Pedestrians, cyclists and skaters travel to the Row on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail from other areas of the waterfront. In addition this past year, the WAVE shuttle buses that serve the waterfront area were increased and provided free of charge. The Cannery Row Parking Structure, with more than 1,000 parking spaces, was built to accommodate the large number of cars coming into the area. New signs around the Row provide historical information and direct individuals to points of interest and beach access. Small parks and walkways, Cannery Row Park Plaza and Bruce Ariss Way, have been developed on portions of Dickman and Irving avenues connecting to Cannery Row Street.
Private development is required to provide public access to and along the waterfront.
For example, the recently approved Monterey Peninsula Hotel will develop new access to the water. As part of the project, a portion of McAbee Beach will be dedicated to the City, producing a City beach in the heart of Cannery Row. The City reviews new construction and renovations to ensure that each project embraces the setting and surrounding character of the neighborhood. Many of the buildings along the Row reflect the canneries that once lined the street, e.g. the Monterey Bay Aquarium was patterned after the former Hovden Cannery. Preservation grants help property owners perform corrective maintenance so historic building materials are not lost.