Salinas

Travel Guide
National Steinbeck Center featuring interior views
Discover the rich literary heritage of this agricultural city, the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author of The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck.

The industrious city of Salinas is primarily known for two things: its rich agricultural landscapes and for being the birthplace of one of America’s most widely read 20th-century writers. Taste the locally grown lettuce that gives Salinas its nickname, the “Salad Bowl of the World,” and learn about the life of the Salinas-born author, John Steinbeck, at literary-themed attractions.

To find out more about Steinbeck’s upbringing, head to the National Steinbeck Center on Main Street. Exhibits here focus on Steinbeck’s life and literature, much of which attempts to portray the lives of working-class Americans and the landscapes of rural California. Just a few blocks west sits the Queen Anne-style Steinbeck House, where the writer spent much of his childhood. Take a guided tour of the house in summer and enjoy dinner or drinks at the on-site restaurant. Venture 2 miles (3 kilometers) or so southeast of downtown Salinas to the Garden of Memories Memorial Park to see where Steinbeck is buried.

Wander around the quaint streets of Oldtown Salinas and soak up the charming atmosphere. Lots of restaurants, many of which serve locally grown produce, can be found here, as can boutiques, antique stores, ice-cream shops and a retro-style cinema. Examine the paintings, jewelry and ceramics on show at the Salinas Valley Art Gallery, which displays the works of local artists.

For information or help getting around town, enter the California Welcome Center in Salinas. Ask the staff for advice, and browse brochures and literature on nearby attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Pinnacles National Park. The nearby region offers abundant hiking opportunities, and also contains several wineries, such as Pessagno Winery.

Salinas is in Monterey County in northern California. Buses and coaches connect Salinas to other Californian cities. The nearest airport is Monterey Regional Airport. Salinas is just 20 minutes’ drive from the coast and 30 minutes or so from seaside Monterey, where memorable views and marine wildlife await, and the upscale, resort-like Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its gable-roofed, 1920s-era Comstock cottages.

Where to stay in Salinas

Laurel Inn Motel
Laurel Inn Motel
2 out of 5
801 West Laurel Dr., Salinas, CA, 93906
The price is ₹9,082 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
₹9,082
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Salinas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
6.8/10 (1,000 reviews)
"Overall was good"

Reviewed on 27 May 2023

Laurel Inn Motel
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923
The price is ₹17,508 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
₹17,508
per night
21 Jun - 22 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Carmel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,192 reviews)
"Perfect base camp for a Carmel and Big Sur vacation. The hotel and rooms are very nice, with a clean, modern design that’s very comfortable and warm, and rooms have ample room for seating and laying out suitcases. Staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. Our checkin agent proactively ..."

Reviewed on 28 May 2023

Carmel Mission Inn
Monterey Tides
Monterey Tides
3.5 out of 5
2600 Sand Dunes Dr, Monterey, CA, 93940
The price is ₹11,511 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹11,511
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Monterey. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast and WiFi. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,957 reviews)
"Near the beach"

Reviewed on 28 May 2023

Monterey Tides
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
4 out of 5
1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and breakfast. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall ...
8/10 Very Good! (6,529 reviews)
"Everything was clean and organized excellent customer service"

Reviewed on 28 May 2023

Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
4 out of 5
1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA, 92101
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,163 reviews)
"Awesome property in a great location on the bay! Super close to Gaslamp, tons of restaurants and shops near by. Great hotel for families with kids - loved it!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2023

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
4 out of 5
1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA, 92109
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (988 reviews)
"Absolutely love it here. Worth e every single penny"

Reviewed on 28 May 2023

San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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