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Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey

Old Fisherman's Wharf, from its own website

Photo from the venue's own site

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About Old Fisherman's Wharf

Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey is a waterfront destination offering dining, shopping, whale watching, and ocean activities. Visitors explore the wharf to enjoy fresh seafood at various restaurants, browse unique gifts and souvenirs at shops like Pirates Cove Gifts & Things, and watch for marine life from the water. Whale watching excursions depart from the wharf, allowing guests to observe whales and other ocean wildlife. Ocean activities provide additional ways to experience Monterey Bay's waters and marine environment. The wharf hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including celebrations like the Wharf Birthday Party and Halloween festivities. Shopping options feature locally sourced products and fresh items alongside general merchandise. The location attracts visitors of varying interests, from those seeking casual waterfront strolls and meals to others pursuing active water-based recreation. Old Fisherman's Wharf is situated in Monterey, California.

What’s on at Old Fisherman's Wharf

8 reasons to go, each in the venue’s own words, with the date we checked it.

Dec 4 – 20Event

10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf

Families stroll the Wharf enjoying a 23-foot Christmas tree, holiday displays, live entertainment, free meet-and-greets with Santa, holiday shopping, and seasonal treats across three festive weekends.

Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.

“Christmas on the Wharf Weekends: December 4-20, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)”

Quoted from montereywharf.com · checked on
Details on the attraction’s site →

Dec 4 – 19Event

Peninsula Harmony Company at Christmas on the Wharf

The Peninsula Harmony Company performs in vintage costumes on six Friday and Saturday evenings during Christmas on the Wharf, offering free holiday entertainment.

Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.

“Peninsula Harmony Company (vintage costumes) – On Six Friday and Saturday evenings on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 -- from 6 pm – 7 pm”

Quoted from montereywharf.com · checked on
Details on the attraction’s site →

Dec 5Event

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the front of the Wharf

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the front of the Wharf — Saturday, December 5. Representatives from the Monterey Police Department and Monterey Fire Department will be on site with safety tips, giveaways, and a fire engine display.

Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.

“Saturday, December 5 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the front of the Wharf”

Quoted from montereywharf.com · checked on
Details on the attraction’s site →

Dec 6Event

Brighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade

Brightly lit boats pass by Old Fisherman's Wharf at approximately 5:30pm and again as they return, with many boats keeping their lights illuminated throughout the holiday season.

Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.

“Brighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade: Co-hosted by Fisherman's Wharf Association Sunday, December 6 | 5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.”

Quoted from montereywharf.com · checked on
Details on the attraction’s site →
  • Monterey Día de Muertos: Nov 13 - Nov 15, 2026, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Free 17th annual celebration with three days of Aztec dance, community altar building.
  • 17th Annual Whalefest Monterey: free 2-day event, Apr 10 - Apr 11, 2027, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • 10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf: FREE celebration returning to Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California, Dec 4 - Dec 20, 2026, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Lighted Boat Parade December 2026: 34th Annual Brighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, Sunday, December 6, 2026, 5:15 PM to 7:30 PM.

More events from montereywharf.com · checked on

Deals at Old Fisherman's Wharf

No live deal currently

Old Fisherman's Wharf publishes its own offers, and when montereywharf.com was last read, on , there was none.

The page stays here because the attraction is still worth knowing about, and because we keep checking. If a deal appears on their site, it appears here.

See montereywharf.com for yourself →

Before you go

Parking
Enforcement hours: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., daily. Use a parking lot pay station or the ParkMobile app, ParkMobile zone: 21031. GPS: Enter 201 Washington Street, Monterey, CA 93940, or 245 Figueroa Street for the main parking lot entrance.
Coaches, RVs, EVs and bikes
RV parking: Permitted in the Depot Lot, East Depot Lot and Waterfront Lot, subject to availability. RV spaces cannot be reserved; parking is first-come, first-served. Unattached trailers are prohibited.
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Getting there
Free MST Trolley, seasonal service: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Stops: Downtown Monterey, Old Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Wharf stop: Near the small parking circle at the head of the Wharf. Fare: Free.
Food
Monterey Bay Creamery at 43 Old Fisherman's Wharf, at the Nick's on the Bay sign: open Noon to 7 serving homemade ice cream, shakes and sundaes.
Social pages
Facebook

From montereywharf.com/map.html, montereywharf.com/dining.html and montereywharf.com/things-to-do.html · checked between and

What’s there

Facilities
Restrooms: Harbormaster Building, a dark brown building near the waterfront. On the Wharf: halfway down on the left, near Rockfish Harbor Grill, and behind Monterey Bay Silver.

From montereywharf.com · checked on

Who it suits

Wheelchairs and strollers
Please note that the Wharf is paved and flat and appropriate for wheelchairs and walkers.

From montereywharf.com · checked on

Accessibility

Accessible parking and drop-off
Accessible parking: Designated spaces are available in off-street lots and garages. There is no discounted accessible-parking rate at the Waterfront Lot.
Wheelchair and scooter hire
There are no wheelchair rentals at the Wharf but there may be some companies that rent wheelchairs in Monterey, Salinas or other nearby cities. Hometown Medical Supplies rents an electric wheelchair (San Jose - but they do deliver to Monterey).

From montereywharf.com · checked on

Rules and safety

Lost children and first aid
There is no Lost and Found at Old Fisherman's Wharf. To report a lost item, call the Monterey Police Department at 831-646-3830 and select the Records Department.

From montereywharf.com · checked on

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Within 25 miles of Old Fisherman's Wharf. Dates and wording are each venue’s own.

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