Summary
Salinas is a compact yet refined city located a short distance inland from Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast. Agriculture has been integral to the Salinas Valley for centuries, and these agricultural landscapes served as the foundation for many of John Steinbeck’s literary works, a proud native of Salinas.
The wide array of activities available in and around Salinas offers something for everyone: culinary enthusiasts can savor the local organic produce and wines, sports fans may enjoy rodeo events or races at Laguna Seca, while nature lovers will undoubtedly appreciate the stunning scenery of the Pacific coast and the fertile countryside.
1. National Steinbeck Center
The National Steinbeck Center was inaugurated on Main Street in 1998. Steinbeck, who was born and raised in Salinas, found inspiration for his narratives from the landscapes of the Salinas Valley and its nearby rural communities.
This facility houses the largest collection of Steinbeck’s archives in the United States, with exhibits that educate visitors about the underlying themes and philosophies of his literature. Artifacts available for viewing include film clips, first editions, and photographs.
Every May, the Steinbeck Festival features lectures, live performances, and a craft beer festival.
2. The Steinbeck House
Following a visit to the museum, consider exploring Steinbeck’s birthplace and childhood residence. Constructed in 1897, the Steinbeck family took residence here in 1900.
This meticulously restored Queen Anne-style Victorian home is on the National Register of Historic Places. Many visitors pause for photographs in front of the lush lawn, and there is a gift shop inside. Furthermore, if you visit from Tuesday to Saturday, you can indulge in a delightful sit-down lunch served by staff dressed in Victorian attire.
The lunch menu varies monthly and is published on the venue’s website.
3. Toro County Park
Located merely minutes south of Salinas, this picturesque expanse of open countryside attracts hikers, equestrians, geocachers, and mountain bikers with its challenging and striking terrain.
There are over 20 miles of trails for those willing to take on a vigorous hike; the effort is well rewarded with captivating views of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay.
The principal trail in Toro County Park is the “1800,” a reference to its elevation gain of 540 meters (approximately 1800 feet). This challenging ascent begins at sea level and offers some of the best vistas in the park.
4. Laguna Seca
California’s premier motor racing circuit, Laguna Seca, hosts a number of significant international racing events from spring through autumn.
Until 2013, it served as a stop on the MotoGP circuit, now succeeded by the FIM World Superbike Championship. The track, established in 1957, is famous for its iconic “Corkscrew” section, which winds downhill between two sharp turns.
Motor racing has been a long-standing tradition in the Central Coast, with Laguna Seca taking over from the nearby Pebble Beach Road Races that were held on thrilling coastal roads.
5. Harvey-Baker House
This historic residence was owned by the affluent merchant and local politician Isaac Julian Harvey, who amassed wealth during the gold rush period.
He relocated to Salinas in 1866 when the area consisted of only twelve structures, subsequently constructing his home in 1868 using timber transported from the redwood forests at Moss Landing.
During his tenure as mayor, Harvey significantly contributed to the city’s growth, advocating for the transfer of the county seat from Monterey and securing the railroad’s passage through Salinas.
6. Oldtown Salinas Farmer’s Market
The Salinas Valley is one of California’s most fertile regions, often referred to as the “Salad Bowl of the World.”
Notable crops include broccoli, cauliflower, celery, peppers, vines, strawberries, tomatoes, and spinach. Thus, it is unsurprising that the Farmer’s Market held on Saturday mornings on Gabilan Street is a beloved local tradition.
Alongside an array of exquisite local produce, vendors also offer regional specialties such as honey, jam, and various handmade crafts.
7. Boronda Adobe History Center
This adobe structure offers an insightful glimpse into Salinas’ early history. The colonial-style building, constructed in 1846 on a Mexican land grant, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
It exemplifies a Mexican-era rancho adobe and has remained largely unaltered since its inception. Notably, it showcases a unique fusion of North American and Mexican architectural influences.
The adobe is situated in the lower Salinas Valley, predating the establishment of Salinas by two decades.
8. California Rodeo Salinas
The Salinas Rodeo, which dates back to 1911, remains a prominent feature of the America’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association tour. Held during the third week of July, it is recognized as the most substantial bull-riding event in California, attracting over 700 participants who compete for a total of $400,000 in prizes.
Complementing the rodeo are a variety of additional activities, including a carnival, cowboy poetry, and the Kiddie Kapers Parade. With an 85-year legacy, the KKP highlights local children, parading them through the city on floats before thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
The main event includes the recognition of the best-dressed cowboys and cowgirls.
9. River Road Wine Trail
Featuring an excellent selection of local wineries, the River Road Wine Trail begins in Salinas and extends southeast to Soledad. This route offers a picturesque introduction to the region’s stunning landscapes and viticultural heritage.
Visitors can enjoy frequent visits to delightful vineyards for tastings, with the sights becoming more breathtaking as they enter the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Hahn Winery, situated in these hills, allows guests to bring a picnic to its deck, where they can admire expansive views of the vineyards and mountains in the distance.
10. Medical History Museum
This unexpected attraction is located within the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. While visiting a hospital might not ordinarily be a priority on one’s itinerary, the free museum offers an impressive collection of medical artifacts spanning the last 300 years.
Highlights include a surgical kit from the Civil War and instruments that belonged to Dr. Henry Murphy, the family physician of John Steinbeck.
The museum also features a recreated doctor’s office from the 1920s, furnished with period-appropriate decor and equipment.
11. First Fridays Art Walk
As the name indicates, the first Friday of each month is dedicated to celebrating Salinas’ vibrant arts community.
Activities commence around five o’clock, with over forty venues opening their doors for free art displays, live music, food tastings, dancing, poetry readings, and book signings. Notably, the Art Walk is inclusive of cafés, restaurants, and various shops, all contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Participating venues display balloons in their storefronts as a point of identification.
12. Monterey
Located just a short drive away, Monterey is one of California’s most popular destinations for day trips. Formerly the state capital, it features beautifully preserved historical architecture in its downtown area.
Cannery Row, which served as the inspiration for Steinbeck’s novel of the same name, is ideal for cultural exploration. If traveling with children or if you have an interest in aquatic life, the Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases the ecological richness of California’s coastal waters.
Many days, visitors need only to approach the oceanfront to observe wildlife, with the Monterey Peninsula being home to a multitude of sea otters, seals, and sea lions visible year-round.
13. Carmel
This charming coastal town is a brief drive west and boasts a rich history dating back to 1771 when Father Junipero Serra established one of his 21 Californian missions here.
The Carmel Mission has been largely preserved, maintaining its original bell-tower dome and continuing to function as a Catholic church. Visitors can explore the interior and visit a small museum located within.
Carmel Beach is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring gentle surf and bright white sands bordered by a landscape of cypress-covered rocks. Watching the sunset at Carmel Beach is a perfect way to conclude a day, especially in the company of a loved one.
14. San Francisco
Close enough for a day trip, the scenic drive to this iconic city offers an unforgettable experience. Fans of classic cinema can explore locations featured in films such as Dirty Harry, Bullitt, and Vertigo.
Visitors can ride the city’s iconic cable cars, streetcars, and trolley buses, as well as traverse the famously steep streets that have been part of numerous film chase sequences.
Capture memorable photographs at landmarks like China Town, Alamo Square, Strawberry Hill, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison that housed Al Capone, is also a must-see attraction. Also see: things to do in San Francisco.
15. Big Sur
The stunning expanse of Big Sur, which encompasses 90 miles of Pacific coastline, offers visitors an opportunity to fully appreciate California’s untamed beauty. This area boasts four natural reserves, each of which can be explored through hiking or cycling.
With over 80 day hikes available, adventurers can wander through epic redwood forests, traverse canyons, and walk along scenic cliffs or secluded beaches.
For those less inclined towards rigorous hiking, the spectacular drive along California Highway 1 provides a comfortable alternative connecting San Simeon to Carmel in the north.
