MONTEREY, CALIF.--Cannery Row could have become just another faded memory in California's history of fishing, factories and commerce. But thanks to John Steinbeck, Monterey Bay Aquarium and locals who care about their past, there's much to celebrate in the Monterey's Cannery Row. The hotel, dining and shopping destination, attraction & entertainment district, and historic setting that tourists come to see and experience are all part of the charm of this seaside mecca where an old cannery now serves as the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The remains of other canneries supply roosting spots for birds, or places to slumber for seals and seal lions.

Cannery Row's main attraction the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a world class facility that both teaches, creates, and helps to preserve the local ocean ecology. Located within the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S., the Monterey Bay and Cannery Row provide opportunities for tourists and locals to learn about trends in ocean fitness and what each individual can do to help slow the degradation of the sea. Monterey Bay Aquarium leads the way nationally in production of a seafood guide to advise restaurants and individuals about which fish to avoid eating for sustainable oceans.

In Cannery Row, the Aquarium is the top tourist draw, though shopping comes a close second. There's a factory outlet, many boutiques and souvenir gift stores, and of course, the dining is superb!

We've eaten at various Bubba Gump restaurants but none compare with the Cannery Row location. Perhaps the setting overlooking the bay lends to the experience, but the BBQ ribs always seem better at this particular location.

An addition to the shopping & dining was introduced some time ago, bringing Starbucks to those who are fans.

Several hotels/resorts offer ocean views and sounds of the seals and sea lions barking in the bay at night. You can shut your windows and doors to muffle the sounds but we like to listen and fall asleep to the noise of these creatures. It is something different for most travelers.

When visiting Monterey, you will most likely make Cannery Row one of your stops. You can book hotels, buy dinners, shop, kayak, see the aquarium, walk, sight-see, take a tour boat and enjoy the weather which seldom is hot and more often features a mist or fog.