 | Fisherman's Wharf |
| Monterey, CA Print Leave a comment |
Description
Fisherman's Wharf is a crowded, touristy yet colorful spot. Here kids can get their fill of tacky knick-knack shops. Once you return home, though, that fluffy sea otter or Monterey sweatshirt will be a beloved item. There are some restaurants with mediocre food but great views of the water. The weather-worn wood everywhere on the wharf is nice. And if you're really lucky you may see a seal swim by! The views across west to the presidio are gorgeous, and the views of the harbor to the east are nice also.
The wharf was built in the 1870s and was used for passenger and freight (lumber, fish) service. After World War II when sardine fishing failed, it changed character and became a leisure area with shops and restaurants and boat tours.
Walk to the west of Fisherman's Wharf along the bike path for a gorgeous view of the wharf and its pastel-colored buildings and the vibrant blue-green sea. Here you can sit on a bench in the shade and escape the crowds. At the base of Fisherman's Wharf, just to the south, is Custom House Plaza, with the Maritime Museum and Pacific House Museum and wonderful old historical buildings. Since there's no shade, it's lovely in winter but not as nice in summer. Walk to the east of the wharf and you come to lovely Del Monte Beach, a wide beach with the softest sand. A great place for a romantic stroll, or to build sandcastles with the kids!
Walk south through Customhouse Plaza to Alvarado Rd and check out hip downtown Monterey and its pretty Spanish arcades. Or walk northwest along the bike path to famous Cannery Row. Here you can visit Monterey Bay Aquarium-
if you're wondering whether it's worth the money, let me tell you it
is! Monterey Aquarium is more than just an aquarium- it's another world
beneath the sea, with the most amazing exhibits. The jellyfish exhibit
will put you in awe of nature's beauty and sense of humor.
If you're looking for a playground for your kids, Dennis the Menace Park is a place your kids will never forget.
Photo Gallery
Click on photo to see large versionPretty view to the west of Fisherman's Wharf. |
Walk the bike path to the west of Fisherman's Wharf for gorgeous views of the blue-green water. |
Views of Fisherman's Wharf from Monterey Harbor. |
Perfect setting for a meal. |
Looking west from Fisherman's Wharf. |
The Presidio hill and its wonderful trees, seen from Fisherman's Wharf. Reminds me of Sydney Harbor. |
Directions
You can park in the harbor parking and walk the very short distance to Fisherman's wharf. From Del Monte Ave, turn toward the water on Washington St and you will find plenty of parking for the harbor. Pay with credit card in the parking machines.
You can also walk to Fisherman's Wharf from Cannery Row along the bike path.
This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.
Visitor Ratings
Overall Visitor Rating: 
Jason 11/05/2009 21:35 | I'm 12, it's cool!! |