Monterey Bay Aquarium – one of the best places to see and interact with marine life, featuring species from all parts of the world. Pacific Biological Laboratories – the building fictionalized as 'Western Biological Laboratory' by Steinbeck in his Cannery Row novel. The Cannery Row Monument – located in Steinbeck Plaza, features bronze sculptures of some of the city's most noteworthy historic figures, including John Steinbeck himself. Lower Presidio Historic Park – a huge, natural sanctuary, home to the Presidio of Monterey Museum complex recounting the official history of the city.Ĭannery Row Street itself – once known as Ocean View Boulevard, a major tourist sight with numerous establishments located in the former cannery buildings, including Cannery Row Antique Mall – a treasure trove for antique lovers, with more than 150 dealers! Here are some of the area's top locations worth visiting for a truly memorable experience: Indeed, there are few destinations out there just as rich as Monterey’s fabled street in terms of historic, cultural and natural attractions. In the novel's opening sentence, Steinbeck described Cannery Row as 'a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.' The former nickname for Ocean View Avenue became the street's official name in January 1958 to honor John Steinbeck and his famous eponymous novel. Cannery Row – the waterfront street in Monterey, California – was once home to a number of sardine canning factories, the last of which closed down in 1973.

John steinbeck museum cannery row