Cannery Row
Cannery Row
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Cannery Row is the Central Coast’s premier visitor destination. Home to some of the most luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants, boutiques & galleries, spas, premium wine tasting & exciting recreation Monterey has to offer, including the best nightlife. Walk everywhere. The breathtaking coastline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the backdrop for every Cannery Row experience. Parking is never a problem, and everything is within walking distance.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Wendy NJohns Creek, Georgia341 contributionsTourist TrapThe area is good for restaurants and souvenir shops, but not much else. The area used to have more unique stores and galleries but found this trip that most of those had disappeared. If you are visiting the Aquarium, it makes sense to take a stroll through the area and see the history of the town which had a heavy reliance on fishing in some of the old buildings.Visited May 2023Written May 20, 2023
- ValleyblueSacramento, California383 contributionsA fun part of any visit to MontereyWhen you go to Monterey, figure on doing a lot of walking. Cannery Row is a great walking area. There are so many shops, cafes, restaurants, and places for snacks (candy, ice cream, baked goods, etc.) to browse and window shop. OK, admittedly it is quite touristy, but fun nonetheless. Cannery Row is really just a part of the area. You can also walk along the shore, go to the aquarium, rent bikes, and just relax and enjoy what Monterey has to offer.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 3, 2023
- pecanpie2205Essex, United Kingdom1,215 contributionsGood for a nice strollIf visiting the Aquarium take the time to stroll down Cannery Row. There are lots of restaurants and souvenir shops to browse in. There’s are some information boards giving the history of the town which are interesting. Apart from that, there isn’t much else to do but a nice stroll nevertheless.Visited August 2022Traveled with familyWritten July 9, 2023
- SimbaTheExplorerCalifornia228 contributionsEnjoyable Visit to Cannery RowI really love Cannery Row. There are so many great restaurants and a lot of variety in restaurants compared to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. The walk along the bike path and along Cannery Row itself is very pleasant. The aquarium is at the far end of Cannery Row. We enjoyed walking to the aquarium from our hotel near the wharf and taking the trolley back. There is a nice souvenir store specializing in sea otter merchandise about a block from the aquarium. It is better to purchase souvenirs outside the aquarium because everything in the aquarium is expensive.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 13, 2023
- food ePhoenix, Arizona957 contributionsTourist area averageTypical tourist strip on cannery row. Mamy shops are low end and dirty. A few good spots include aquarium, m.p. hotel 5 star. Some mediocre food and shops . Love the surrounding area and love the bay. Town needs to improve a bit and expand its things to do. So spend 1 day then drive out side area to carmel big sur to round out trip.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 6, 2023
- WaddlerYork, United Kingdom11,146 contributionsEnjoyableIts a touristy area but retains some authenticity in its buildings and is an attractive street. Loved the Fish Hopper restaurant and we enjoyed Treasure Ride. Of course the aquarium is the big attraction but you might spot sea life anyway, look out for sea otters and sea lions wherever you get an outlook over the bay.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 6, 2023
- Jaskel08California240 contributionsIt was OK, not like it used to be.We hadn’t been since before COVID. Spent a couple of hours strolling the shops and waterfront. Honestly, it wasn’t like we remembered it. It was clean, we felt safe. There were not as many kid-friendly shops as there once was. Not a huge selection of places to eat on Cannery Row itself. One would need to walk a couple blocks to Foam St for a different selection of restaurants – and even then, they are not that kid-friendly. The convenience is that it’s a place to go after leaving the Aquarium. It’s right next to the water line. However, our family had more fun at the Fisherman’s Wharf even though it’s not as expansive as Cannery Row. Minus expectations, I’d give it 2.5 stars but I’m rounding down.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
4,415 reviews
Excellent
1,412
Very good
1,645
Average
1,028
Poor
256
Terrible
74
atlas993
Elk Grove, CA551 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
We love spending a few hours on Cannery Row just walking around looking in all of the stores and picking up treats every time we’re in Monterey. It feels different being there during the pandemic, but most people are wearing masks even outside, which was refreshing. Most of the stores were open and doing their best by providing hand sanitizer at the entrances and social distancing stickers at the checkout. It’s a nice kitschy place you must visit.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX3,456 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We stopped here to visit the aquarium and were able to stroll around for a bit before getting back on the road. It wasn't nearly long enough though as there are so many shops and restaurants to see plus cute paintings and statues. We snapped some pictures and even put our feet in the water at the beach (the water is freezing btw) then headed on to the next town. I would love to come back and spend the whole day here and I would recommend no less than 3 to 4 hours here. There are several parking lots around the area but the easiest one is the garage and its $20 for the whole day. Not too bad if you're gonna stay awhile....
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberts69
Northampton, UK18,807 contributions
Apr 2020
I have visited Monterey on several occasions both with family, friends and solo and every time I just love the feel of the place, especially walking along the historic Cannery Row.
There is plenty to see, and plenty of places to shop and refresh as well. Some of it can be a little tacky but all in all Cannery Row is a very enjoyable place to take a slow walk. Look out for the John Steinbeck statue and Cannery Row Monument as well as the pieces of wall art depicting scenes from when this was a busy fish canning area.
There is plenty to see, and plenty of places to shop and refresh as well. Some of it can be a little tacky but all in all Cannery Row is a very enjoyable place to take a slow walk. Look out for the John Steinbeck statue and Cannery Row Monument as well as the pieces of wall art depicting scenes from when this was a busy fish canning area.
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miles Archer
Boca Raton, FL7,192 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Lots to see and do. Shops and restaurants to check out. I'm a Steinbeck fan. He wrote nonfiction as well as fiction. He was an amateur naturalist/biologist. "The Log From the Sea of Cortez" is one such nonfiction book, which I've read and recommend. "Travels with Charley" is a travelog around the United States with his dog, Charley, which book I've read. I'd read his Cannery Row book, and now I've experienced a hint of it. I spent a couple of hours just taking everything in. Good exercise too.
Written May 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kari G
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Friends
Monterey is such a lovely city, Cannery Row does not reflect that. Most of the stores sell the same overpriced souvenirs. No charm whatsoever. Not enough stores have substance. They are just there to hock their wares. Going to borrow another reviewer's word, "tourist traps." I did buy a Turkish dessert from a nice little place. Owner was a bit rude but his younger employee was kind. This place was just made to kill time after going to the aquarium and grabbing some bland food. If it wasn't set in such a majestic setting it would be a complete waste of time.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnny Trekkie
San Diego, CA10,755 contributions
May 2021
This is one of the biggest tourist traps in the world. Most shops and are touristy, tacky and overpriced...But the kids will probably love this area with all the sweets, toys, and cheesy souvenirs. $7 bar of soap? Check. $20 "Monterey" T shirt, check. Bland ice cream for $4 a scoop? Check. The restaurants completely cater to tourists looking for convenience and a California ocean view. That said, I've eaten at the Fish Hopper and Linguine Louie's, both of which are overpriced but the food was good enough. The main reason to come here is to see the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium...perhaps the best in America!
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott H
Cookeville, United States6 contributions
Aug 2021
I think it is a hopeless tourist trap. Nothing but overpriced eateries and souvineer shops. I suppose if you were a Steinbeck fan, it would be OK. Traffic horrendous. Paid $5 for a can of Diet Coke in a small shop and they would still only give me $1 in change for the parking meter. Total ripoff. Time better spent on tours of the bay.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
magnoliaeleven
Lewisville, NC4,414 contributions
Feb 2020
We walked the path from Fisherman's Wharf to Cannery Row and enjoyed the relaxing walk. We were unsure of the exact route so we referred to the trolley maps as we walked.
As the buildings at Cannery Row came into site we were underwhelmed. We thought the area would be cooler than it was, it just didn't seem there was a lot going on.
There are quite a few restaurants but we had just eaten a hearty breakfast so we didn't pay much attention to them and of course the aquarium is on the far side of the street. The views of the bay are pretty but overall it was nothing special in our opinion.
As the buildings at Cannery Row came into site we were underwhelmed. We thought the area would be cooler than it was, it just didn't seem there was a lot going on.
There are quite a few restaurants but we had just eaten a hearty breakfast so we didn't pay much attention to them and of course the aquarium is on the far side of the street. The views of the bay are pretty but overall it was nothing special in our opinion.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GitchSup
Duluth, MN1,415 contributions
May 2022
No visit to Monterey is complete without a stroll on Cannery Row. Our walk included the Cannery Row Monument that depicts John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts as well as other notable people from the area. We also walked behind the aquarium and were fortunate to see a sea otter playing in the surf. Of course, there were the building fronts to see which was fun, unfortunately, the fronts were all we got to see because it was May and most places were not open yet, including the Ed Ricketts lab, all we were able to see was the huge crab pot in the "back yard". I think this would be a much more fun place to visit in the summer months.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Penney
Doylestown, PA9 contributions
Mar 2023
We loved to learn about the history of the men and women who lived along the bay. It was sad and inspiring to see how they created the sardine industry. In the end, the industry depleted the sardines and this led to the canneries closing. The story is happy with the emerging marine biologists such as Ed Ricketts, John Steinbeck and other visionaries. Be sure and do the John Steinbeck Audio Tour to get into the little corners of the area.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon G
Prince Albert, Canada22 contributions
I was down at Fishermans Wharf and there are alot of pigeons everywhere and I don't like them. I was wondering if Cannery Row is the same atmosphere or what? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks
Kate G
Bristol, UK59 contributions
No where near the same amount. Fishermans wharf is full of outside restaurants attracting the birds.
No where near the same problem you should be fine.
Amy M
Riverside, CA61 contributions
What's the parking situation? Should we take public transportation from our hotel?
Jamie C
Tehachapi, CA36 contributions
There is a parking structure that fills up by midday but if you get there when he acquiring open's or before noon you should be able to find a spot. Can't remember how much it costs but it's about a quarter mile walk from the parking structure to the aquarium and that takes you through part of cannery row. Otherwise street parking is hit or miss. Depending on what hotel you stay at there are plenty of great walking trails if you don't mind getting lots of steps in!
Katie B
1 contribution
When do things start shutting down? We are hoping to visit here late afternoon/evening (4pm, have dinner, etc.) but we don't want to miss out.
Rosalinda S
Los Angeles, CA158 contributions
Actually not sure as I visited early but it appears to be early as we drove by another evening and it looked to be winding down. About 8ish.
nomads999
Cumbria, UK59 contributions
Good restaurants near cannery row
LaurenR87
Greenwich, CT149 contributions
There are ton of options in Cannery Row, that do not require reservations and will not cost you an arm and leg. CRBC (Cannery Row Brewing Company) is a fun, relaxing restaurant, with a reasonable menu and a great beer selection. If you're looking for more of a history driven place I've check out the Sardine Factory. The menu is a bit pricier, but it's worth it to say you ate there. If you're willing to go a couple block up from Cannery Row there are some great options, a lot of smaller, local spots on Lighthouse Ave.
If you like seafood, one of the freshest meals you can get is at Sea Harvest, which is on Foam Street, in the general Cannery Row area. It's a Fish Market that offers fresh fish dinners. Not overly expensive, very fresh and a fun atmosphere.
Have fun in Monterey!
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Claim your listingCannery Row - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cannery Row
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cannery Row:
- 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour (From $79.00)
- Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco (From $127.00)
- 2-Hour Monterey and Pacific Grove Sea Car Tour (From $149.00)
- Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Explorer from San Francisco (From $105.00)
- 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite (From $620.00)
- Hotels near Cannery Row:
- (0.05 mi) Spindrift Inn
- (0.07 mi) InterContinental the Clement Monterey, An IHG Hotel
- (0.13 mi) Wave Street Inn
- (0.12 mi) Ocean Wave A - Monterey Condo - Oceanview Cannery Row
- (0.28 mi) The Jabberwock Inn
- Restaurants near Cannery Row:
- (0.00 mi) Starbucks
- (0.01 mi) Sly McFly's Refueling Station
- (0.02 mi) Dippin' Dots
- (0.02 mi) Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
- (0.02 mi) Louie Linguini's
- Attractions near Cannery Row:
- (0.01 mi) MST Trolley
- (0.01 mi) Super Silver
- (0.02 mi) Soap Confections
- (0.02 mi) Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club
- (0.02 mi) Global Candle Gallery