Fisherman's Wharf (Monterey, California) facts for kids
Fisherman's Wharf is a famous pier in Monterey, California, USA. It's a historic spot where ships once loaded and unloaded goods. For many years, it was a busy market for fresh fish.
Today, Fisherman's Wharf is a popular place for visitors. It's officially called The Old Fisherman's Wharf. This helps people tell it apart from the other working pier, which is called Municipal Wharf #2.
Contents
A Look Back: The Wharf's History
How the Wharf Was Built
Fisherman's Wharf was first built in 1870. The Pacific Coast Steamship Company created it. They used the wharf to load and unload passengers and goods from ships.
Other businesses also used the pier. In 1913, the city of Monterey took ownership of the wharf. It was made even bigger by 1920.
Storms and New Beginnings
In 1923, a big storm caused trouble. A ship called the S.S. San Antonio was loading sardines. The bad weather made the ship lean on the wharf. About 132 feet of the pier collapsed!
When the wharf was rebuilt, it was made much longer. It grew by another 750 feet. A new pier, Municipal Wharf II, was built in 1926.
After World War II, something important changed. The number of sardines in Monterey Bay dropped a lot. This meant less fishing business. So, Old Fisherman's Wharf started focusing on tourism instead.
What You Can Do at the Wharf Today
Fisherman's Wharf is now a lively place. It's filled with many seafood restaurants. You can find casual clam bars or fancy indoor dining spots. Many places offer great views of the bay.
Shops and Souvenirs
Besides restaurants, the wharf has lots of shops. You can buy souvenirs, jewelry, and art. There are also candy shops for sweet treats. It's one of the main places in Monterey to find gifts.
Fun Activities on the Water
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.
Look closely at the water around the pier! You might see sea lions resting. They often sleep on the wooden poles, floating buoys, and boats docked in the bay.
Exploring Nearby History
Right at the entrance to the wharf is Custom House Plaza. This area is full of history. It's where the Custom House is located. This was the 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 teaches you about Monterey's history. You can learn about its past with ships and its culture. Many other old buildings are in this plaza too.
Getting Around the Area
Fisherman's Wharf is mostly for people walking. It's at the end of Alvarado Mall. You can also reach it from the Coastal Recreation Trail. This trail connects the wharf to Cannery Row and Pacific Grove.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Monterey offers a free trolley. This trolley can take you to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A favorite activity for everyone is sailing on Monterey Bay, especially near Cannery Row.
