Monterey Plaza Hotel: Self-Guided Audio Tours

Embark on an immersive journey into the historic heart of Monterey with this self-guided audio tour. Designed for fans of history, literature, and the sea, participants will be guided through the transformation of Cannery Row, exploring its evolution from an industry powerhouse to its rebirth as a hub of culture, leisure, and culinary delights. Start your audio adventure at the Sardine Factory, once part of Monterey's bustling sardine canning industry, which now serves as one of the premier eateries in the city. The tour concludes at Steinbeck Plaza, inviting reflection by the bronze bust of John Steinbeck, the guardian of Cannery Row's literary legacy. As you meander down the waterfront, you'll traverse the same streets John Steinbeck immortalized in his writing, uncover secrets behind the preserved facades, and discover the cultural impact of this iconic part of California's coast. The route of the tour not only highlights storied locations but also introduces the resilient spirit of Cannery Row through sculptures, murals, and ruins - vivid reminders of a romanticized yet industrious past. Conclude your exploration with memorable experiences such as standing beside a divers' helmet memorial dedicated to the brave underwater workers of the canning industry, contemplating at a fire pit with ocean views at the Plaza Hotel, and revisiting scenes of Hollywood's golden era where the glamour of the silver screen met the rustic shores of Monterey.