What to do and see in Salinas, California (CA): The Best Things to do

July 15, 2021 Russell Mellin

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. Ventana Wildlife Society

19045 Portola Dr Suite F1, Salinas, CA 93908-1262 +1 831-455-9514 http://www.ventanaws.org/
Excellent
100%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Ventana Wildlife Society

2. Allen Berg Racing Schools

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

Allen Berg Racing Schools

Whether you are starting a racing career, looking for a new adventure, honing your driving skills or seeking an unforgettable experience for your next corporate event our team of professional instructors and proven curriculum will provide you with everything you need to be able to drive our racecars to the limit.

3. Tatum's Garden

1 Maryal Dr, Salinas, CA 93906-3757 http://www.tatumsgarden.org/
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 24 reviews

Tatum's Garden

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.

4. The Western Stage

411 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901-1688 +1 831-755-6816 http://westernstage.com
Excellent
100%
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Western Stage

5. California Welcome Center Salinas

1 Station Pl Ste A, Salinas, CA 93901-1468 +1 831-757-8687 [email protected] http://www.cwcsalinas.org
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

California Welcome Center Salinas

The California Welcome Center Salinas provides locals and visitors traveling Highway 101 with comprehensive information on both the Central Coast region of Californa and additional information for areas around the State. Free maps and brochures are available as well as souvenirs. There's plenty of parking for vehicles of all sizes and free internet access. Our professional staff and volunteers act as your personal concierge to ensure the best possible California experience.

6. Historic Harvey House

20 Station Pl, Salinas, CA 93901-1401 +1 831-214-8661 [email protected] http://www.firstmayorshouse.org/
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Historic Harvey House

7. Odonata Wines South

645 River Rd, Salinas, CA 93908-9633 +1 831-566-5417 http://www.odonatawines.com/index.html
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Odonata Wines South

Reviewed By Htown77 - Santa Rosa, United States

We just happened to come across this place with a random finger pointing in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Looking to taste wines from this terroir, we chose this little place. Very nice people in the tasting room. Our tasting room server was the assistant winemaker, Francisco. The Sangiovese is awesome!! I bought a few bottles along with their Pinot Noir. This is a must visit.

8. National Steinbeck Center

1 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901-3436 +1 831-775-4721 [email protected] http://www.steinbeck.org
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 383 reviews

National Steinbeck Center

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.

9. The Farm

Hwy 68 off the Spreckels Road Exit, Salinas, CA 93902 +1 831-424-1996 [email protected] http://www.thefarm-salinasvalley.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

The Farm

This working farm is also an agricultural education center, demonstration farm, produce stand and recreation destination. You can pick your own vegetables, see the animals, learn or just shop in the farmstand.

10. Monterey Bay Equestrian Center

Excellent
83%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 180 reviews

Monterey Bay Equestrian Center

We offer wonderful horseback rides along Monterey Bay. Our horses are well cared for and the guides are friendly and helpful. Our stables is located as published but our horseback rides on the beach are located at the Molera Lot of the Salinas River State Beach. It can be found at the end of Monterey Dunes Way. Please rely on the directions found using the map to the beach link on our website.

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