Cannery Row Walking Tour (Self Guided), Monterey

Cannery Row – the waterfront street in Monterey, California – was once home to a number of sardine canning factories, the last of which closed down in 1973. The former nickname for Ocean View Avenue became the street's official name in January 1958 to honor John Steinbeck and his famous eponymous novel. In the novel's opening sentence, Steinbeck described Cannery Row as "a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream."

Indeed, there are few destinations out there just as rich as Monterey’s fabled street in terms of historic, cultural and natural attractions. Here are some of the area's top locations worth visiting for a truly memorable experience:

Lower Presidio Historic Park – a huge, natural sanctuary, home to the Presidio of Monterey Museum complex recounting the official history of the city.

Cannery Row Street itself – once known as Ocean View Boulevard, a major tourist sight with numerous establishments located in the former cannery buildings, including Cannery Row Antique Mall – a treasure trove for antique lovers, with more than 150 dealers!

The Cannery Row Monument – located in Steinbeck Plaza, features bronze sculptures of some of the city's most noteworthy historic figures, including John Steinbeck himself.

Pacific Biological Laboratories – the building fictionalized as "Western Biological Laboratory" by Steinbeck in his Cannery Row novel.

Monterey Bay Aquarium – one of the best places to see and interact with marine life, featuring species from all parts of the world.

To soak up the unique culture and beauty of Monterey Bay and to experience firsthand the appeal of Cannery Row that makes it a major tourist destination, check out this self-guided walk!