
Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 50 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters worth booking?
Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters is a 2-hour experience in Monterey & Carmel, United States, from $35 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 50 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (50)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $35 per person
Cannery Row is more than just the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore the Cannery Row that most visitors never see, with the Original Monterey Walking Tours and local guides who make the tales of Monterey come alive! Journey back to the days when Monterey was "the Sardine Capital of the World" and experience the enchanting allure of the Monterey waterfront and Cannery Row, today the home of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore the hidden gems of Cannery Row, immerse yourself in the wonder of the bay, view playful sea otters, and walk among the buildings and iconic John Steinbeck characters from a bygone era. Our highly rated tours provide an informative, entertaining, and fun-filled experience for every age, making your Monterey Peninsula adventure unforgettable.
What you get
About this experience
Cannery Row is more than just the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore the Cannery Row that most visitors never see, with the Original Monterey Walking Tours and local guides who make the tales of Monterey come alive! Journey back to the days when Monterey was "the Sardine Capital of the World" and experience the enchanting allure of the Monterey waterfront and Cannery Row, today the home of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore the hidden gems of Cannery Row, immerse yourself in the wonder of the bay, view playful sea otters, and walk among the buildings and iconic John Steinbeck characters from a bygone era. Our highly rated tours provide an informative, entertaining, and fun-filled experience for every age, making your Monterey Peninsula adventure unforgettable.
What's included
Included
- Guide
Not included
- gratuities
What you'll see and do
The best tours of the Monterey waterfront and Cannery Row are up close and on foot with the Original Monterey Walking Tours. From the breakwater to the Monterey Bay Aquarium we will visit the days of the "Sardine Capital of the World" and walk in the steps of Steinbeck's characters.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Monterey & Carmel
The Monterey Walking Tours Cannery Row Tour starts at 651 Wave St, halfway between Prescott and Hoffman, at the benches in the small plaza near the parking garage elevators. 9:45 AM meet for 10 AM departure
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Bruce Arris Way
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Original Monterey Walking Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 50 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
50 verified traveler reviews for Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Tour
Great guide, tremendously informative on plants, history, marine life, Steinbeck, and cannery history!
Response from the operator: Thank you for joking us and for your kind words
via Viator
Tom is the tour guide and...
Tom is the tour guide and extremely knowledgeable. He shared detailed insights throughout the experience, answered every question with patience, and clearly has a deep passion for the history and culture of the area. His explanations made the tour much more engaging and meaningful. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining is and thanks for the kind words
via Viator
Great way to see Cannery Row and Monterey Peninsula in about two hours.
Broad overview of history of Monterey Peninsula, sardine canning industry, and Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row” from our guide Tom
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining his and for the kind words.
via Tripadvisor
Great historical and entertaining walking tour.
This tour is the real deal! Thom is an excellent and engaging historian/tour guide who knows Monterey inside out. The Cannery Row Tour was so outstanding at 10 AM that we came back for the 2:00 downtown history tour. This is not a tour where there are rotating guides - Thom IS the tour guide. We were looking for something to do and chose the first tour as filler - sometimes you just step in leprechaun s—t!!! Absolutely fantastic!!! Jack & Amy
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining us -TWICE! - and thanks for the kind words.
via Tripadvisor
Brings Cannery Row, past and present, to life
Tom brought the history of Monterey and Cannery Row—along with the literary background of Steinbeck’s classic—to life in a fascinating, information-packed 2-hour walk. He can make even an empty lot into a rich exploration of both the past and the present of Monterey. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us and thanks for the kind words.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Monterey & Carmel.
How much does Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters cost?
+
Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Monterey & Carmel usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Monterey & Carmel is not rushed.
Is Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 50 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Monterey & Carmel, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters?
+
Around 18 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Monterey & Carmel can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Monterey & Carmel and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Monterey & Carmel within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Monterey & Carmel?
+
Monterey Bay is one of the best whale watching stretches in the world, alongside kayak tours over the kelp forest, 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur coastal runs, and Carmel wine walks. Boat size and naturalist quality decide the whale trips, and we score them accordingly. On Outty we rank every Monterey & Carmel experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr, Whale Watching Tour From Monterey, 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Monterey & Carmel?
+
April to November for whales and calm seas. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Monterey & Carmel?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters?
+
Included: Guide. Not included: gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters?
+
The Monterey Walking Tours Cannery Row Tour starts at 651 Wave St, halfway between Prescott and Hoffman, at the benches in the small plaza near the parking garage elevators. 9:45 AM meet for 10 AM departure Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters?
+
Across 50 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters.
Pick your date




