Cannery Row

Modern Hotel Crossover Bridge

We had a great weekend at Cannery Row in Monterey CA. We stayed at the Intercontinental, Clement Hotel which is right in the middle of the historic Row.

We were very impressed by the the Clement's european style and elegance. Service was courteous, professional and the rooms were clean and tastefully decorated. Had great views of the Bay and enjoyed the sound and smell of the ocean while drinking nice glasses of wine and watching the wild otters play on the surface of the bay. Fantastic!.

Cannery Row is the waterfront street in the old fishing area of Monterey. It is the site of a number of now-defunct sardine cannery factory buildings. The last cannery closed in 1973. The street name, formerly a nickname for Ocean View Avenue, became official in January 1958 to honor John Steinbeck and his well-known novel Cannery Row and his long time friend, "Doc" Ed Ricketts.

Ed Ricketts Lab

Pacific Biological Laboratories, Ed Rickett's biological supply house, was located at 800 Ocean View Avenue (now Cannery Row) from 1928 to 1948.The laboratory is still there.

The canneries failed after the collapse of the fishing industry in Monterey Bay by the mid-‘50s from overfishing. Before the collapse, the fishery was one of the most productive in the world due to the cold, nutrient-rich water from the bottom of the Pacific funneled to the surface along the vast underwater Monterey Canyon.

Cannery Row is now a major tourist attraction with many restaurants and hotels, some of which are located in former the cannery buildings. There’s also an incredible Aquarium which deserves its own blog, which is coming soon.

Last Original Sardine Factory Crossover Bridge

In recent years, Cannery Row has become increasingly popular among sport fishermen due to extensive public fishing facilities. Nearby San Carlos Beach is one of Monterey Bay's most popular scuba-diving spots.

Cannery Row is somewhat touristy but it is a very interesting and historic part of Monterey to to visit and enjoy.