Will You Like It?
If you like seeing things growing and visiting farm stands, you'll have a great time here. Fans of writer John Steinbeck will also enjoy a visit to his home town. Animal lovers shouldn't miss Vision Quest Bed and Breakfast.Best Time to Go
Salinas weather is good spring through fall, but most afternoons are windy.Getting There
Driving? Salinas is 60 miles from San Jose, 106 miles from San Francisco and 174 miles from Sacramento.Flying? The nearest aiport is in Monterey. For more frequent flights, try San Jose. Check airfares.
Where to Stay
The most interesting and fun place to stay in Salinas is Vision Quest Bed and Breakfast, a safari-style bed and breakfast that offers unique opportunities to watch and interact with a variety of animals.If you'd rather stay somewhere else, use our recommendations to find a good place to stay, cheap.
Five Great Things to Do
- National Steinbeck Center: This center offers a journey through the world of Salinas' most famous native son, Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck and includes seven themed theaters showcase his works East of Eden, Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath and more.
They also offer Walking Tours of Steinbeck literary locations in Oldtown Salinas.
- The Farm: The fertile Salinas Valley is all about agriculture, and this "agricultural education center" offers farm tours, family activities and really fresh produce for sale.
- Agventure Tours: Did you ever wonder where your food comes from? That is, before it gets to your grocery store? Evan Oakes of AgVenture Tours can help you find out. While taking a tour to see broccoli growing may sound only a little more interesting than eating it, Oakes' wealth of knowledge ensures a fasctinating time.
- Roadside Art: Around Salinas and Monterey County, you're likely to see some lifelike murals and cutouts by artist John Cerney. Favorites include "Sam's Friendly Produce Stand" on Highway, an accident scene at a downtown intersection and an old-fashioned baseball game on Highway 101 south of Prunedale.
- Wild Things, Inc: Even if you don't stay at their safari bed and breakfast, you can still take their daily tours and see their star cast of animals, including the Dreyfus lion.
Best Brunch
A weekend getaway is a great time to enjoy a leisurely brunch. Tarpy's Roadhouse, an authentic 1917 roadhouse, serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch (2999 Monterey Salinas Highway west of town).Annual Events You Should Know About
- Salinas Rodeo: Part of the Pro Rodeo Tour, it's held every July.
- Salinas Air Show: Held in late September/early October,
