Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, California

Fisherman's Wharf is a wooden pier extending into Monterey Bay with seafood vendors, restaurants, and retail shops along its length. The structure features working fishing boats, open-air stalls, and public walkways that connect visitors directly to the water's edge.

The pier was built in 1870 as one of the first commercial fishing operations on the Monterey Peninsula. It served as the region's main hub for processing and selling seafood throughout the industrial growth of the area.

Families of fishermen still work at the docks, keeping alive the customs and skills passed down over generations. You can see their boats and equipment as part of the living working waterfront that defines this community.

Entry to the pier is free and easily accessible on foot, with parking nearby at the entrance. The entire boardwalk is open to the public and allows visitors to stroll at their own pace to explore shops and watch boats.

Sea otters and harbor seals regularly appear in the water beneath the wooden pillars and can be spotted without binoculars. These animals have grown accustomed to people and often linger near the pier, making encounters possible throughout the day.