Fisherman's Wharf

Description:

• Quintessentially "Monterey", Fisherman's Wharf has all the charm and cheesiness you might expect. Souvenir stores hawk t-shirts and taffy while waiters and hostesses dole out samples of steaming chowder to lure you in for an over-priced meal (for the diligently frugal, these samples can add up to a light meal). If you're too rushed to evaluate each and every sample, make a bee-line for Old Fisherman's Grotto to enjoy excellent chowder, or Abalonetti's for some of the best Monterey Bay calamari dishes (the Marty's Special is a local favorite). On evenings and weekends, you might see an organ grinder with a costumed monkey (known to get a little cheeky). Undoubtedly you'll hear the barking of sea lions and the hysterical laughter of gulls above the cadence of lapping waves. Whale watching tours are usually successful, regardless of season (due to the different migratory patterns of various species). For something a little different, try the Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater or take a sailing lesson from Monterey Bay Sailing. If you tire of the touristy crowds, stroll over to the neighboring municipal wharf, where locals fish and commercial boats unload their catch at a wholesale market at the wharf's end.
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