Monterey and the surrounding area is Steinbeck country. If you haven’t read Steinbeck, Monterey will try to remedy that by providing every book he has ever written at multiple shops around town. You will also see his image and quotes from his books on signs and billboards. One such particular sign gives the quote from the opening of his book “Cannery Row.”
“Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.”
Cannery Row is the major tourist destination in Monterey. It holds the old buildings that were once a thriving sardine industry and have now been converted into modern restaurants and stores. 
The clam chowder here is some of the best. One of the most modern buildings at Cannery Row is Monterey’s aquarium. This huge edifice houses many exotic fish and various sea creatures. The exhibits are impressive, interesting and informative.
Cannery Row is not all that Monterey has to offer; however. The downtown area also has many notable restaurants and shopping and any tourist should branch out and explore this area as well.
Monterey is a slow-paced town where people stroll along the edge of the beach,
sail around the bay from Fisherman’s Wharf or hang out at an outdoor cafe overlooking the ocean. It is a place to relax, and enjoy the food, the year-round mild climate, and the nice breeze. It is certainly a place worth visiting.
article and photos by World Barrios Contributor: Jennefer Walden
Monterey sounds and looks picturesque! Beautiful! I think I would love to read Steinbeck then travel to Monterey right afterwards. And apparently I could buy a copy of all Steinbeck books then! Sound like a fun trip to me.
You should definitely do it.