Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey: Address, Phone Number, Old Fisherman's Wharf Reviews: 4/5
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Wharf
4
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Gift shops and stores fill this part of town.
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The area
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Restaurants
387 within 3 miles
Loulou's Griddle In The Middle
1,368
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Diner
Sandbar & Grill
895
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Old Fisherman's Grotto
2,459
280 ft$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Seafood • Soups
Cafe Fina
557
182 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Steakhouse • Seafood
Peter B's Brewpub
646
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Brew Pub • Bar
Domenico's On the Wharf
995
159 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Soups
Crêpes of Brittany
144
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • French • Cafe
Montrio Bistro
1,246
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Abalonetti Bar and Grill
587
107 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Pizza
The Grotto Fish Market
164
242 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Soups
Attractions
251 within 6 miles
Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater
5
264 ftTheaters
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
26
0.1 miBiking Trails
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
57
0.1 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Monterey Municipal Wharf 2
51
0.2 miPiers & Boardwalks
Monterey State Historic Park
168
0.2 miState Parks
Museum of Monterey
59
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Coast Guard Pier
269
0.3 miPiers & Boardwalks
Pacific House Museum
30
0.2 miHistory Museums
Monterey Harbor Marker
2
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Custom House
28
0.2 miArchitectural Buildings
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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
2,763 reviews
Excellent
961
Very good
1,060
Average
599
Poor
106
Terrible
37
TheExplorerFamily
Somerset, NJ6,333 contributions
The Wharf was built in 1846 by a Shipping Company to bring in shipments of Lumber and all kinds of Fish – large and small – to this area. Today, the commercial area serves as a unique tourist attraction full of Seafood Restaurants and kitschy Souvenir Stores with a Pirate Theme. There is a Beach on the other side and a Pier that was safe to walk around in. Luckily, as tourists, we were able to come on a weekday, so the place was not that crowded.
We had a delicious lunch at the Rockfish Harbor Grill, and had Dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery.
The area is chock full of docked Boats of all types and sizes, and you can even book Glass Bottomed Boats, Whale Watching Excursions and Bay Cruises right here.
Would love to come again on our next visit to the Bay Area.
We had a delicious lunch at the Rockfish Harbor Grill, and had Dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery.
The area is chock full of docked Boats of all types and sizes, and you can even book Glass Bottomed Boats, Whale Watching Excursions and Bay Cruises right here.
Would love to come again on our next visit to the Bay Area.
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Erick Tseng
San Francisco, CA500 contributions
Family
Sure it's a tourist trap, but this is still a fun place to drop by and walk around when you visit Monterey. During Covid-19, it's required that you wear a mask. Otherwise, you may get fined $100. Finish distancing policies are also in place though it's really hard to follow these rules sometimes with the crowds
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GitchSup
Duluth, MN1,387 contributions
The Old Fisherman's wharf is a fun place to go for a walk, window shop, grab a bite to eat on the go, or find a nice restaurant to sit and have a meal. It's like a mini summer shore boardwalk with all the fun and a lot less noise. Our whale watching tour left from the end of the wharf so we had a chance to see the whole thing. If you have kids definitely stop here for a look around, all ages will like seeing taffy pulled in the windows, the seafood being sold on the walkway, and all the fun signs out in front of the shops. The only downside, if you can call it that, is the restaurants trying to do anything to get you to eat at their place, they will stop you and ask if you want to come in and eat and offer free things like appetizers or dessert.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX989 contributions
Couples
We stumbled upon this place by accident and unfortunately didn't have long to visit. Its too bad considering how many shops there are. I could have easily spent hours browsing but we snapped some pictures and visited one gift shop and the candy shop. There is a fee to park that is based on how long you stay so you pay before returning to your vehicle. I think we ended up paying $2 since we didn't stay long. I would definitely recommend spending a few hours here and I would love to come back and visit again in the future.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,504 contributions
We walked out here one night and fended off restaurants hawking their meals and the garish and gaudy retail store fronts full of junk. Cancelled our dinner reservation when we saw an average meal would be $60. It's not our anniversary, lol. We ate on a picnic table one of the many clam chowders. It was good and got us off the pier quickly.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Seaview5
826 contributions
Fisherman’s Wharf was interesting if a little underwhelming. It seemed to comprise mainly restaurants and tourist shops. As my wife was feeling cold we were glad of the tourist shops and bought a very reasonably priced zip-up fleece. The Customs House Museum at the top of the Wharf was small but interesting. The views from the wharf were nice and we enjoyed seeing the sea lions basking under the pier.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ItchyFeet
Camarillo, CA7,582 contributions
Couples
Lots of sea lions here this year . Please give them their distance, they are wild animals! Wharf has great restaurants, tourist shops, several whale watching trips. We like Old Fishermen’s Grotto restaurant and Monterey Whale Watching
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelingSwan
Concord, CA55 contributions
Great place to walk around and get something to eat. The one kind of annoying thing is that the restaurants seem to all sell the same exact food but the prices vary depending on if you want to eat in a fine dining environment vs. something for kids and casual dining. Shops aren’t too bad, definitely a tourist spot. But food is available from the famous deadliest catch crew.
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
933cindyf
Wyandotte76 contributions
Couples
Hand in hand we strolled through the stores and wharf.
We saw barking sea lions, sea otters, and pelicans.
A nice area to people watch even with masks. Which are a must or a $100 fine.
We bought souvenirs and munched on candy.
We parked in the $15.00 for the day, which is closer. We got there a little later in the day, and we only had to pay $7.00 for parking. A bonus.
We would stop there again when in town.
We saw barking sea lions, sea otters, and pelicans.
A nice area to people watch even with masks. Which are a must or a $100 fine.
We bought souvenirs and munched on candy.
We parked in the $15.00 for the day, which is closer. We got there a little later in the day, and we only had to pay $7.00 for parking. A bonus.
We would stop there again when in town.
Written November 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jensfamily
Visalia, CA49 contributions
Family
Visiting the wharf is always my favorite part of our Monterey trip. When my husband and I go, we do happy hour at every restaurant, then stumble our way to our hotel LOL. This time we brought the kiddos, and still had fun without happy hour. We love all the different clam chowders! We had the kids pick out their 3 favorites to take home. We have a 3 hour drive so we have a cooler with ice to keep that chowder cold. Kids spend about $100 on all the different candy stores, ice creams and treats. It’s a very happy atmosphere. I love the jewelry and art pieces for sale at the entrance.
Written April 12, 2021
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, CA637 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!
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:
- (0.25 mi) Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
- (0.26 mi) Hotel Pacific
- (0.34 mi) Monterey Marriott
- (0.58 mi) Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
- (0.50 mi) Monterey Bay Inn
- Restaurants near Old Fisherman's Wharf:
- (0.02 mi) Water and Leaves
- (0.02 mi) Crab House
- (0.02 mi) Abalonetti Bar and Grill
- (0.03 mi) Domenico's On the Wharf
- (0.03 mi) Cafe Fina
- Attractions near Old Fisherman's Wharf:
- (0.03 mi) Discovery Whale Watch
- (0.05 mi) Princess Monterey Whale Watching
- (0.06 mi) Monterey Bay Whale Watch
- (0.07 mi) Chris' Fishing Trips & Whale Watching
- (0.12 mi) Monterey Bay Food Tours