Cannery Row on Monterey Bay

The best hotels, dining and shopping at the Historic Cannery Row

Situated on the oceanfront of the pristine Monterey Bay, Cannery Row offers visitors a historic look into California’s past. In addition to historic landmarks, Cannery Row offers visitors a wide variety of shopping, fine dining and marine activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, whale watching and tide pooling. From the Cannery Row fishing shacks to the refurbished manufacturing plants from Monterey’s past fishing industry, there is a lot to explore in and around Monterey.

Monterey is also home to several hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts, some of which are registered historic buildings. Downtown "Old Monterey" has easy access to Old Fisherman’s Wharf and beach areas, which are popular sites to relax with family and friends. Walking tours are available throughout the peninsula and many focus on history, the arts tradition of Monterey and the founding of the area.

Monterey Bay Natural Marine Sanctuary

The Monterey Bay Natural Marine Sanctuary, home to one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, is heavily studied by biologists and celebrated by nature enthusiasts. Constantly under threat, the Monterey Bay Natural Marine Sanctuary has been federally protected since 1992. Sitting on the edge of the sanctuary is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the most popular attractions on the Northern California coastline. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-class facility dedicated to educating guests about the wonders of the oceans and how to protect them. Those who want to experience the Monterey Bay Natural Marine Sanctuary outside of the aquarium can take hikes along the coast or take kayaking tours in the bay.

Monterey Weddings

The historic architecture and scenic oceanfront setting of Monterey has made this a popular community for weddings. Old Monterey’s charming adobe buildings can be booked for weddings and receptions, but their popularity requires advanced reservations. Everything from small boutiques to large resorts can be found in Monterey and the surrounding areas, so wedding parties and out-of-town guests can be easily accommodated.

Monterey Peninsula Dining

Monterey, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach all have their share of world-class restaurants and famous chefs who incorporate the local produce and fresh seafood into their menus. Cannery Row and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf are two areas of Monterey with high concentrations of delicious eateries. Some of Monterey’s best dining establishments which can be booked online are:

Monterey Peninsula Events

Monterey County is the biggest producer of organic produce in the United States, so each year during the summer and fall harvest Monterey, Carmel and the surrounding areas host large events to celebrate their agricultural tradition. During the festivals and events, area hotels begin to fill with visitors who look forward to harvest each year, including sports figures, Hollywood celebrities and nature enthusiasts. Restaurants capitalize on the delicious harvest food and feature it in their seasonal menus, making this one of the best times of the year to experience dining in Monterey County.

In addition to the culinary festivals and events, Monterey also features a wealth of annual celebrations centered on the area’s rich musical, literary and wine production history. Cannery Row, etched into fame by John Steinbeck and his infamous novels, is only one of the areas in Monterey where locals and tourists can experience everything from art and wine festivals to sporting and cultural heritage celebrations. Other popular festival sites in Monterey include the Wharf, the downtown area and the many surrounding parks. With a fine selection of dining, entertainment and attractions like the Monterey Aquarium and the new IMAX Theater, visitors are sure to enjoy visiting Cannery Row and the surrounding area for the many varied happenings. Some of the most anticipated events are:

  • The Castroville “Artichoke” Festival – May 17-18, 2008
    Celebrated in nearby Castroville, the Artichoke capital of the world for the past 42 years, the Artichoke Festival is a popular celebration featuring a classic car show, a parade, cooking and art competitions, a farmer’s market, live entertainment and an amazing array of foods made from artichokes.
  • The 5th Annual Cannery Row Block Party – June 1, 2008 - 11am-5pm
    Admission is FREE to come celebrate and enjoy live musical entertainment with Jonah and the Whalewatchers, Red Beans and Rice, the Chicano All Stars and more. This celebration has plenty events for the whole family to enjoy as well, from animal shows and magic shows to ice cream eating contests and rib-eating contests.
  • Monterey’s 23rd Annual Blues Festival – June 27–29, 2008
    A celebration of all things soulful, rich and gritty, the Monterey Annual Blues Festival is a must-attend for the blues-lovers of the world. Held at the Monterey Fairgrounds, this three-day festival will food, wine and some of the best blues musicians around. Featured performers this year include James “Superharp” Cotton, Susan Tedeschi, Teeny Tucker, Bettye LaVette and B.B. King.
  • The Monterey Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks – July 4, 2008
    This exciting Independence Day event begins at 10am at Alvarado and Polk Streets with the flag raising ceremony and the kick off of the parade. The day is filled with events and barbecuing on the lawn at Colton Hill, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display over Monterey Bay.
  • Monterey Highland Games and Celtic Festival – July 5-6, 2008
    The Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, held in Toro Park each year, is celebrating its 41st Anniversary in 2008 during the 2nd Annual event-filled Monterey County Celtic Week. This exciting festival will feature live concerts, bagpipers and from all over the world, bagpipe instructors, dance performances and delicious food.
  • The 2008 Red Bull Grand Prix – Race Nights on the Row – July 18-20, 2008
    The 11th Annual “Race Nights on the Row” is a celebration that’s part of the 2008 Red Bull Grand Prix. This event on Cannery Row draws thousands of bikers and enthusiasts with live music, great food and over 5,000 of the hottest, sleekest bikes around.
  • The California Rodeo – July 17-20, 2008
    A July favorite for cowboys, cowgirls and their horses, the California Rodeo is the largest community event held in Salinas, welcoming over 50,000 spectators and some the country’s top professional rodeo athletes. Every year features a cavalcade of events, including concerts, parades, a carnival, horse races and bull riding.
  • Pacific Grove’s ‘Feast of Lanterns’ – July 21-27, 2008
    This event is just north of Cannery Row on Lovers Point Park and is a celebration dating back to the 1800’s. This weeklong festival will feature live entertainment, games, arts & crafts, sand castle contests and fireworks, culminating with the crowning of the festival Queen and her Royal Court of young women from the community.
  • The Steinbeck Festival – August 7-10, 2008
    The Steinbeck Festival is a celebration of the famous author, a native Northern Californian whose life lived in the Salinas and Monterey areas served as the inspiration for the novel Cannery Row. Through presentations and cultural exhibits, the 2008 festival will focus on the John Steinbeck’s connection with Mexico and celebrate the novels he wrote that either focused on Mexico or featured characters of Mexican descent.
  • Cherry’s Jubilee Motorsport Festival – September 6, 2008
    The Cherry’s Jubilee is the biggest oldies party of the year. With over 1,000 classic cars displayed on Cannery Row, in Old Monterey and at the Fisherman’s Wharf, you can bring your own cherry ride to show off or just enjoy events like parades, live music and food vendors from over 25 restaurants.
  • The Monterey Jazz Festival – Sept 19-21, 2008
    The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest running jazz festival in the world and one of the most anticipated musical events around. This celebration welcomes over 500 world-class musicians annually; this year will feature greats like Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride, Cassandra Wilson and Derek Trucks.
  • The California International Airshow – September 27-28, 2008
    This annual event in Monterey County at the Salinas Municipal Airport showcases some of the best pilots and aircraft displays the world has to offer. From USAF Thunderbird performances to Julie Clark’s thrilling aerobatics to the SkyHawks Canadian Forces Parachute shows, this year promises to captivate audiences.
  • A Taste of Monterey
    Events are held from Cannery Row to Carmel Valley and Salinas with all of the great wines and foods of the peninsula being offered by the Monterey County Vintners Association. Check out their extensive calendar of ongoing events and tastings on the peninsula.
  • Christmas in the Adobes
    A beautiful and unique Christmastime celebration, Christmas in the Adobes features tours through historic adobes illuminated by candles and luminarias, musical entertainment and refreshments.
  • First Night Monterey
    This New Years Eve event is an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration in downtown Monterey with live music, arts & crafts, food vendors and exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.