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Big Sur

Soulful.
Breathtaking.
Untamed.

Carmel Valley

Warm.
Rustic.
Relaxed.

Carmel-By-The-SEA

Artistic.
Whimsical.
Epicurean.

Marina

Diverse.
Coastal.
Evolving.

Monterey

Iconic.
Historic.
Trailblazing.
This is an image of Moss Landing

mOss Landing

Marine.
Wild.
Curious.
Pacific grove beach

Pacific Grove

Classic.
Coastal.
Connected.
This is an image of a golf course with a cypress tree and the ocean in the background at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach

Legendary.
Luxurious.
Pristine.

Salinas

Grounded.
Vibrant.
Visionary.
Salinas Valley

salinas Valley

Open.
Abundant.
Genuine.
This is an image of a person paragliding over a beach in Sand City, California

Sand City

Edgy.
Expressive.
Creative.
This is an image a couple of people running on a path in Laguna Grande Park in Seaside, California

Seaside

Bold.
Genuine.
Rising.

Take The Right Path

A little planning goes a long way. Help protect Monterey County by allowing extra travel time, carpooling when possible, parking responsibly, and respecting local communities.

Take the Art Lover's Path

From the mural-lined streets of Salinas to the world-class galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the arts are truly at home in Monterey County.
Classic cars on display outdoors in the plaza in front of Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf

Summer Annual Events

The days are longer, and the event calendar is fuller during summer, including Monterey Car Week! Discover popular events by season and things to do during your visit.
Group of people sat around an outdoor table at Carmel Valley Ranch with the Santa Lucia Highlands and vineyards in the background

Inspiration Pays Off – An Incentive Deal Worth $20,000*

For every night your group stays mid-week, you earn $20 back, up to $20,000*.

Take the Right Path

A little planning goes a long way. Help protect Monterey County by allowing extra travel time, carpooling when possible, parking responsibly, and respecting local communities.

Take The Right Path

A little planning goes a long way. Help protect Monterey County by allowing extra travel time, carpooling when possible, parking responsibly, and respecting local communities.

Meet Salinas
Meet Salinas

EVENTS
THINGS TO DO
PLACES TO STAY
PLACES TO EAT

WELCOME TO Salinas, CA

Grounded. Vibrant. Visionary.

Salinas is where fertile fields meet literary fame. Known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” and the hometown of John Steinbeck, this valley city blends agriculture, culture and Americana. Explore the National Steinbeck Center, cheer at the California Rodeo Salinas, and savor authentic flavors rooted in the land.

Inside of the National Steinbeck Center.

John Steinbeck

Follow the words of a Nobel laureate through The National Steinbeck Center, where exhibits trace novels like The Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row. Just down the street, dine at Steinbeck’s Victorian childhood home, now a community-run restaurant. Downtown murals echo his legacy in vivid color, painting Salinas as true Steinbeck Country.

Discover The Steinbeck Center

EXPLORE Salinas, CA

From historic downtown to the open edges of Toro County Park, Salinas offers a blend of culture and countryside. Visit museums, stop at the California Welcome Center Salinas, and trace a path through fields that supply America’s produce.

PLACES TO STAY IN Salinas

Stay close to the fields and festivals that define Salinas. Unwind at the historic Chateau Coralini, rest easy in downtown hotels near Steinbeck sites, or book budget-friendly brand-name hotels like Comfort Inn & Suites that keep you right in the heart of the action.

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Upcoming Events in Salinas

Local events celebrate Salinas’ rich heritage and vibrant community. Throughout the year, the city comes alive with signature events like the Steinbeck Festival, honoring hometown author John Steinbeck, and the California Rodeo Salinas in July, one of the nation’s largest and most celebrated rodeos, drawing top competitors and thousands of spectators.

The Salinas Sports Complex (home to the rodeo) hosts a variety of events year-round, from concerts and festivals to sporting competitions, adding even more energy to the local calendar. Motorsport fans also flock to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for world-class racing events, rounding out a dynamic lineup with something for every interest.

Salinas, California
Salinas, California
Salinas, California
Salinas, California
Salinas, California
Salinas, California
Salinas, California
Salinas, California
Salinas, California

Alebrijes & Nahuales

7/31/2026 - 9/4/2026
Recurring daily

Inspired by the traditions of Mexical magical realism, Alebrijes y Nahuales: Fantastic Animals from Mexico brings together 8 monumental sculptures, with each of these statues reaching nearly 20 feet tall. These large-scale pieces are based on original works, designed and crafted by celebrated artists and artesanos from Oaxaca and central Mexico. These whimsical, larger-than-life sculptures are equipped with strategically placed...

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Monterey Pre-Reunion and Corkscrew Hillclimb

8/8/2026 - 8/9/2026
Recurring daily

Get ready for two thrilling days of historic racing action! Owners of more than 300 historic race cars, most of which are competing days later in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, will get valuable track time in a more relaxed and less-crowded environment. This is a great opportunity for fans to get up close to these unique cars and watch...

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Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

8/12/2026 - 8/15/2026

The annual Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a museum revving to life with hundreds of historic and period-correct race and sports cars from nearly every era. It is one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport lifestyle gatherings. Experience race cars driven as they were originally intended to be driven in a festival environment. Also, see NASCAR legends racing in their...

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Noche Bohemia

8/15/2026

Noche Bohemia is a free, family-friendly cultural celebration that showcases poetry, music, dance, literature, and visual arts. The event is open to everyone, welcomes all ages, and is presented primarily in Spanish to celebrate and promote the region's rich Latino cultural heritage. Photo Credit: Noche Bohemia 

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INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey (Season Finale)

9/4/2026 - 9/6/2026
Recurring daily

Join in for high-speed, open-wheel racing, as the world's top single-seaters tackle Laguna Seca's iconic corkscrew turn. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns to Monterey at the peak of summer vacation, bringing unmatched intensity and high-speed action to the region’s famously cool, coastal climate. Fans can also kick off race weekend at the Pre-Race Street Party on Alvarado Street in Downtown...

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California International Airshow Salinas

9/26/2026 - 9/27/2026
Recurring daily

Look to the skies for one of California’s most thrilling events–the California International Airshow Salinas! This high-energy spectacle brings together world-class military and civilian aviators for jaw-dropping aerial stunts, precision flying, and heart-pounding performances. The weekend is a perfect blend of excitement, patriotism and community spirit. In the sky, 2026 will include the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds and much more to come....

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45th Annual California International Airshow

9/26/2026 - 9/27/2026

Gates open at 9:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM.Flying performances begin at approximately 11:30 AM. Come early and spend the day with your family exploring a wide variety of educational and entertaining exhibits. Enjoy numerous vendors, hands-on aviation and STEM displays, and a popular Kids’ Zone for all ages. Save by purchasing tickets online in advance.Tickets will also be available on...

Sea Otter Classic

4/15/2027 - 4/18/2027

A four-day "Celebration of Cycling," the Sea Otter Classic is regarded as the largest and most comprehensive gathering of cycling enthusiasts in the world. Part recreational biking, part competitive event, part festival, part expo and 100% fun. This action-packed cycling extravaganza features amateur and pro cycling events as well as family activities for all ages. New in 2026, the weekend will...

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Spartan Race

5/29/2027 - 5/30/2027

Challenge yourself on the rugged trails of Toro Park during Spartan Race Monterey, one of California's premier obstacle course racing events. Set against rolling hills and sweeping views of Monterey County, competitors of all skill levels take on a series of demanding obstacles designed to test strength, endurance, and determination. With race options ranging from beginner-friendly courses to elite competitions,...

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Things to do in Salinas

Step into the National Steinbeck Center, brush up on history at the San Antonio de Padua Mission and California Welcome Center, and admire local murals downtown. Outdoors, hike or mountain bike at Toro County Park or catch the action at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. Here, literature, land and lifestyle connect.

Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:

Old theater with FOX neon sign and california written on building
Attractions
Farmers
Exterior of Chateau Coralini Salinas hotel, a white, historic building with an open gate
Historic Properties
steinbeck house
Museums
Mission San Antonio de Padua
Toro Park
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Mission San Antonio de Padua Mission San Antonio de Padua

For those interested in the history and archeology of early California and Native American cultures, the Mission offers the perfect venue to explore the cultural past.

Mission San Antonio de Padua
Toro Park Toro Park

The park's hiking trails lead to breathtaking views of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay and its 4,756 acres are perfect for horseback riding, mountain biking and family gatherings. Over 100 geocache sites are located at Toro Park. It is also a popular spot for birding and is a stop on the Central Coast Birding Trail.

Toro Park
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is an 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course best known for The Corkscrew, a one-of-a-kind series of turns in motorsports, with an elevation change equivalent to 5 ½ stories.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Three people sitting at an outdoor table at Villa Azteca Mexican restaurant in Salinas. They are all holding drinks and have plates of food on the table in front of them

The Right Path to Salinas

Respect the land that feeds the nation. Stay on marked trails in Toro Park, support local growers at farmers’ markets, and never enter private fields without permission. At rodeos and festivals, celebrate responsibly to honor traditions that run deep here.

Travel Responsibly

PLACES TO EAT
IN Salinas

Taste the valley in every bite. Try Villa Azteca for Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, head to El Charrito for burritos wrapped in handmade tortillas or sip a latte at Beerded Bean. From authentic taquerias to family-run diners, Salinas’ table is as hearty as its fields.

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Pick Your Path

Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:

Salinas, California

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Monterey County, California
Salinas, California

8 Best Sunset Spots in Monterey County

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Salinas, California

Car Lovers Guide to Monterey County

Monterey County, California

Salinas: Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip? Start here.

What is Salinas known for?

Salinas is the “Salad Bowl of the World,” celebrated for agriculture, Steinbeck heritage and rodeo traditions.

When is the California Rodeo Salinas?

The rodeo takes place each July, featuring roping, riding, parades and cultural festivities.

Where can I explore John Steinbeck landmarks?

Visit the National Steinbeck Center and Steinbeck’s childhood home in downtown Salinas.

What’s the best season to visit Salinas?

Summer is lively with festivals and rodeo, while spring and fall offer mild weather and abundant farm-fresh flavors.

How far is Salinas from Monterey?

About 25 minutes inland via Highway 68.

Salinas Directory

Plan your stay with full listings for lodging, dining, attractions, and tours. Whether you're here for festivals or farm-to-table flavors, everything you need is one click away.

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Need some inspo?

Looking for travel inspiration? Our blog is packed with insider tips, destination guides and local stories to help you make the most of your Monterey adventure.

Just One More Flavor

Which path will you choose when there’s only time for one more? If Salinas has captured your heart, head toward Moss Landing for harbor breezes, fresh-caught flavors, and a taste of life on the working waterfront.

Explore Moss landing
Moss Landing Restaurants