A GIRLFRIEND GETAWAY IN CANNERY ROW
By The Trip Sisters
Photo Credit: Cannery Row
We don’t know about you, but there’s nothing like a girlfriend getaway to get you out of your routine. Get ready to pack your bags and head out to the sunny coast of Monterey, California to visit Cannery Row! Located just over 100 miles south of San Francisco, this quaint strip of Monterey was once known as the Sardine Capital of the World. But once most of the canneries closed after the fish migrated, this area reinvented itself as one of the best dining and shopping locations in all of California. That’s why Cannery Row is a perfect place for you to plan your next girlfriend’s getaway. We just got back from a great trip to Cannery Row and are here now to tell you all about it.
As any good traveler knows, there are three things that are essential to planning a good trip: lodging, food, and fun. That’s why we’re going to share our experiences with you so you can plan a great trip of your own.
The first part of our trip began with a stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. Located in the heart of Cannery Row, this 4 star hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind. With such stunning views of Monterey Bay and a world-class spa, we decided to treat ourselves to a little rest and relaxation. Colleen enjoyed a Himalayan salt bath while Catie enjoyed a soothing aromatherapy massage. And the best part about our stay is that we were only minutes away from the area’s best shops and restaurants, some of which are located right in the hotel.
One of our favorite on-site restaurants was Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar. Voted as the “best drink with a view” in Monterey County, Schooners is the perfect place to grab a drink with your friends out on the heated terrace that overlooks Monterey Bay. And if you get hungry, they also serve up some of the freshest seafood! Colleen decided to try out their fish ‘n’ chips, a classic. Catie on the other hand, tried out dungeness crab cakes.Whatever you crave, Schooners is the place to go.
And what trip to California would be complete without a little wine tasting? If you’re anything like us, wine is an essential part of any girlfriend getaway. If you are looking to add a tasting of some of California’s finest wines to your list, then we recommend a Taste of Monterey. With a selection of wines from over 90 Monterey area wineries, you are bound to find that perfect bottle when you participate in their tasting. And while that may be fun, don’t forget to checkout their Bistro for some delicious gourmet food. There is nothing us sisters love more than getting together and enjoying some delicious food and some fine wines.
Once you have completed your wine tasting, head over to Ghirardelli for some delicious fine chocolates. What we love about stopping at Ghirardelli is that you can satisfy a sweet tooth and also pick out some nice chocolates to bring back to your loved ones (if you can resist the temptation to eat them before you get home). We ended up indulging in one of their cafe’s delicious sundaes topped with rich Ghirardelli fudge. Trust us, this is definitely a place you don’t want to miss.
After checking out the food scene, the next important thing to do is plan your activities. The first stop for us is to visit Adventures by the Sea. For those that love to be active like we do, then this will be a fun time for you. Adventures by the Sea offers a variety of options from kayaking, to paddle boarding, biking or surrey-riding, there is something for all to enjoy. Colleen decided we would try our hand at the surrey bikes and ride around town for a different perspective of the city. But we also got to do some exploring at sea, as Catie decided to have us try out some kayaks. Both activities were a lot of fun and it was great to book both excursions from the same place.
As we mentioned, Cannery Row is located on Monterey Bay. But did you know that it is part of one of the largest national parks in the US? With shoreline length of over 276 miles, larger than historic Yellowstone National Park, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of only 12 underwater national parks in the US. By visiting this sanctuary, visitors can learn about the various species that inhabit the waters of coastal California as well as partake in activities such as fishing, tide pooling, and whale watching. This is a great way to have fun and explore while also getting to learn something new in the process.
Speaking of exploring, you will definitely want to take a walking tour and explore some of Cannery Row’s famous architecture that inspired the work of author John Steinbeck, in particular his novel Cannery Row. We really enjoyed one of the walking tours that showcased the unique features of Cannery Row, such as the Steinbeck Statue as well as the Monterey Canning Company. Originally opened in 1908, this canning company used to pack sardines. However once the fish migrated and the company closed, the building became a storefront for many unique shops as did many other buildings throughout Cannery Row. With so many great shops throughout the area, it’s no wonder why people love to shop here. Our only regret is that we didn’t have time to visit all the stores!
There are so many reasons to want to visit Cannery Row. Whether it is the delicious food, the wonderful shops or the beautiful coastal views, you are bound to have a fun and relaxing getaway. As John Steinbeck said in Cannery Row, “being at ease with himself put him at ease with the world,” and after our trip to Cannery Row, we definitely feel at ease. So be sure to check it out and see what all the fun is about!
Visit www.CanneryRow.com to learn more and begin planning your trip!