In Monterey County, California, literary history comes alive at every turn. Renowned American author John Steinbeck, a Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winner, called this region home and used it as the backdrop for many of his iconic works. During your visit to Monterey, you can walk the paths he once traveled and explore the places where he lived and worked.
Born in Salinas, a town immortalized in The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden, Steinbeck spent much of his time in Pacific Grove. He worked as a fisherman in nearby Cannery Row, gathering inspiration and material for his stories. In 1941, Steinbeck wrote The Log from the Sea of Cortez while staying in a cottage owned by his sister—now a part of the Asilomar State Beach & Conference Grounds.
Asilomar is the ideal starting point for a journey through Steinbeck’s life and legacy. Nestled on 107 acres of restored beachfront dunes, rocky bluffs, and Monterey pine forest, Asilomar lives up to its name, meaning "Refuge by the Sea." Derived from the Spanish words "asilo" for retreat and "mar" for sea, Asilomar offers a peaceful and inspiring connection to Steinbeck’s world.
A Step in Steinbeck’s Shoes
In addition to its rich history, Asilomar is surrounded by the sights and sounds of Monterey County that inspired John Steinbeck’s work. Take a step in his shoes with our itinerary that highlights the life of this literary giant.
Guest Inn Cottage
The Cottage is the only stand-alone dwelling at Asilomar State Beach & Conference Grounds. Originally purchased by John Steinbeck’s sister, Esther, in 1932, it became Steinbeck’s personal retreat, where he wrote Sea of Cortez in 1941. In 1972, California State Parks acquired the cottage, incorporating it into our grounds.
The National Steinbeck Center Museum
The Center pays homage to the life and legacy of John Steinbeck. This interactive museum features a full sensory experience that immerses visitors into his stories and brings his world to life.
The Steinbeck House
This historic home, built in 1897, is the birthplace and boyhood residence of John Steinbeck, whose family moved into the home in 1900. In 1974, on the 72nd anniversary of Steinbeck’s birth, the house was purchased and restored by the Valley Guild. It now operates as a restaurant, offering a unique opportunity to dine in the home of one of America’s greatest authors.
Cannery Row
Immortalized in two of John Steinbeck’s most famous novels, Cannery Row now features a bronze statue of the author in Steinbeck Plaza. Once a hub for sardine factory workers, it is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a re-purposed cannery that highlights Monterey’s fishing heritage and the coastal waters Steinbeck knew well.
