Why You'll Love the Monterey Cannery Row Scavenger Hunt
Get ready to experience Monterey's world-famous Cannery Row like never before! Explore the historic waterfront, scenic ocean views, marine landmarks, public art, and the legendary streets that inspired John Steinbeck while working together to solve puzzles, complete challenges, and earn points. Most teams complete the adventure in approximately 90–120 minutes while walking about 1.5 miles through beautiful Cannery Row.
 
Historic Points of Interest Along the Way
Cannery Row
McAbee Beach
Doc Ricketts Memorial
La Ida Café
Cannery Row Monument
Bruce Ariss Way
The Del Mar Canning Company
Historic sardine canneries
Pacific Ocean viewpoints
Additional historic buildings, public art, and hidden Cannery Row landmarks
 
Educational Benefits
This scavenger hunt provides a unique form of experiential learning by encouraging participants to:
Practice observation and critical thinking skills
Solve puzzles and interpret clues
Learn about Monterey's world-famous sardine fishing and canning industry
Discover how Cannery Row transformed from an industrial center into one of California's most iconic waterfront destinations
Explore the history of marine science and the legacy of Ed Ricketts, whose laboratory helped shape modern marine biology
Learn about the friendship between Ed Ricketts and author John Steinbeck, and how Cannery Row inspired one of his most famous novels
Discover Monterey's coastal ecology, marine habitats, and conservation efforts
Explore historic waterfront architecture and local monuments
Develop teamwork and communication skills
Strengthen problem-solving abilities
Build navigation and spatial awareness skills
Connect with Monterey's history, culture, literature, and marine heritage through active exploration

How It Works
Detailed login instructions and access information will be provided.
When you're ready to begin, travel to the designated starting location.
Access the scavenger hunt through your smartphone.
Follow clues, solve puzzles, answer questions, and complete challenges.
Earn points for correct answers and climb the leaderboard.
Explore historic Cannery Row while uncovering fascinating stories, coastal landmarks, and hidden gems.
 
Team Information
One purchase covers your entire team.
Recommended team size: 2–6 participants.
Family-friendly and suitable for a wide range of ages.
 
Visiting Tips for Families
Bring a Charged Smartphone
A smartphone is required to access clues, challenges, and scoring.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Participants should expect approximately 1.5 miles of walking along sidewalks and the scenic waterfront.
Take Time to Explore
Cannery Row offers world-class restaurants, unique shops, oceanfront parks, historic attractions, and spectacular coastal views. Consider allowing extra time before or after your scavenger hunt to visit nearby attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Lovers Point, or Old Fisherman's Wharf.
Work Together
The best experience comes from collaborating as a team to solve challenges and uncover clues.
Take Your Time
There is no time limit, so feel free to stop, enjoy the ocean views, watch for sea otters and other marine wildlife, take photos, and explore at your own pace.
 
Educator Package
Includes educational resources, interactive project ideas, trip organization support, and engaging pre- and post-visit educational activities designed to help students connect their scavenger hunt experience to broader learning concepts in California history, marine science, literature, ecology, geography, observation, architecture, communication, and problem-solving.