Cannery Row

The Basics

Today’s Cannery Row is very different from that of the “tin and iron and rust and splintered wood, chipped pavement and weedy lots and junk heaps, sardine canneries of corrugated iron…” described in Steinbeck’s novel. There has not been an active sardine industry here since 1973, and the street is now filled with boutiques, chain stores, hotels, and restaurants.

The Monterey waterfront is a popular place for visitors and locals to stroll, admire ocean views, snack on salt-water taffy, and access the coastal beaches. The area offshore is preserved as Monterey County’s Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area, home to a large population of California sea lions. Signposts in the area display quotes from Steinbeck and insights into the history of the area, which visitors can delve into more deeply on a walking tour. If you're into sport fishing, you can launch expeditions from McAbee Beach and San Carlos Beach, which bookend the Cannery Row area. Scuba diving in the murky, frigid Pacific is made worth it by the rich biodiversity here, and San Carlos Beach is the most popular spot to launch.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Traffic and parking in the area can be very congested, especially in summer, so budget some extra time.

• A popular and scenic way to reach Cannery Row is via 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove, which takes longer but skirts the scenic Pacific Coast.

How to Get There

If traveling by car on Highway 1, look for signs for Monterey Bay Aquarium, then park at one of the nearby parking garages or on the surrounding streets. During summer, visitors can park in downtown Monterey and hop on the free WAVE shuttle bus (which is clearly signposted) to reach the town’s attractions.

When to Get There

April and May bring mild temperatures without the heavy crowds of summer vacationers. The weather in central California is almost always mild, but rarely hot enough to lay out on a local beach in your bathing suit. The Central Coast is often host to various festivals, especially of the food-and-wine variety, so consider timing your trip with one of these.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

Housed in the former Hovden Cannery, this blockbuster attraction draws visitors from all over the world. The organization is known for its focus on the habitats of Monterey Bay, and is one of the world’s only institutions to host a living kelp forest. Popular residents include the California moray eel, the giant Pacific octopus, the playful sea otters, and the beautiful jellyfish.

Ways to explore

Today’s Cannery Row is very different from that of the “chipped pavement and weedy lots and junk heaps” described in Steinbeck’s eponymous novel. There has not been an active sardine industry here since 1973, and the street is now filled with boutiques, chain stores, hotels, and restaurants. If you’re into the history of the area, dive in via a walking tour; if you're into sport fishing, you can launch expeditions from McAbee Beach and San Carlos Beach, which bookend the Cannery Row area.

Accessibility

Most shops, restaurants, and attractions are wheelchair accessible, but historic buildings and ocean access may not be.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, light jacket, binoculars, wallet

What to wear

Comfortable clothes and walking shoes for exploring the waterfront, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Not allowed

Feeding or disturbing marine wildlife, smoking in most outdoor areas, open containers of alcohol, skateboarding

Amenities

Restrooms, restaurants and cafés, gift shops and boutiques, benches and viewing areas, parking

Address 

Cannery Row sits on the Monterey Bay waterfront, about 2 miles (4 kilometers) from downtown Monterey. Getting there is easy—you can drive, visit on a guided tour, or, in the summer, take the free trolley.

Driving

From California Highway 1, take the Monterey/Cannery Row exit and follow the signs toward Cannery Row. Street parking is limited, so your best bet is a nearby lot or garage.

Public transportation

The free Monterey–Salinas Transit (MST) Trolley operates Memorial Day through Labor Day and connects Monterey’s major attractions, including Cannery Row. Some guided tours of the Monterey Peninsula also stop here.

Best times to visit

Come early in the morning (before 10am) for quieter exploration and easier parking, or late afternoon/evening for sunset views and dinner.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to offer a more relaxed experience, with smaller crowds and better restaurant availability.

Best months to visit

April, May, September, and October mean mild weather, fewer crowds, and good marine wildlife viewing—but winter means whale watching.

Special events

Check out Whalefest in April for exhibits, live music, and art demonstrations, and Cannery Row Days in September and October for John Steinbeck-related book discussions, walking tours, and crafts.