Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf Association Hosts Free “Wharf Walks – Walking Tours at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf” with Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian Tim Thomas: Giants of the Deep: Whaling Stories of Monterey Bay on November 7th

October 19, 2026. Monterey, CA. Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf Association continues its popular FREE Wharf Walks with noted Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author Tim Thomas. These informative walks are held on the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. During the two-hour tour, Tim provides an entertaining cultural and historical exploration of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey’s historic waterfront.

The theme of the next free Wharf Walk on Saturday, November 7th, will be "Giants of the Deep: Whaling Stories of Monterey Bay". Discover the fascinating history of whales in Monterey Bay, from the region’s whaling past to its transformation into a world-renowned whale-watching destination. Take a Wharf Walks journey exploring the ocean giants that have greatly shaped Monterey’s maritime heritage and coastal culture.

Tours meet at the head of Old Fisherman’s Wharf, near the pink Harbor House store at #1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey.

The tour is designed for ages 10 through adult and is limited to 15 participants.

Reserve your free space at monterey.gov/library/events or by calling (831) 646-3933. 

The tour is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Four whale watching companies on Old Fisherman's Wharf offer opportunities to learn more during a whale watching excursion.

About Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas, a fourth-generation native of the Monterey area, is a popular speaker and lively tour guide. For 16 years, he served as 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 the author of The Abalone King of Monterey: “Pop” Ernest Doelter and 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 Curator of the new Heritage Center/Museum at the JACL.

About Wharf Walks

For thousands of years, people have made their living fishing Monterey Bay, beginning with the Rumsien Ohlone, the Native People of the Monterey area. From abalone to rockfish, the abundant resources of the bay were fished and utilized.

Over time, Monterey Bay became a multicultural community that included whalers from the Azores, squid fishermen from China, salmon fishermen and abalone divers from Japan, and Sicilians fishing for sardines in the “dark of the moon.”

This entertaining tour of Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the waterfront takes participants back in time to explore the history of Monterey’s Wharf and waterfront, the Rumsien Ohlone people—Monterey’s first fishermen—the abalone industry, whaling on the bay, and, of course, Monterey’s legendary sardine industry.

Participants will 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. The tours also explore Monterey’s important sardine and squid industries.

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Featured in the HBO hit TV series Big Little Lies, Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is open 365 days a year, including holidays. Visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner al fresco at one of the Wharf’s many restaurants while taking in beautiful views of Monterey Harbor and Monterey Bay.

A visit to the Monterey Peninsula just isn’t complete without a rendezvous with historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey. Built in 1845 for regular passenger and freight service, the Wharf has evolved into one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most popular attractions.

Known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World” and a top destination for visitors from around the world, Old Fisherman’s Wharf offers an array of award-winning dining, shopping, whale watching, bay cruises, glass-bottom boat excursions, fishing, sailing, marine life viewing and leisurely strolling in a spectacular setting overlooking Monterey Bay.

Visitors can savor cuisine at a variety of restaurants offering stunning views and specialties including Italian cuisine, sustainable seafood, grass-fed steaks, and the region’s famous clam chowder and calamari. Sweet treats include saltwater taffy, homemade chocolates, caramel apples, cotton candy and much more.

The Wharf also provides many opportunities to see the remarkable wildlife of Monterey Bay, including sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, whales and seabirds. Visitors can watch local and charter fishing boats return to the harbor with their “catch of the day.”

Old Fisherman’s Wharf is also celebrated as the first location in Monterey County where tender abalone was cooked and served in a restaurant. Visitors can browse the Wharf’s many shops for unique gifts and mementos while enjoying exquisite views and one of Monterey County’s best places for "getting your steps in" by walking and people watching.

Situated near downtown Monterey, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is conveniently located along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, with ample nearby parking at the Waterfront Parking Lot. City of Monterey residents can also participate in the City’s residential parking program.

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