Location: Salinas
Top Things to do in Salinas
Top 6 Budget-friendly Things to do in Salinas, California (CA)
Salinas /səˈliːnəs/ is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County, California. Salinas is an urban area located just outside the southern portion of the Greater Bay Area and 10 miles (16 km) east-southeast of the mouth of the Salinas River. The population was 157,218 as of 2016. The city is located at the mouth of the Salinas Valley roughly eight miles from the Pacific Ocean and has a climate more influenced by the ocean than the hot-summer interior. The majority of residents live in single-unit detached homes, built between 1950 and 2000, while one third of the housing stock has three or more units per structure. Salinas serves as the main business, governmental and industrial center of the region. The marine climate is ideal for the floral industry, grape vineyards, and vegetable growers. Salinas is known for its vibrant and large agriculture industry and being "The Salad Bowl of the World" as the hometown of writer and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate John Steinbeck, who based several of his novels there.
Restaurants in Salinas
1. Tatum's Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By dmen12018 - Albuquerque, United States
Tatum's Garden is a testament to Salinas' community spirit. This playground is specifically designed so that disabled children can romp and play. It features wheel chair ramps and other features so that children with disabilities are not left out of the fun. Although it's located on city property, it was only built when the community came together in a fundraising effort. Salinas gets a lot of negative press, but Tatum's Garden shows the city's true heart of gold.
2. National Steinbeck Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
A celebration and exploration of the well-known author's work through multi-sensory exhibits, priceless artifacts and live theater performances.
Reviewed By 735leightong
Wonderful museum, simply blown away by it's presentation. Makes his literal works come to life. Went there to see the mural that was painted by my father in law some 20 years ago. Brought the original concept painting he used, had the opportunity to meet with some of the staff to share the original rendition of the mural. Very enjoyable visit, would recommend it to everyone. Want to take my grandchildren to the Children's corner.
3. Toro County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By eclecticworldgirl - Prunedale, United States
Toro Park is within 1/2 hour of our home and a good spot to hike, have a picnic or bar-b-que, or even just hang at the playgrounds. Fall and spring are the best times for hiking as this park can be extremely hot in the summer. This last weekend we set out on a 5.6 mile semi-strenuous hike with an elevation increase of roughly over 1500 feet in 2 1/2 miles ascent. The foliage was green with spring and the flowers and fruiting plants were making their first spring show. In bloom were red Indian Warrior, orangy-red Wooly Paintbrush, pink and white Shooting Stars, yellow Butercups, yellow Violas, yellow dandelions, fushia Fushia-Flowered Goosberry, purple Wild Hyacinth, and various blue-purple Ceanothus (California Lilacs). A tougher trek with worthy views of Monterey Bay, Salinas, Spreckles, etc from the ridges and wonderful trail variety. And don't forget to look out for the wonderful wildlife: vultures, doves, song birds, wood peckers, lizards, and more.
4. Maya Cinemas
5. The Steinbeck House / Best Cellar Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
This Queen Anne style Victorian was the birthplace and boyhood home of author John Steinbeck. Built in Salinas in 1897, the Steinbeck family moved into the house in 1900. The Valley Guild was formed by eight enthusiastic women who shared a common interest in gourmet cooking and wanted to showcase Salinas Valley produce. The volunteers of Valley Guild purchased and renovated the house. It was opened to the public as a restaurant on February 27, 1974 -the 72nd anniversary of John Steinbeck's birth. The house is operated by volunteers with a minimum of paid staff, and recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary. The Best Cellar is in the original basement of the Steinbeck House. The Best Cellar is a delightful gift shop featuring unique gift items as well as vintage and new Steinbeck books. Original furniture from the Steinbeck family is on display including the headboard of the bed in which John Steinbeck was born.
Reviewed By AceWickwire - Fruita, United States
Wonderful experience and tasty lunch. The house & restaurant is operated by volunteers as a non-profit. The lunch was well prepared and presented. After lunch we were given a personal tour of the house, because it wasn’t real busy and the volunteers could take time with us. They made us feel welcome and appreciated. Highly recommend a visit. We made this day a Steinbeck Day with visit to National Steinbeck Center before lunch, then graveside visit at Garden of Memories Cemetery, and ended day with stop at Cannery Row in Monterey.
