Monterey, CA – November 2024 Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf Association is pleased to continue its celebrated Wharf Walks guided by award-winning Monterey Bay Fisheries Historian and author, Tim Thomas. These captivating walks will be available at no cost to attendees and will continue to take place on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Tim Thomas, renowned for his engaging storytelling, will lead a 2-hour cultural history tour titled “Tales of the Sea: Stories from the Monterey Bay,” providing attendees with a unique glimpse into the vibrant past of the Monterey Wharf and surrounding  areas.

Upcoming Wharf Walk Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
• Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Meeting Point: Head of Old Fisherman's Wharf (near the pink "Harbor House" store, #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey)

Advance reservations are required and can be made by contacting Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email at [email protected]. The tour is intended for participants aged 10 and above, with a maximum group size of 15 people.

About Tim Thomas

A fourth-generation Monterey native, Tim Thomas is an acclaimed speaker and tour guide known for his deep knowledge of the area's history. For 16 years, Tim served as the historian and curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum and has collaborated with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

He has authored notable works including “The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter,” “The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula,” and co-authored “Monterey’s Waterfront.” Tim is a board member of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and is the curator for the JACL’s new Heritage Center/Museum. In 2023, Tim, alongside Linda Yamane, received the Ed Ricketts Memorial Award from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

About Wharf Walks

Monterey's rich history of fishing dates back thousands of years, beginning with the Rumsien Ohlone, the native people of the area. Through this tour, attendees will journey through the captivating stories of the early Monterey Wharf, the Rumsien/Ohlone fishermen, the abalone industry, the Azorean whalers, Chinese squid fishermen, Japanese salmon fishermen and divers, and Sicilian sardine fishers. Explore the essence of Old Fisherman's Wharf and uncover the vibrant tales of those who lived and worked in the area, as well as the evolution of the sardine and squid industries.

About Old Fisherman’s Wharf

As one of the top attractions on the Monterey Peninsula, Old Fisherman's Wharf features a history that stretches over 179 years. Initially built in 1845 for passenger and freight services, it now stands as a premier waterfront district in Monterey, California. Adjacent to Downtown Monterey and the Monterey Recreation Trail, the Wharf is home to a rich blend of restaurants, fish markets, gift shops, and offers unique experiences like whale watching, fishing trips, glass-bottom boat rides, and sailing excursions.

Visitors can savor award-winning seafood and international cuisines, including clam chowder, calamari, pasta, pizza and other local favorites. The Wharf’s three candy shops and an ice cream business offer sweet treats to visitors of all ages. The Wharf’s stunning views provide opportunities to see sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The area is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World”, drawing an estimated 4 million visitors annually.

Parking is available in the adjacent lot, and guests can use GPS to 201 Washington Street, Monterey for easy access.

For more information, visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.

Join us to explore Monterey’s vibrant history and culture through Tim Thomas’s captivating Wharf Walks!