Situated on California’s magnificent Central Coast, this historic waterfront district on Monterey Bay, awash with the gritty-salty maritime patina of rough and tumble days gone by and once the sight of sardine canning factories, was made famous by John Steinbeck, who detailed daily life on Cannery Row in his beloved stories. A million-dollar bronze monument, unveiled and dedicated on what would have been Steinbeck’s 112th birthday, pays tribute to the author and other notoriously colorful characters – key players in the development of the area and vital to his craft. Now a world-renowned tourist attraction and premium vacation destination, two-mile long Cannery Row continues to draw visitors and locals, alike, to its fabulous boutiques, galleries, restaurants, excellent accommodations, acclaimed day spa, wonderful aquarium and exciting recreational opportunities all set against the shining backdrop of the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary. Whether you and your travel companions are looking to indulge in a day of pampering, shopping and seashell-seeking or the adventurous amongst you are ready to hit the water and paddle to their hearts content, peer through dancing curtains of kelp into the shadowy deep or bike/hike the beautiful and well-maintained Coastal Recreation Trail, everyone in your travel group will find plenty to occupy them at this Central Coast getaway haven! A veritable melting pot of dining possibilities ensures all the delicious re-fueling you’ll need on your Cannery Row adventure and sensational sweet shops tempt your taste buds with traditional twists on old fashioned goodies. Treat yourself to something extra-yummy, then head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium at the West end of the Row to experience Tentacles – a new 12-exhibit “cephalopod extravaganza” – for a meet and greet with the world’s largest (and one of the smallest) octopi and a colorful crew of cuttlefish!