Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Overview
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.
What's Included
- VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
- Lifetime access to this tour in English
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
Meeting Location
701 Wave Street
Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Prescott Avenue
Monterey, CA 93940, USA
The tour ends in front of the bust of Steinbeck. It is a short distance from the start location.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
The Cannery Row Monument (pass by)
Monterey Canning Company (pass by)
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (pass by)
InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel (pass by)
Doc Rickett's Pacific Biological Laboratories (pass by)
Bechtel Family Center for Ocean Education and Leadership (pass by)
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck’s Monterey?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-110804P232
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.10 out of 5 stars based on 21 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore the rugged Carmel coastline where you will have stunning views of Point Lobos, Carmel Beach and Carmel...
$9
This self-guided walking audio tour explores off-the-beaten-path areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You will walk through Carmel’s quiet and charming northwest side of town, which is home...
$8
Keep an eye out for sea lions, deer, harbor seals, and tide pools along this immersive coastal adventure. Explore the world-famous 17-Mile Drive on an...
$59
What truly sets this Afternoon Half-day, Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour apart is the unparalleled expertise of your guide, who not only boasts over 25...
$235
This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore the rugged Carmel coastline where you will have stunning views of Point Lobos, Carmel Beach and Carmel...
$9
This self-guided walking audio tour explores off-the-beaten-path areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You will walk through Carmel’s quiet and charming northwest side of town, which is home...
$8
Keep an eye out for sea lions, deer, harbor seals, and tide pools along this immersive coastal adventure. Explore the world-famous 17-Mile Drive on an...
$59
What truly sets this Afternoon Half-day, Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour apart is the unparalleled expertise of your guide, who not only boasts over 25...
$235
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
The El Cat, built right here in Moss Landing, is a fully electric, 32 passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This is a custom 37’ catamaran built...
$45
Monterey Whale Watching Tour
We are honored to be the #1 Whale Watching Company in Monterey Bay with a 99% success rate and offer: Two of the largest and...
$70
Keep an eye out for sea lions, deer, harbor seals, and tide pools along this immersive coastal adventure. Explore the world-famous 17-Mile Drive on an...
$59
Whale Watching Tour From Monterey
Embark on a 4-hour whale watching tour. All trips are narrated by a naturalist or marine biologist guide, who will also spend one on one...
$75
The El Cat, built right here in Moss Landing, is a fully electric, 32 passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This is a custom 37’ catamaran built...
$45
We are honored to be the #1 Whale Watching Company in Monterey Bay with a 99% success rate and offer: Two of the largest and...
$70
Keep an eye out for sea lions, deer, harbor seals, and tide pools along this immersive coastal adventure. Explore the world-famous 17-Mile Drive on an...
$59
Embark on a 4-hour whale watching tour. All trips are narrated by a naturalist or marine biologist guide, who will also spend one on one...
$75
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- VoiceMap App for Android and iOS.
- Lifetime access to this tour in English.
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route.
- Smartphone and headphones.
- Transportation.
- Food and drink.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck’s Monterey will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
- Lifetime access to this tour in English
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
