Summer of Love and Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf - Walking Tours

The Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association continues to team up with noted Monterey Bay Historian and author, Tim Thomas on monthly “Wharf Walks-Walking Tours at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf”.  Tim will present two special walking tours on Saturday, May 27th and June 3rd from 10 am – Noon, “Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf & The Summer of Love Walking Tour.”

The Monterey International Pop Festival during the Summer of Love in 1967 was the first rock festival of its size and scope. It was the pinnacle of all of the early rock festivals according to many of the artists who performed there. It was also the coming out party for several performers including The Who, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Many of the performers came to the Wharf to dine and shop during the Festival weekend and Tim will share some anecdotes about them and many great stories about the Festival itself during the Summer of Love! On the 2-hour walking tour, Tim will share historic photographs—some rarely seen - and will share oral histories from many of the participants of the original 1967 festival.

During this fascinating walking tour, attendees will learn how the Festival came about, how the musicians felt about it, what the people of Monterey really thought about it and why there was never another Festival until this year when the Monterey International Pop Festival:50 will be held on June 16-18, 2017, back at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.  

Over the last 15 years, Tim has had the privilege to interview many of the participants who performed at the original Monterey International Pop Festival. He has also spoken to many people who worked at the festival or were members of the audience. In June, 2001, he organized a three day Monterey Pop Symposium that included many of the performers, which is considered by many to be a groundbreaking event.

Tours will meet at the head of Old Fisherman's Wharf (near the pink "Harbor House" store, #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey. Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or via email [email protected].

The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $25 for adults and kids are $15 (10-15 years).  Group Rates are also available. 

About Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas, fourth-generation native of the Monterey area, is a popular speaker and lively tour guide. For 16 years, he was 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 author of "The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter," "The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula" and co-author of "Monterey's Waterfront."

About Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf:

Visitors to Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf will want to plan their visit to include lunch or dinner at one of the many Wharf restaurants.   By going to www.montereywharf.com, visitors to Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf can also access the "Wonders of the Wharf" free VIP Card promotion with 25 special offers (coupons) easily accessible on the website that can be shown on a smart phone or iPad. For more information, email [email protected] or call (831) 238-0777.