Top 5 Cannery Row Activities

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Whether you’re passing through Monterey or you’ve been here for years, there are all kinds of incredible Cannery Row activities to experience. Situated along San Carlos Beach, this waterfront street has history, natural splendor, and exciting attractions. In fact, the sheer number of options can leave visitors feeling a little overwhelmed! To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled five of the best attractions that Cannery Row has to offer:

1. Wine Tasting

One of the most popular Cannery Row activities is the Bargetto Wine Tasting Room. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or not, it’s easy to enjoy award-winning vintages with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Even the locals love this place, and it has been an established part of Cannery Row for almost a century.

There are three different wine flights to choose from, and you can sample local wines from the esteemed Regan Estate Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Once you’ve finished your tasting session, enjoy a discount on a bottle of your favorite vintage. Take home a piece of Cannery Row and enjoy an excellent bottle of wine when you return from your vacation.

2. Oscar’s Playground

Oscar’s Playground is an obvious choice if you’re looking for family fun in Cannery Row. The best thing about this attraction? There’s something for everyone. While it might be geared primarily towards children, Oscar’s Playground offers games that even adults might find fun – such as virtual reality and escape rooms. If you feel like relaxing while the kids go nuts in the background, head for the lounge.

Children will find plenty of arcade games waiting for them. They can also get their heart rates pumping with basketball or skee ball. The escape rooms are especially popular, as they allow families to solve problems, work as teams, and bond.

cannery row activities - Oscar's Playground

cannery row activities - Daniel’s Wood Land Shooting Gallery

3. Daniel’s Wood Land Shooting Gallery

There are normal shooting galleries… And then there’s Daniel’s Wood Land Shooting Gallery. This attraction is a cut above, and there’s really nothing else like it. Established back in 1997 by two brothers, this gallery features interactive targets with animatronic technology. Some of the most popular galleries include the pirate-themed “Scallywag Shootout,” the desert-themed “Bone Blaster,” and the classic Western “Prospector’s Peak.” Kids absolutely love them, and adults have plenty of fun blasting targets as well.

4. Treasure Hunt: The Ride

If you’re looking for a theme park that’ll blow your socks off, search no further than Treasure Hunt: The Ride. Those who love classic tales like Pirates of the Caribbean or Treasure Island will obsess over this pirate-themed ride.

Adults take note: This ride is surprisingly educational – and it spends a few minutes explaining the area’s unique history. For those who don’t know, the Monterey area has seen plenty of real pirates over the years – including the infamous Hippolyte de Bouchard. In 1818, this Frenchman raided the Presidio of Monterey in a surprise attack not far from Cannery Row.

Treasure Hunt: The Ride is also extremely interactive. Described as “part ride and part game,” the attraction tasks you with collecting treasure and fighting off enemy pirates as you complete the adventure. The experience lasts about 20 minutes from start to finish – and it might be one of the best things to do after a walk along San Carlos Beach. Speaking of the beach…

cannery row activities - Treasure Hunt: The Ride

cannery row activities - San Carlos Beach

5. Simply Enjoy San Carlos Beach

One of the best things to do in Cannery Row is free! That’s right, San Carlos Beach offers beautiful sea vistas, and you won’t have to spend a dime to enjoy a beautiful walk along its shores. Not keen on getting sand on your shoes? Not to worry – the entire area is a state park with paved walkways and a seawall. Check out photos of the area on Google, and you’ll see that the beach is absolutely teeming with wildlife. Who knows? You might even spot a sea lion!

San Carlos Beach is also known for scuba diving and sailing. If you’re willing to spend a little extra on maritime adventures, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities close by. It’s also one of the best picnic spots in the area with numerous grassy areas and tables.

Start Your Adventure at the Best Western Gilroy

Planning out your itinerary for a trip to Monterey? Book your stay at the Best Western Gilroy and cross accommodation off your “to-do” list. While you might consider additional research with a Cannery Row hotel guide, it’s best to book your rooms as quickly as possible due to high popularity. Situated within driving distance of Southern California’s finest attractions, the Best Western Gilroy is an ideal “central hub” for anyone who wants to see it all. Begin your adventure today.

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