Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore Cannery Row in Monterey California and the surrounding area as well as a number of hotels and historic sites. There's a separate admission

This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore Cannery Row in Monterey California and the surrounding area as well as a number of hotels and historic sites. There's a separate admission charge for entrance to Monterey Bay Aquarium. On this tour, you'll hear how the area served as the industrial heart of Monterey in the first half of the 1900s. Its seemingly inexhaustible number of Pacific sardine attracted fishermen, investors and inventors from around the world seeking their fortune. But, (spoiler alert!) overfishing would decimate the industry by the 1950s. You will also discover the connection between John Steinbeck and this area as you meet some of the colorful characters that were immortalized in his novel Cannery Row and its sequel Sweet Thursday. Finally, you'll discover the incredible story of how Cannery Row quite literally rose from the ashes to what is now a welcoming waterfront of world-class hotels, wine rooms, restaurants and shopping opportunities.

From: $0.00

Location: Monterey & Carmel

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there an age limit for the self-guided audio tour?

A: There's really no age limit for this tour since it's self-guided! It’s perfect for all ages, but kids might need some help with the audio part. Just make sure they can walk around Cannery Row and keep up with the pace. The audio is engaging enough for teens, and younger kids might enjoy the stories if you narrate along with the tour.

Q: Can you do this tour in any weather? What if it rains?

A: You can still enjoy the tour in light rain, but if it’s heavy, you might want to wait for a clearer day. Since it's outdoor, just dress appropriately! Bring an umbrella if there's a chance of drizzle. The audio tour works offline too, so you can take your time without worrying about losing signal.

Q: What’s the best time of year to do the Cannery Row tour?

A: Honestly, spring and fall are the best times! The weather is mild, and you’ll avoid summer crowds. Plus, the views are stunning with clear skies and blooming flowers in spring. Just check the forecast beforehand so you can plan accordingly. Summer can be a bit busy with tourists.

Discussions

Thinking of gifting the Cannery Row audio tour!

I’m planning to gift this self-guided audio tour of Cannery Row to my parents. They love Steinbeck and just got back from a trip to Monterey last month. I think they’d enjoy revisiting the area with the audio tour! Any tips on what to wear or where to grab lunch afterward? Also, how long does the tour take?

Just finished the Cannery Row audio tour and loved it!

I finally did the Cannery Row self-guided audio tour and wow, it was such an amazing experience! The stories about Steinbeck and the history of the area were super engaging. I ended up spending almost 3 hours because I kept stopping to take pictures and check out some shops. If you're into history or literature, you gotta try this! Anyone else have tips for the best spots to take photos?