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February 2024 by Brandi I.
A tourist trap for sure, but we all fall for it don't we?! It's a great spot to window shop or actually shop. Some good food spots too if you're hungry. I wouldn't use the bathrooms though, they're not the best.
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February 2024 by A A.
Food was good Many good restaurants Fresh Seafood I liked the old shops I recommend it to you
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December 2023 by Mark P.
It saddens me to write this review. The wharf lost some of its luster. I noticed and understand after the pandemic, every restaurant business owners have several difficulties to manage their establishments. There are some things they can control without cost to their establishments. #1 offer excellent customer service. #2 bring back food samples or additional samples , like before the pandemic . #3 cleanliness of the wharf is a must ! The wharf could use a cosmetic lift , where it looks appealing and you want to enjoy and come back, again and again .
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December 2023 by Annabelle R.
This tourist destination was super crowded this past Sunday, kinda like SF's Pier 39 on a regular day. Probably due to a special event (Brighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade), but also Christmas on the Wharf (weekends during December). Lights and decorations, live entertainment, an ice skating rink, plenty of food and drinks, holiday shopping on the wharf, multiple candy shops including Candy World and Wharf Chocolate Factory (of course I had to get myself some chocolate almond turtles)... all of this on top of sailing, fishing, and whale watching, which people took advantage of this past weekend in order to get a better view of the lighted boat parade on the water. I viewed this event from the promenade at the end of the pier and it was pretty cool seeing all of the colorful lights and designs. It was also cute hearing the sea lions from the pier while watching the boats float by, even caught a few jumping out of the water. There are a couple cool and unique shops here, such as Sock Harbor. And I had some good eats at Crabby Jim's Seafood restaurant during my recent visit. But there were a lot of seafood spots, a lot of candy shops, and a lot of Monterey souvenir stores (like Pirate's Cove), and not much else... overall kinda repetitive, since they pretty much sell the same things as their competitors, and therefore, options are a bit limited at Old Fisherman's Wharf. The atmosphere is still festive and inviting though, especially during special events and the holidays. FYI, the wharf's website notes inputting directions on your GPS to 201 Washington Street to reach the waterfront parking lot where you can prepay at a pay station on site, or use the Parkmobile app on your phone (lot zone # 21031), but parking is pricey here, so I recommend looking for street parking first, if you're willing to walk a bit (read the signs though for parking restrictions).
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November 2023 by Mei T.
We stopped by Old Fisherman's Wharf on our way back from San Jose. This was my first time here and I enjoyed taking a stroll along the pier, visiting the various shops, and watching the various street performers. We had lunch at Grotto's Fish Market and browsed through the souvenir shops. They were just starting to put up the Christmas tree and had the Christmas decor up, so I t was very festive. While waiting for our restaurant buzzer, we walked down towards the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It was such a beautiful view!
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November 2023 by Robert S.
A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn't complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey that was built in 1845 for regular passenger and freight service. Known as the "Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World" and a top destination of visitors from around the world, Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf provides a wide array of award-winning dining, shopping, deep-sea fishing trip, whale watching tour, bay cruises, a glass bottom boat, marine life, fishing and sailing. For those who call it a "tourist trap" it may be a little bit, with overpriced restaurants overlooking the water and dozens of souvenir stores, but still, it has the nice charm of a wooden pier filled with businesses. It's a nice place to stroll on a nice sunny day and the place to go to if you are looking to book a Whale Watching trip in the Monterey area.
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October 2023 by Jeazette V.
Wanted to love this place, but it's dirty and very much a tourist trap! You can't get 101st without someone asking you for something. Nice to have seen for myself, but a one and done stop.
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September 2023 by Jennifer H.
A wharf filled with shops, restaurants, and much wildlife!! We came to enjoy the area on a Sunday evening and it was quite enjoyable. We felt safe and comfortable walking all around. Even got to enjoy the views of wildlife. There is a nice variety of eateries to sit down to grab a bite or if you aren't hungry then there is plenty of shops to buy some souvenirs.
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September 2023 by Judy C.
Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf is where the FUN begins! I first visted Monterey right before Pandemic ( February 2020) and loved it! Had such an amazing time shopping, exploring, sightseeing, eating seafood, did the glass bottom boat tours I wanted my big kids to experience it too! It finally happened with my big kids, during September 2023, Labor day weekend! We found parking in the huge lot this time, ($7. for 4 hours) first vist we found street parking and entered via the back of Old Fisherman's Wharf. This time I got to see all the cool vendors in front of the parking lot. Bought 2 very nice creative candles, few airplants, duck in crystal hanging thing for the car, and the other half found a Raiders bucket hat and what a treat, we got to see all the Sea lions this time, so many of them just basking and enjoying the day, they were pretty loud! Note, it does get kinda smelly here but just don't hang around the bay for too long. hehe. During our time here we walked around, explored, checked out the gift shops, got snack, took tons of photos, tourist kine things and had desserts before we had lunch at one of the restaurants. The plan for this trip was go do the Glass Bottom tour and dine at The Grotto but that didn't work out. Lots of dining choices to choose from, good luck on making at the decision for your seafood! What can you do here at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf?! Restaurants, gift shops, fish markets, whale watching, fishing trips, cruises, sailing trips, galleries, live theater, coffee, desserts, make the most and the best of your time here. Yep Old Fisherman's Wharf is where the Fun Begins, explore the Wonders of the Wharf! My big kids sure enjoyed themselves!
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September 2023 by Michael A.
There new parking system, signage and instructions are lacking. On our prior visits we payed as we left. Ended up getting a $48 parking ticket. Also, the stench of urine along the entrance is a definite turn-off. Absolutely, positively won't be back.
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September 2023 by Jessica C.
Definitely fun to walk around and something you don't see every day! It smells really bad because of the seals but it's entertaining seeing them all piled up on each other, using one another for pillows, and we even saw one on a bench! How did he get there? Lol It's a place you can walk, bike, etc etc.
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August 2023 by Kris I.
Great little wharf with a handful of restaurants and a handful of shops. Not really big so you won't be spending hours here. You can catch a whale watching cruise from here. Definitely some delicious sea food places...nice & fresh!!
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August 2023 by Alma S.
If you're visiting the area, you just have to lean into being touristy and be able to say you checked this place out. It's a historical spot that gives you neat views of the ocean & marine life, like the sea lions! Catch a breath of ocean air as you sit on a bench overlooking the boats while having something to eat. Tchotchke, souvenir, & specialty item shopping, restaurants (chowder!), fish markets, & sweet treats are what mainly occupy your attention. Whale watching tours, fishing, sailing, and cruises are also available from here. Not a ton of things to explore, but there are lots of photo ops. After you experience the wharf, you can continue to expand your explorations to go on walks to access the adjacent Custom House Plaza and any events taking place, explore some history at the Monterey Historic Park, visit Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center, walk through a little cactus garden, or go further down towards Alvarado Street for a lot more eating, drinking & shopping options.
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July 2023 by Rita B.
This is still such a great spot to walk and chill! Parking is a breeze, there are lots of kiosks placed throughout the lot and at the wharf entrance. We arrived around noon. Traffic getting anywhere is bad weekend days but once we got through, we found a space close to the entrance. This particular Saturday there were vendors selling all sorts of wares before you actually get to the wharf. Sadly the monkey is no longer there :( I love the smell of the salty air as we enter and then sweet chocolate and caramel from the candy makers and then the aroma of fresh seafood dishes coming from all the different restaurants. I will always love this place, no matter how touristy it gets.
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June 2023 by Google user
This is a fun place to visit. We walked out and saw all of the boats and the seals, which was a lot of fun. There are plenty of cute shops and a variety of restaurants to choose from. It’s walkOmg distance from downtown and the beach is nearby. Great place to visit if you’re in the area!
