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Monterey Cannery Row is a shopping and entertainment area in the cute, bay side town of Monterey, CA. It's also home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, several beautiful art galleries and comfortable hotels.
This famous district sits right on the water where you can go kayaking, swimming or just hang out on the beach. You can also sip on local wines as you enjoy the views of Monterey Bay.
This area of town originally housed a vibrant fish canning industry with a focus on sardines. The first fish cannery opened here in 1908. The industry thrived through World War I and II. Shortly after World War II, the overfished sardines disappeared, and the industry collapsed.
Just a few years later, John Steinbeck published the book called Cannery Row. It romanticizes Monterey's Ocean View Avenue and the fishing industry in the area.
After the release of his book, many people came to visit so they could experience it for themselves. Soon after, they renamed Ocean View Avenue to Cannery Row.
Many credit Steinbeck and his book with saving the area from falling into disrepair after the canning industry collapsed.
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One of the biggest draws is the shopping. Within a four to five block area, you will find almost 100 stores. They feature everything from jewelry to gourmet food.
Here are many of the shops you will find here (all shops listed with ATC are in the American Tin Cannery at 125 Ocean View Boulevard).
Apparel & Accessories
Art Galleries
Gifts and Mementos
Gourmet Food
Jewelry
Other Shops
Just steps from Cannery Row is one of the largest Antique Malls on the Central Coast. The mall is 21,000 square feet with more than 100 antique dealers. You will find it at 471 Wave Street on the southern end of the district.
Head over to the mall to wheel and deal for the best price during these hours:
In addition to shopping, you will also find several attractions and ways to stay entertained.
Highway 1 Golf, Games & Grub: Enjoy the games at this family fun center themed after California's Hwy 1, includes a 9-hole golf course of 3-D black light mini-golf, Speed Freak which is an interactive competition game and all the latest video games, 751 Cannery Row
McAbee Beach: Relax on the cool sands, take a dip in the water or go kayaking at McAbee Beach, on Cannery Row between McClellan and Prescott
Monterey Mirror Maze & Lazer Challenge: Help solve the criminal mystery that looms over Monterey Cannery Row during the Lazer Challenge or bend your mind as you walk through the colorful and challenging Mirror Maze, 751 Cannery Row
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Watch the penguins play, enjoy the continuous movement of the Deep Sea and interact with 45-new family friendly exhibits at this world-renowned aquarium, 886 Cannery Row.
Oceans 18 Blacklight Miniature Golf: Play a round of mini golf with friends, in the American Tin Company at 125 Ocean View Boulevard
Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum: Walk through the history of Monterey and see John Steinbeck interact with his friends at this small wax museum, the entire journey through time takes about 20 minutes, 700 Cannery Row
One of my favorite things to do at Monterey Cannery Row is to sample some of the local wines.
A Taste of Monterey: Enjoy wines from one of almost 100 local wineries, catch views of the Monterey Bay as you sample the wines from the tasting room, you can also grab a seat in the bistro and enjoy some food while you taste, 700 Cannery Row (near the back on the building on the second floor).
Bargetto Wine Tasting Room: Taste handcrafted wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains, sample their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Merlot wines, 700 Suite G Cannery Row
Carmel Ridge Winery Tasting Room: Sip on local Monterey wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, 700 Cannery Row, Suite C
Click here to find even more places to go wine tasting in Monterey and the surrounding communities.
On Monterey Cannery Row, you will find restaurants that range from casual, family friendly places such as Johnny Rockets to high-end restaurants with a view such as the C Restaurant & Bar in the InterContinental Hotel.
These are just a few of my favorites.
Cannery Row is home to several highly rated hotels. Here are just a few of my favorites.
Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row: 443 Wave Street, 2.5 Stars
Low Season: Start at $182
High Season: Start at $230
Best Western Plus Victorian Inn: 487 Foam Street, 3 Stars
Low Season: Start at $180
High Season: Start at $269
Spindrift Inn: 652 Cannery Row, 3.5 Stars
Low Season: Start at $175
High Season: Start at $300
Monterey Bay Inn: 242 Cannery Row, 3.5 Stars
Low Season: Start at $165
High Season: Start at $375
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: 400 Cannery Row, 4 Stars
Low Season: Start at $200
High Season: Start at $500
InterContinental The Clement Monterey: 750 Cannery Row, 4 Stars
Low Season: Start at $230
High Season: Start at $350