Monterey Cannery Row Night Lights

Some places evoke emotions of joy just by being. Monterey Bay's Cannery Row is one such picture-perfect place. As you drive your car through the small village where sardine canneries used to thrive, you feel the urge to park and spend some time. In addition to several hotels on the bay where you can stay for the night there are some great places to shop, tour and dine. During the daylight hours bright blue, red or yellow kayaks glide through the bay and act as a backdrop to a multitude of views--you can see them from the American Tin Cannery outlet stores, from many restaurants on the water, and from Monterey Bay Aquarium where 1916 Hovden Cannery buildings are now used to preserve marine life and study it.

(Knut Hovden built the cannery on the location in 1916 and it operated until 1973. During its boom it employed 4,000 people.  Monterey Bay Aquarium opened 11 years later in 1984.)

As the misty fog creeps in for the chilly evening and the lights in the village flick on, a romantic and cozy atmosphere compels lovers to steal a kiss. The action at night is inside the restaurants and pubs where steaks, fish, ribs and Mexican fajitas served with cocktails, wine or craft brews, make you feell all warm inside. Coffee lovers can top of a perfect meal with a stroll over to Starbucks inside the Monterey Canning Company building. History: After World War II, the over-fished sardines disappeared from Monterey Bay and brought economic disaster to Cannery Row. The Sardine Factory Restaurant opened in 1968 and with its proven success, investors transformed Cannery Row from a street of abandoned canneries into a welcoming waterfront. Approx. four million visitors come each year to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium, shop, dine and stay. John Steinbeck's 1945 "Cannery Row" novel exemplifies American history worth saving.

• FAVORITE FOOD: El Torito, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Chart House, The Fish Hopper, The Sardine Factory
• FAVORITE SHOPS: Reebok Rockport Factory Direct Store, Candy World, Sock Shop, Monterey Candle Gallery, Garlic Lovers and Pebble Beach Store
• FAVORITE HOTELS: Monterey Bay Inn, Intercontinental The Clement Monterey and Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
• FAVORITE ATTRACTION: Monterey Bay Aquarium