Salinas, California

Just inland from Monterey's coastline, Salinas provides a unique look into the rich agricultural history of Monterey County. Plan to spend some time exploring the gems that makes this historic town so iconic. 

The hometown of Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning author John Steinbeck, Salinas houses the nationally renowned National Steinbeck Center Museum featuring multi-sensory exhibits, rare artifacts, film clips, and special exhibitions, as well as Steinbeck House, a now favorite eatery—especially if you’re headed to one of the many annual Salinas festivals like California Rodeo Salinas or California International Airshow.

Salinas City Center is the hub of the city's shopping scene, featuring unique boutiques and several art galleries. Discover the heart of Downtown Salinas on a walking tour to see the murals, sculptures and significant historic architecture in Salinas painted by local and visiting artists.

Downtown Salinas is also a culinary hotspot thanks to the growing food scene, numerous breweries popping up, and the weekly Old Town Salinas Farmers Market. Grab some fuel before getting out in to some new terrain at Toro Park, offering outdoor enthusiasts endless trails to roam and reconnect with nature. 

If you love train travel, Salinas is home to Monterey County’s only Amtrak station. Plan ahead to attend one of the many Salinas festivals or events such as California Rodeo Salinas, California International Airshow and Salinas Valley Fair.

Things to Do