Fisherman's Wharf (Monterey, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fisherman's Wharf |
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 Fisherman's Wharf
Location in Monterey County
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| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Location | Monterey, California |
| Coordinates | 36°36′16″N 121°53′34″W / 36.60444°N 121.89278°W |
| Details | |
| Opened | 1926 |
| Owned by | City of Monterey |
| Size | 1,750 ft (530 m) |
| Draft depth | 26 ft (7.9 m) |
Fisherman's Wharf is a famous old pier in Monterey, California, USA. For many years, it was a busy place where fishermen sold their catch. But by the 1960s, fishing slowed down. So, the wharf changed into a fun spot for visitors.
People often call it the Old Fisherman's Wharf. This helps tell it apart from the newer, working pier called Municipal Wharf #2.
Contents
The Story of Fisherman's Wharf
How the Wharf Began
The wharf was first built in 1870 by a company called the Pacific Coast Steamship Company. It was used to help people and goods get on and off ships. Other businesses also used it.
In 1913, the city of Monterey took over the wharf. It was made even bigger by 1920.
A Big Storm and Rebuilding
In 1923, something big happened. A lot of sardines were being loaded onto a ship called the S.S. San Antonio. Bad weather pushed the ship against the wharf, and a part of it broke.
When they rebuilt it, they made it much longer, adding about 750 feet! A new pier, Municipal Wharf II, was also built in 1926.
From Fishing to Fun
After World War II, the number of sardines in Monterey Bay dropped a lot. This meant less fishing work. So, the Old Fisherman's Wharf changed its focus. It became a popular place for tourists to visit and enjoy.
What You Can Do at Fisherman's Wharf Today
Food and Shopping
Fisherman's Wharf is full of seafood restaurants. You can find casual places to eat clam chowder or fancy restaurants with great views of the bay.
Just like Cannery Row, the wharf is a great place to buy souvenirs. You'll see gift shops, jewelry stores, art galleries, and candy shops mixed in with the restaurants.
Adventures and Wildlife
Many exciting tours start from the wharf. You can go on whale watching trips to see amazing marine animals. Or, you can join fishing trips to try and catch some fish yourself.
Keep an eye out for sea lions! They often nap on the wooden posts, floating buoys, and boats in the bay.
Exploring History Nearby
Right at the entrance to the wharf is Custom House Plaza. This area is the historical heart of Monterey. Here you'll find the Custom House. This was the very first government building in California. It's also where the United States took control of Monterey from Mexico in 1846.
The Monterey Maritime Museum is also in Custom House Plaza. It tells the story of Monterey's ocean history and culture. Many other old buildings are in this plaza too. You can even see the last whalebone sidewalk in the United States here!
Getting Around
Fisherman's Wharf is mostly for people walking. It's at the end of Alvarado Mall, near Lighthouse Avenue. It's also part of the Coastal Recreation Trail. This trail lets you walk to Cannery Row and Pacific Grove.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the city of Monterey offers a free trolley. This trolley can take you to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A favorite thing to do for both visitors and locals is sailing on Monterey Bay, especially along Cannery Row.
See Also
- Old Fisherman's Grotto
