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.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Cannery Row

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Classes & workshops

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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

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
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

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

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The Monterey Hotel
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
Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row by IHG

2.5 out of 5
443 Wave St, Monterey, CA
Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row by IHG
Victorian Inn

Victorian Inn

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

Monterey Bay Inn

3.5 out of 5
242 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Monterey Bay Inn
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

Cannery Row in Monterey offers a vibrant mix of activities, including shopping, wildlife encounters, and stunning ocean views. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, explore various museums, and experience the lively nightlife. With its rich history and numerous attractions, Cannery Row provides a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of California's coast.

Shopping

In Cannery Row, visit Steinbeck Plaza, a vibrant shopping center just 322m away, and American Tin Cannery, located 805m from the waterfront. If you're up for a drive, check out Antique Clocks, a unique store about 1.6km away, perfect for finding special souvenirs.

Recreation

Lovers Point, just 1.6km from Cannery Row, offers serene ocean views perfect for relaxation and meditation. Del Monte Golf Course, two miles away, provides a vibrant outdoor atmosphere for golf enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Dennis the Menace Playground, 1.6km away, is ideal for families seeking fun and outdoor activities.

Adventure

Experience the adrenaline at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 12.9km from Cannery Row, where thrilling motor racing events take place. For a refreshing outdoor adventure, head to the Waterfront, just 1.6km away, or explore the scenic Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trailhead, 40.2km away, perfect for hiking.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Cannery Row with a visit to the Golden State Theatre for a romantic show or the Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater for cultural entertainment. For family fun, challenge yourself at the nearby Monterey Mirror Maze & Lazer Challenge, just a short walk away.

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

Find the best attractions near Cannery Row

Cannery Row in Monterey, California, offers a delightful mix of attractions for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Museum, and enjoy the beautiful beach and jetty. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby reserves, providing an opportunity for outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in local history or simply soaking up the coastal scenery, Cannery Row promises an unforgettable experience.

  • Fisherman's Wharf: A lively jetty and pier, Fisherman's Wharf is home to fresh seafood restaurants, unique shops, and stunning views of the harbor. Enjoy watching sea lions bask in the sun or take a whale-watching tour to experience California's marine life up close.
  • Carmel Beach: Known for its picturesque scenery and soft white sands, Carmel Beach offers a relaxing beach vibe. Stroll along the shoreline, soak in the sun, or enjoy a picturesque sunset—the perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.
  • Presidio of Monterey: This historic civic site features beautiful parks and trails, where friendly locals often gather. Explore the rich history and enjoy outdoor activities in a welcoming atmosphere surrounded by scenic views.

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 in the cheaper months of March and December to January, avoiding the high summer season. Booking your stay on a Tuesday can also cut costs, while Saturday nights tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering results from lowest to highest price and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities along the waterfront and take advantage of any available beverage discounts during your visit.

  • 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 customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply adjust the price filter to display results 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 deal.

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