Salinas

At first blush, agriculture and literature might seem to be an incongruous pair, but not in Salinas. In addition to being the county seat of Monterey and a vibrant agribusiness hub, Salinas, California is most famous for being the ancestral home of Nobel Prize laureate John Steinbeck and the nationally renowned National Steinbeck Center Museum. Noshing on some locally procured delicacies in the boyhood home of Mr. Steinbeck, which is now a favorite eatery, is a must — particularly if you’re going to be taking in a rodeo, or one of the many annual Salinas festivals or special events like the California International Airshow.

Taking Amtrak? Salinas is home to Monterey County's only Amtrak station.

Salinas Hotels

Salinas, California hotels range from a wide selection of national chains to several small, independent resorts with sweeping views of the Salinas Valley. Whether you're looking for an affordable Salinas motel with easy access to Highway 101, a luxury Salinas spa and resort in a historic Victorian home on the River Road Wine Trail, or a bungalow where your breakfast is brought to you by a live elephant, you will find a perfect place to stay in Salinas.

Salinas Restaurants

Salinas is in the center of the farmland known as "California's salad bowl." Many Salinas restaurants take advantage of their proximity to the fields by prominently featuring locally grown produce. The hub of the Salinas restaurant scene is in Oldtown Salinas, just a few steps away from the National Steinbeck Center Museum.

Salinas Mall and Shopping

Oldtown Salinas is also the hub of the Salinas shopping scene, featuring unique boutiques and a number of art galleries. These establishments stay open late on the first Friday of every month for the Salinas First Fridays Art Walk, a celebration of the city's up-and-coming arts scene.

Monterey County's largest shopping center, the Northridge Mall, is also located in Salinas. Featuring over 130 shops and restaurants, as well as a 14-screen movie theater, this Salinas mall is the home of many national chains.

Salinas Map

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