Cannery Row Tours and Activities

Cannery Row showing a beach as well as a small group of people
Cannery Row
Cannery Row showing a statue or sculpture
Cannery Row
Cannery Row which includes a sandy 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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Embassy Hotel
Hotel Abri - Union Square
The Grove Inn

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
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The Monterey Hotel
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
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
Victorian Inn

Victorian Inn

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

Explore the vibrant Cannery Row in Monterey, California, where you can enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs, discovering local wildlife, and visiting art galleries. Take guided tours to learn about the area’s rich history, and immerse yourself in live music and various entertainment options. While there are some tourist traps, the authentic experiences make Cannery Row a must-visit destination for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

Cannery Row offers delightful shopping experiences with local charm. Visit Steinbeck Plaza, only 322m away, for a variety of shops. Antique Clocks, a unique store, is just 1.6km from the waterfront. For more options, Del Monte Shopping Center is 3.2km away, featuring family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

At Lovers Point, enjoy stunning ocean views while taking a leisurely stroll or practising yoga amidst serene surroundings. Del Monte Golf Course offers a relaxing day on the greens, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Families can unwind at Dennis the Menace Playground, featuring fun activities for all ages in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 12.9km from Cannery Row. For an outdoor adventure, explore the scenic Waterfront, only 1.6km away. For hiking enthusiasts, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trailhead offers stunning views and adventure vibes, 40.2km from Cannery Row.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Golden State Theatre, a cultural gem 1.6km from Cannery Row, and catch a captivating show. For some family fun, head to Monterey Mirror Maze & Lazer Challenge, just 322m away, and immerse yourself in adventure and excitement.

Find the best attractions near Cannery Row

Cannery Row in Monterey, California, offers a delightful mix of attractions, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beaches, explore the historic jetty and pier, and wander through the nearby reserves. Don't miss the iconic Monterey Bay and its vibrant marine life, as well as other local attractions that highlight the area's rich history and beauty, making it an ideal vacation spot for Canadian tourists.

  • Fisherman's Wharf: Located 1.1km from Cannery Row, this lively jetty is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood, watching sea lions, and taking in stunning views of the bay. Stroll along the waterfront, visit charming shops, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Carmel Beach: About 6.4km from Cannery Row, this picturesque beach offers a tranquil retreat with its soft sands and stunning sunsets. Enjoy beach vibes while walking along the shoreline or relaxing with a picnic as you listen to the soothing sound of waves.
  • Presidio of Monterey: Just 1.6km away, this historic site features friendly people and beautiful landscapes. Explore the rich military history, enjoy scenic trails, and take part in community events that highlight local culture.

Best time to go to Cannery Row

Visitor numbers around Cannery Row is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Cannery Row is dependant 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.0°F (17.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
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, visit during the off-peak months of November to January when accommodation prices are lower. Consider staying on a Tuesday for the best rates, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Enjoy free attractions like Fisherman's Wharf and Carmel Beach, and make the most of public transport for affordable travel. Use Expedia to find great deals by filtering prices and combining hotel bookings with flights for special offers. Look out for promotions that include free nights to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cannery Row are November 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 options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, arrange 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.