Anchored by San Carlos Beach on one end and the Monterey Bay Aquarium on the other, historic Cannery Row in Monterey, California stretches along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and offers unmatched access to natural marvels and easy access to the beach. It is the perfect weekend getaway, and the summer months are ideal with temperatures that linger between 60 and 75 degrees.
On Cannery Row you’ll find unique boutique shopping, fine art galleries, wine tasting, recreational activities, and award winning fine dining–an “all inclusive” vacation spot where everything is within easy walking distance.
Check into the Monterey Bay Inn, a luxury small hotel located on the quiet end of Cannery Row, overlooking the sandy shores of San Carlos Beach. The Inn was built during Cannery Row’s modern renaissance and today stands as a gateway to this scenic destination. Sleek in its design, the Inn reflects the vitality of the sea and its décor is reminiscent of an art deco-era cruise liner. Most rooms have stunning ocean or harbor views; and the rooftop jacuzzi offers panoramic views of the Monterey Bay.
Start your weekend exploring the beautiful coastal recreational trail, which stretches 18 miles along Monterey Bay – imagine biking, skating, running, or walking along one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.
Rent a beach cruiser and peddle up and down the trail for on-the-go views of the Bay. If just looking at the water isn’t enough, rent a kayak at Adventures by the Sea to experience the wildlife and beauty of the bay close up. For ocean lovers in search of a view from a different angle try Stand Up Paddling in the clear, calm waters near the shore.
After a day of adventure treat yourself to a relaxing massage at one of the many spas on Cannery Row. Vista Blue penthouse spa, located in the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, boasts an ocean-view sundeck and a full range of treatments geared toward rejuvenating the body, renewing the spirit and reviving the senses.
Enjoy indoor or outdoor ocean view dining at one of the many restaurants serving fresh local produce, sustainable seafood and Monterey County wines. A wide variety of restaurants dot the historic streets and waterfront.
Cannery Row’s most famous restaurant is the Sardine Factory, renowned for its inspiring menu, impeccable service, award winning wine cellar and four distinct dining rooms. The Lounge’s live entertainment and affordable menu are a casual alternative to the dining rooms. The Sardine Factory garnered quite a reputation, attracting the attention of Hollywood. Several scenes from Clint Eastwood’s “Play Misty for Me” were filmed at the bar and celebrities from all over the world from Julia Child and Rachael Ray to Jim Nantz and Prince Albert II of Monaco have frequented the dining rooms.
Stroll along the recreational trail where signage spotlights the history of Cannery Row. Take pictures in front of the bronze monument that honors John Steinbeck and famous marine biologist, Ed Ricketts. Sip and shop at A Taste of Monterey, Wine Market & Bistro, which is housed in a renovated circa 1918 sardine cannery. The tasting room showcases superior quality wines from over 95 Monterey County wineries and a variety of unique gifts.
You’ll find a weekend visit to historic Cannery Row is a great, fun seaside escape with so much to see, learn and do. For more information on Cannery Row visit www.canneryrow.com.