SeeCalifornia.com

What has great restaurants, shopping, whale watching, fishing, sailing, and a new VIP Card that is free and provides 27 special offers? Answer: Monterey Wharf (montereywharf.com).

When you visit one of California’s most beautiful oceanfront attractions, there are some extra perks this summer. You can go online to get the free coupons, and if you happen to be in town on the 1st Saturday of the month, Wharf Walks tour brings history to life in this famous place that visitors from around the globe come to see.  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. Time: 10 a.m. – Noon. Reservations required, call Tim Thomas: (831) 521-3304 or email timsardine@yahoo.com. The tour is for ages 10–adult only. Cost  $20, $15 age 10-15 years.

About: 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 Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula” and co-author of “Monterey’s Waterfront.”