Situated on sunny California’s magnificent Central Coast, this historic waterfront district on Monterey Bay, once the sight of now-defunct sardine canneries and made famous by illustrious author John Steinbeck, who detailed life on Cannery Row in his colorful stories-is steeped in the maritime nostalgia of days gone by. A recent million-dollar bronze monument, unveiled and dedicated on what would have been his 112th birthday, pays tribute to the cherished author and other notoriously colorful characters vital to the evolution of the area. Now an acclaimed tourist attraction and premium vacation destination, two-mile long Cannery Row continues to draw visitors and locals alike to its cornucopia of boutiques, galleries, fabulous aquarium, restaurants, entertainment venues, cozy-to-first-class accommodations and top-notch recreational opportunities all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary. Whether you and your travel partners are looking to indulge in a day of luxurious spa treatment and local wine tasting, sensational shopping, sight-seeing and seashell-seeking, or the divers, surfers and explorers amongst you are ready to hit the water and paddle to their hearts content, peer into the shadowy depths of kelp kingdoms or bike/hike the scenic and well-maintained Coastal Recreation Trail and enjoy a little local wildlife spotting, everyone in your travel group will find plenty to do on Cannery Row! A veritable melting pot of fantastic dining possibilities-casual to elegant seafood and steaks, pizza and Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and good ol’ Classic American Diner fare-afford you all the re-fueling you need on your waterfront escapade; sensational sweet stops taunt your sweet tooth with traditional to gourmet hand-made goodies. Share a super-sized Ghirardelli Sundae, or indulge in an ooey-gooey-crispy-juicy chocolate-dipped caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company-then head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium at the West end of the Row to experience “Tentacles,” a 12-exhibit cephalopod extravaganza- for a low-key meet and greet with the world’s largest…and one of the smallest…octopi and his crew of colorful cuttlefish. Once Old Sol sinks into the deep blue sea and the stars pop from their beds, Cannery Row comes alive with a vibrant array of exciting after-dark options; sun-up to sundown, it’s the place to be!
