We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey, CA
831-649-6544
Update attraction details
Ranked #16 of 47 activities in Monterey
Type: Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks, Neighborhoods
Activities: Shopping
Traveler Description: Monterey Fisherman Wharf Area has restaurants, unique tourist shops, whale watching opportunities, bay cruises,and fishing and sailing excursions. more »
Write a Review

411 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    139
    158
    89
    17
    8
Date Rating
Top Contributor
94 reviews 94 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

Go out on the wharf, they made a cool little dock below, on the water, just for the sea lions, there must have been at least. Loads of people for watching, massive (mostly sailboats) marina adjacent. Whale watching tours launch point from the wharf where all the shops and restaurants are located.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

The food was wonderful, I was nervous because I read reviews where the fear of taking children was significant. On the menu it does state that small criying children are distracting. This was my second time visiting, previously in December. My daughter is 6 and does not have an issue with boredom. Both times we had reservations and had amazing... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Bets1990 for Monterey
Salt Lake City, Utah
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

So ok it's not the biggest baddest tourist type area around, but there is a LOT more to monterey then just Fisherman's Wharf, there's the nicklecade arcade for kids and adults alike, the old wax museum, fisherman's wharf, wine tasting, monterey bay aquarium, and of so much more to see and do, so much that we always made a who,e... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
TN
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

Lots of restaurants urging u to taste their clam chowder, seatings with bay views and lines of shops with eclectic knick knacks and clothing..what is not to love.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by yatree for Monterey
Titusville
Top Contributor
317 reviews 317 reviews
201 attraction reviews
Reviews in 114 cities Reviews in 114 cities
94 helpful votes 94 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2013

We walked the beautifully planned walkway along the shore and ended up at Old Fisherman's Wharf on a Sunday afternoon which meant it was "people watching time". Everything from pan handlers to street cuisine. Most of the restaurants had displays of their major dishes which I thought was a good idea and most offered window seats of the harbor. The... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 15 more reviews by James H for Monterey
Tampere, Finland
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2013

Nice attraction place. The harbour seals very more interesting than in the Pear 39 in San Francisco. I wonder why there were parking fees although the harbour was nearly empty

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Tuula2701 for Monterey
Seattle, Washington
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 4, 2013

The natural things are best, water sky birds seals and sun. Nice drive to get here. Saw cattle on spring green grass hills. Walking on the wooden wharf sounds good. Lots of people. Did enjoy the setting. Wanted fish and chips. So many choices. Did have same result...flat piece of something white. Not good. From Seattle , used to better... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Singapore
Top Contributor
67 reviews 67 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
73 helpful votes 73 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 26, 2013

We made a stopover at the Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey for lunch enroute to the 17-mile drive. There were so many restaurants it was difficult to pick one. Many of them were giving out clam chowder samples outside and offering great views inside. In the end, I can't remember the name of the restaurant we chose. In comparison, I'd... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Ham Lake, Minnesota
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 25, 2013

Very trendy location with a vast amount of restaurants to choose from. My impression is that it's a very laid back area. We witnessed many Harbor Seals at the local beach (seating available) and Sea Lions at the backside of the dock, behind the restaurants. Very fun time.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by FollysJourneys for Monterey
Saint Louis, Missouri
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 16, 2013

it's your basic tourist trap (typical touristry shops where you can buy all things Monterey or California) but it's a fun walk to stretch your legs. We stayed at the Spindrift Inn (awesome) which is right on the Wharf.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by ElBirdos for Monterey

Travelers who viewed Old Fisherman's Wharf also viewed

Monterey, Monterey Peninsula
Monterey, Monterey Peninsula
 
Monterey, Monterey Peninsula
Monterey, Monterey Peninsula
 

Been to Old Fisherman's Wharf? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Old Fisherman's Wharf, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing