Cannery Row

Happy 50th Birthday, Cannery Row! Fifty years ago, in January 1958, the City of Monterey officially re-named Ocean View Avenue “Cannery Row” in honor of John Steinbeck and his novel that described a colorful past set amid the cannery culture of the time. Now, the Row’s buildings are updated, shinier versions of turn-of-the-century canneries, and house an eclectic blend of specialty shops, local artists’ galleries, more than 25 restaurants and world-class attractions.

Main attraction on Cannery Row, and a favorite for visitors to the Central Coast, is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Constantly surprising with new exhibits and programs, and with a steadfast dedication to marine education and conservation, the aquarium is consistently ranked among the top attractions in the world. Visit the new “Wild About Otters” and recently updated children’s “Splash Zone” exhibits.

Just a block from the Monterey Bay Aquarium is Cannery Row’s brand new IMAX Theater! Watch feature length 3D movies and dive into 12,000 watts of digital-surround sound and giant-screen action. The Cannery Row IMAX Theater also houses an exclusive Guy Buffet Art Gallery, and the Edgewater Café which serves Italian favorites such as gelato, sorbetto, espresso, pastries and chocolates.

Cannery Row’s dining draws crowds with its complete spectrum of taste offerings. Enjoy a new, unique trailside tea room, area seafood favorites, legendary fine dining, and lively nightlife on Cannery Row. For a new culinary experience, take a gourmet cooking class at the Culinary Center of Monterey. Or, taste a multitude of Monterey County wines while enjoying a spectacular bay view at A Taste of Monterey Wine Visitors Center.

It’s easy to shed your car and go “green and marine” on Cannery Row, taking in the wonders of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary by scuba diving with the starfish, kayaking with the sea otters and Adventures by the Sea, or bike riding from beach to beach along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail.