Cannery Row Tours

Cannery Row showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Cannery Row which includes a bridge and street scenes
Cannery Row showing a statue or sculpture
Cannery Row
Cannery Row featuring a beach as well as children


Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.

Discover the leisure attractions along the historic street of Cannery Row. Once a thriving and rather smelly sardine-canning district, today this strip of coast offers fun for the whole family. Peruse the specialty shops and art galleries, dine in seafood restaurants, take the kids to Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy watersports in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Cannery Row was so named in 1958 in honor of the John Steinbeck novel of the same name, which described in detail the historic sardine cannery culture that once flourished here. Visit the Cannery Workers Shacks at the base of Bruce Ariss Way for a glimpse into the region’s past. Look for the bronze bust of John Steinbeck at the base of Prescott Avenue.

Choose to do as much or as little as you want in Cannery Row. Relax with a long lunch in one of the famous fine-dining seafood restaurants. People-watch, enjoy sea views and sip wines made with locally grown grapes. Alternatively, embark on a wine-tasting tour and discover the range of Monterey County wines. After the sun has set, snuggle together at one of the fire pits along Cannery Row and stare into the glowing fire as waves crash just feet away from you. For something more boisterous, dance all night in one of Cannery Row’s lively nightlife haunts.

Take the family to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is dedicated to the education and conservation of the marine life on its doorstep. The plentiful educational exhibits are geared to impress children and adults.

After a visit to the aquarium, head out into the ocean in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Rent a kayak or try scuba diving and encounter sea otters, some of Cannery Row’s most famous residents. For a drier activity, cycle the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail to explore beach after beach.

Cannery Row is located between David and Drake avenues in Monterey, California. Parking is often a problem, so be environmentally conscious and leave the car behind. Explore the area on foot or by bicycle.

Plan a trip to see Cannery Row

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The Grove Inn
Appellation Healdsburg
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn

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Reviews of Cannery Row

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
992
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
795
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
166
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
28
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Take the walking tour

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Too crowded.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

very little Cannery Row history available on walks thru cannery row. Too commercial.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Breakfast: Wild Plum Bakery and Wave Cafe. Monterey Fish House is a MUST.

3/5 - Okay

Elizabeth

Barring the aquarium, it's just shops and restaurants. If you are a people watcher, I suppose it's a destination.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Very touristy.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cannery Row

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The Monterey Hotel
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG

InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG

4.5 out of 5
750 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG
Victorian Inn

Victorian Inn

3 out of 5
487 Foam St, Monterey, CA
Victorian Inn
Cannery Row Inn

Cannery Row Inn

2 out of 5
200 Foam St Monterey, Monterey, CA
Cannery Row Inn
Spindrift Inn

Spindrift Inn

3.5 out of 5
652 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Spindrift Inn
Monterey Bay Inn

Monterey Bay Inn

3.5 out of 5
242 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Monterey Bay Inn
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cannery Row

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Cannery Row, where you can enjoy shopping, breathtaking ocean views, and fascinating wildlife encounters. Don't miss out on exciting boat tours and a lively nightlife experience. Additionally, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting various museums and attractions that showcase the rich history and beauty of this iconic California destination.

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, visit Steinbeck Plaza, a vibrant shopping area just 0.2 miles away, and the American Tin Cannery, located 0.5 miles from Cannery Row. If you're up for a drive, check out Antique Clocks, a charming store 1 mile away.

Recreation

Lovers Point is a picturesque recreational area offering stunning ocean views, perfect for relaxation and leisurely strolls. Del Monte Golf Course provides a beautiful outdoor setting for golf enthusiasts to enjoy the sport amidst lush landscapes. Dennis the Menace Playground is a family-friendly space with fun activities for children in a vibrant outdoor environment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 8 miles from Cannery Row. For a refreshing outdoor adventure, explore the Waterfront, just 1 mile away, offering stunning views. If you're up for hiking, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trailhead is 25 miles away, showcasing beautiful scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Cannery Row is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the Golden State Theatre, just 1 mile away, or indulge in family-friendly fun at the nearby Monterey Mirror Maze & Lazer Challenge, only 0.2 miles away. The Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater offers more cultural entertainment, 0.7 miles from the heart of Cannery Row.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cannery Row

While visiting Cannery Row in Monterey, California, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the historic Cannery Row, relax on the beach, or stroll along the scenic jetty. Don’t miss the Monterey Museum for a dose of local art and history. With beautiful coastal views and engaging experiences, Cannery Row promises a memorable vacation for every traveler.

  • Fisherman's Wharf: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Fisherman's Wharf, a lively jetty where you can enjoy fresh seafood, watch sea lions basking in the sun, and explore charming shops. Stroll along the pier and take in stunning views of the bay, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.
  • Carmel Beach: Enjoy the picturesque beauty of Carmel Beach, known for its soft white sands and breathtaking ocean views. This serene beach is ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, or taking a scenic walk along the coastline, providing a relaxing escape from the bustling city.
  • Presidio of Monterey: Discover the historic Presidio of Monterey, a former military base that now serves as a civic area. Engage with friendly locals, explore the scenic trails, and learn about the rich history of the area, making it a welcoming destination for visitors.

Best time to go to Cannery Row

The best time to visit Cannery Row is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April54.5°F (12.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.0°F (17.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October61.3°F (16.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cannery Row

To save money on your trip to Cannery Row, consider visiting during the off-peak months of March and December to January for lower accommodation rates. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best prices and avoid Saturdays. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, and consider eco-certified options for sustainability. To maximize savings, bundle your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package, and sign up for the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards. Additionally, explore free activities along the waterfront and use public transport for affordable travel around the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cannery Row are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cannery Row is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cannery Row is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Cannery Row hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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