Wharf Walks to focus on Abalone Stories on Old Fisherman's Wharf

 

Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf Association hosts FREE "Wharf Walks - Walking Tours at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf" now every  month – next one is on Saturday, July 1, 2023 with Maritime Historian Tim Thomas

 

Monterey, CA. May 2023. Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf Association has resumed Wharf Walks with noted Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author, Tim Thomas and these fascinating walks will be at no-charge to attendees and will now be held every month on the first Saturday from 10 am - Noon. During his 2-hour tour, Tim will provide a cultural history tour of the Monterey Wharf and the surrounding neighborhood.

Tim’s next free Wharf Walk will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 and more details will be available on www.montereywharf.com. The theme will be Abalone Stories on Old Fisherman's Wharf.

Tours will meet at the head of Old Fisherman's Wharf (near the pink "Harbor House" store, #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey). 

Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email [email protected]. The tour is for ages 10-adult only, with no more than 15 people,

About Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas, fourth-generation native of the Monterey area, is a popular speaker and lively tour guide. For 16 years, he was historian and curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum and has worked with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He is author of "The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter," "The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula" and co-author of "Monterey's Waterfront." Tim is on the Board of Directors of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and serves as the Curator of the new Heritage Center/Museum at the JACL.

About Wharf Walks

For thousands of years people have made their living fishing the Monterey Bay, beginning with the Rumsien Ohlone, the Native People of the Monterey area. From abalone to rockfish, everything was fished and utilized and the Monterey Bay was a multi-cultural stew, made up of whalers from the Azores, squid fishermen from China, salmon fishermen and abalone divers from Japan, and Sicilians fishing sardines in the "dark of the moon." This entertaining tour of Old Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront will take us back in time to explore the history of the Monterey Wharf, early history of the Monterey waterfront, The Rumsien/Ohlone People--Monterey's first fishermen, the abalone industry, whaling the bay and of course, the legendary sardine industry. Discover some of the people and cultures of Monterey's colorful past and hear fascinating stories about Old Fisherman's Wharf and those who worked and walked there. Learn more about the sardine and squid industry, too.

About Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf:

Recently shown in the HBO hit TV series, Big Little Lies, Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is open 365 days a year including during the holidays. Visitors to Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf will want to plan their visit to include lunch or dinner al fresco or To Go/Curbside at one of the many Wharf restaurants. 

 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, whale watching, bay cruises, a glass bottom boat, marine life, fishing and sailing, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay. 

Savor delicious cuisine at a myriad of fabulous restaurants featuring stunning views and award-winning Italian food, sustainable seafood, grass-fed steaks, including the region’s famous clam chowder and calamari. Enjoy salt water taffy, homemade chocolates, caramel apples, cotton candy and many other yummy treats. View sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, whales, seabirds and other wildlife “up close and personal” that also share the Wharf. Watch people who have gone out and caught their own fish on the local and chartered fishing boats return with their own “catch of the day”. 

Celebrate the first location in Monterey County where tender abalone was cooked and served in a restaurant. Check out the many fun shops to find the perfect memento of your visit and a variety of unique gifts. Enjoy the exquisite views and the “best place to walk and people watch” in Monterey County! 

Situated near downtown Monterey, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is conveniently located along the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail and has plenty of nearby parking.  Anyone with Monterey County ID (939) can receive 2 hours of free parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf parking lot Monday through Thursday by requesting a validation from a Wharf merchant to be used in the newly automated Waterfront Lot adjacent to the Wharf. 

For more information about Old Fisherman’s Wharf, go to www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.