accent, this is the place for you. Mind you, the cabs cannot go on the pier, so you’ll have to walk to it all the way to the end of the pier, 2 minutes walk, but unpleasant if the weather is cold and windy…
**
If you like views, fried seafood, overpriced clam chowder, limited wine list and distracted service with Spanish accent, this is the place for you. Mind you, the cabs cannot go on the pier, so you’ll have to walk to it all the way to the end of the pier, 2 minutes walk, but unpleasant if the weather is cold and windy…
**
Written 5 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deb W
Reno, NV2,430 contributions
Nov 2022
This area is like a small version of the wharf in San Francisco. We got to see a couple of sea lions. It's mostly restaurants and touristy shops.
Written 16 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SueBlue962
Darien, CT898 contributions
Sep 2022
It was too crowded with tourists for us to stay much longer than a quick stop to check out the seals and sea lions. We had wanted to have a quick lunch, but again way too crowded. My husband went by there the next morning on his run and said that it was empty, but too early for me.
Written 4 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anonymous P
Holbrook28 contributions
Sep 2022
There were 200 seals there when we went and it was phenomenal--although there was a shark scare that caused that phenomenon.
We paid $1 to park for an hour and it was a nice visit in September 2022.
We paid $1 to park for an hour and it was a nice visit in September 2022.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA1,785 contributions
Sep 2022
The wharf is filled with restaurants, ice cream/dessert shops and other shops that mostly cater to tourists. We ate at one of the restaurants and it was very good - so don't let the touristy area fool you! This is well worth a visit.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
evansvuk
Horsham, PA302 contributions
Sep 2022
Worth a quick stop but nothing more. Lots of seals and sea lions. There was a nice market on Saturday with lots of crafts and live music. Dali exhibit was very cool.
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Irlantilainen
Kajaani, Finland389 contributions
Sep 2022
A lot of tourist tack, but the sunset arrival of hundreds of seals to sleep on the beach makes it a must see.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Solami
Boston, MA27 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We liked this place. Yes it’s a bit of a tourist trap but I’m a tourist. We had dinner and watched some sea life and other people. The seals were fun to watch. Very entertaining.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Johnny M
San Juan, Puerto Rico12 contributions
Will there be any kind of special celebration for the 4th of July?
desending
Eastvale, CA428 contributions
1. Visit Monterey Aquarium. 2 Old Cannery. 3 Atos. 4. Carmel. The winery to many to name. Check Big Sur
Camping. But it might be full. And crowded with people.
So plan on staying the night there to rest. And relax a little. Remember have fun and be safe!!!!😎😤
kj1234
hants, uk538 contributions
Is there somewhere to watch the fishermen bring their catch in and if so, at what sort of time of day & where? Thanks
Larry C
Fresno, CA147 contributions
There are two different places the main pier and then there's a pier little bit farther north they fish off of both of them and because it's pier fishing almost anytime
Diana P
Charlotte, NC41 contributions
I recently became wheel-chair bound. Will I be able to get around the area, and into most restaurants and shops? Is the wharf boards or concrete? Thanks !
LQGuy
Napa, CA653 contributions
This is a dense area. In high season (roughly May through October) it's over-run with tourists and can be difficult to navigate on foot. I imagine a wheelchair adds an extra layer of difficulty with that.
The boardwalk is mostly concrete. There are some areas with plank sidewalks. Most of the shops have fairly wide open doorways.
Most restaurants will certainly have first floor access.
I think you'll be fine. Just pack some patience! This is true whether in a wheelchair or walking! As a local, I avoid this area during high season! Enjoy!
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Old Fisherman's Wharf (Monterey) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Fisherman's Wharf
- We recommend booking Old Fisherman's Wharf tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Old Fisherman's Wharf tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Old Fisherman's Wharf:
- (0.41 km) Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
- (0.42 km) Hotel Pacific
- (0.55 km) Monterey Marriott
- (0.92 km) Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
- (0.80 km) Monterey Bay Inn
- Restaurants near Old Fisherman's Wharf:
- (0.03 km) Water and Leaves
- (0.03 km) Abalonetti Bar and Grill
- (0.05 km) Domenico's On the Wharf
- (0.06 km) Cafe Fina
- (0.08 km) Old Fisherman's Grotto
- Attractions near Old Fisherman's Wharf:
- (0.05 km) Discovery Whale Watch
- (0.09 km) Monterey Bay Whale Watch
- (0.08 km) Princess Monterey Whale Watching
- (0.12 km) Chris' Fishing Trips & Whale Watching
- (0.19 km) Monterey Bay Food Tours