Fisherman's Wharf Tours

Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring boating and general coastal views as well as a large group of people
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes signage, markets and food
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes street scenes
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring food
Fisherman\'s Wharf showing food


Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular waterfront area that played a major role in the development of Monterey. After serving as a busy port toward the end of the 19th century, it is today a diverse district that draws crowds with its seafood restaurants, lively bars and souvenir shops. Admire the excellent views of the ocean in this old-world harbor.

Snap photos of the elegant Custom House that marks the entrance to the wharf. Dating back to 1827, the adobe structure has a Spanish-colonial style and marks the place where the American flag was hoisted in 1846 to declare California part of the United States. Visit the Museum of Monterey beside the house to learn about the intriguing marine history of the region.

Stroll along the main walkway of the wharf with your family, making stops at various stores. The wharf contains a mixture of restaurants, jewelry stores, gift shops and art galleries. Bring the kids to the colorful candy shops.

In addition to being an entertainment hub, the wharf still serves as a port offering ocean tours. Embark on a fishing trip or take a whale-watching tour for a closer look at these majestic creatures. Rent a boat for sailing on scenic Monterey Bay. Sea lions lazily sun themselves here on buoys and moored boats.

Return at dusk and watch the sunset over the wharf. Enjoy a romantic view of the water while you dine on fish fries and seafood options at one of the restaurants.

After the collapse of the sardine industry in the 1940s, the wharf shifted its focus from fishing to leisure. Note that many locals refer to this area as the Old Fisherman’s Wharf to differentiate it from Municipal Wharf II.

Enter the wharf for free. It is mostly pedestrianized and open at all times to the public.

Fisherman’s Wharf is on the harbor in the central part of Monterey. Take a bus to a nearby stop or ride the free trolley service. The wharf is south of San Carlos Beach Park and west of Monterey Beach House.

Plan a trip to see Fisherman's Wharf

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Appellation Healdsburg

Reviews of Fisherman's Wharf

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1283
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
1138
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
202
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
26
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

limited handicapped parking.

3/5 - Okay

Shelley

If you don't like crowded and searching endlessly for parking close to the shops, don't go. Otherwise prepare yourself for this.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The Whale Fest was on and we went there by free Trolley Car (didn't have to drive)!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fishing was amazing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Sail Monterey 2-hour cruise is a great experience. Cioppino at the Big Fish was delish.

5/5 - Excellent

DonH

Highly recommend Scales and Dominicos. Great food at both locations. Stay far away from Crab Louies unless you like stale bread bowls and microwave Costco appetizers.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Fisherman's Wharf

The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The Monterey Hotel
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Stargazer Inn and Suites

Stargazer Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
1046 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
Stargazer Inn and Suites
Hotel Pacific

Hotel Pacific

3.5 out of 5
300 Pacific St, Monterey, CA
Hotel Pacific
Merritt House Hotel

Merritt House Hotel

2 out of 5
386 Pacific St., Monterey, CA
Merritt House Hotel
Monterey Marriott

Monterey Marriott

3.5 out of 5
350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Monterey Marriott
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG

InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG

4.5 out of 5
750 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fisherman's Wharf

At Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, visitors can enjoy breathtaking ocean views and engage in various recreational activities. Birdwatching opportunities abound, allowing nature enthusiasts to observe local wildlife. Don't miss the chance to relax at nearby Carmel Beach, where the stunning coastline provides a perfect backdrop for a day of sun and surf. With its scenic beauty and outdoor fun, Fisherman's Wharf is an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

At Fisherman's Wharf, you can enjoy shopping at the Del Monte Shopping Center, just 1 mile away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Additionally, Steinbeck Plaza, located 0.9 miles away, and the American Tin Cannery, also 1 mile away, provide a delightful shopping experience.

Recreation

Discover the serene vibes at Lovers Point, perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature. For an active day, head to Del Monte Golf Course for a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Families can enjoy fun at Dennis the Menace Playground, offering outdoor activities for all ages.

Adventure

Experience high-speed thrills at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 8 miles from Fisherman's Wharf, perfect for motorsport enthusiasts. For outdoor fun, stroll along the scenic Waterfront, only 0.5 miles away, or hike the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trailhead, 26 miles away, for breathtaking scenery.

Nightlife

At Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden State Theatre offers romantic and cultural performances just 0.3 miles away. For adventure, the Monterey Mirror Maze & Lazer Challenge, located 0.9 miles away, provides thrilling fun. The MPC Theatre Company, 1 mile away, features engaging shows for the whole family.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California, offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including beautiful beaches, scenic harbor views, and cultural experiences. Families can enjoy nearby highlights such as the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and the vibrant atmosphere of the wharf itself. With its charming streets and marine life, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy at this iconic destination.

  • Cannery Row: A vibrant street filled with shops, restaurants, and historical significance, Cannery Row offers a lively atmosphere reminiscent of its fishing heritage. Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the city vibes while exploring the unique boutiques and local eateries.
  • Carmel Beach: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Carmel Beach boasts soft white sands and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. Perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, or enjoying a sunset, this beach exudes a relaxing ambiance that invites visitors to unwind.
  • Presidio of Monterey: This civic area combines rich history with a friendly community vibe. Visitors can explore its beautiful grounds, historical sites, and often engage with welcoming locals, making it a charming spot to experience the area's culture.

Best time to go to Fisherman's Wharf

The best time to visit Fisherman's Wharf can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Fisherman's Wharf falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Fisherman's Wharf falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April54.5°F (12.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.0°F (17.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October61.3°F (16.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fisherman's Wharf

To save money during your trip to Fisherman's Wharf, visit in March or December to January when prices are lower, avoiding the high season from July to September. Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday is the most expensive. Use Expedia to find great deals by sorting prices from low to high, and consider booking a package deal to combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future hotel stays, maximizing your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fisherman's Wharf are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fisherman's Wharf is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Fisherman's Wharf is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Fisherman's Wharf with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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