Things to do & places to visit in Salinas, California, United States

Salinas city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:30.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Tatum's Garden (24 reviews)
- Delightfully family friendly!
Gardens

Although this lovely playground is designed specially for children with special needs, it is welcoming and fun for all children. It is spotlessly maintained by volunteers and due to Salinas' terrific weather, pretty accessible year round. See more..
5.0 Odonata Wines South (12 reviews)
- Favorite Winery Along our Tour
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

This winery was our favorite along the tour that we took, the owner and his assistant were there and were happy to tell us what they were doing and where in the long life of from seed to glass they were at, as well as some of their machinery, etc. Their tasting room manager was excellent too, really listening to what we were fans of, what we were tasting, etc, and helped really guide us through their menu. The pricing was very reasonable and we also got 4 bottles to take with us. The outside seating area, and just atmosphere was a lot more quaint and personable than some of the others that we also enjoyed, just not as much as Odonata. The wine was outstanding too! See more..
5.0 California Welcome Center Salinas (9 reviews)
- Lots of Information
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

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. See more..
5.0 Ventana Wildlife Society (3 reviews)
- Condors !!
Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

We did the tour (offered Saturday and Sunday) that includes an info session on condors, tracking and helping them survive. Then we actually saw a condor, up close and enormous. Almost extinct in the wild just 20 years ago, it's an amazing feat of determination that we can see them today. Tour is 2 1/2 hours, leaving from Albert Molera State Park on route 1, $50 a person. Go to their website for more info. You'll also see the beautiful coast as you chase the condors. See more..
5.0 Salinas Aquatic Center (1 review)
- Nice PublicPool for Laps
Sports Complexes
When I travel I like to find public pools to swim laps. This pool was great - clean, big locker room, perfect water temperature, good price. Check their online schedule for lap times. See more..
5.0 Borchard Farms (1 review)
- How Did I Ever Miss This Place?
Farms
Lived on the Monterey Peninsula for over 60 years and did not know about this wonderful farm. Did an internet search for pumpkin patches and this came up. My husband and I were so amazed at the offerings. Lots of different varieties to choose from. I will finally have the display of my dreams! Prices were beyond reasonable. Owners and staff all friendly and helpful. Corn maze looked fun, maybe next time. The aviary is worth taking a look. Lots of beautiful pheasants, duck, geese and assorted foul. This will be our go-to place from now on. See more..
5.0 Historic Harvey House (1 review)
- Great Historic Stop in Salinas!
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

We actually just kind of stumbled on this place after seeing the train museum and stopping by. Such a great experience and I’m so glad we went! It actually ended up being a highlight of our trip! Our tour guide was so wonderful! Full of information, guided us through all the rooms with great anecdotes. The house had ALL the original furniture too which is so rare! Really got a glimpse back at the time period, and with our guide we were filled in in a way we couldn’t have been by just browsing by ourselves. Also very unpretentious and happy to let us take pictures and ask questions. What a little gem! Stop by if you are in Salinas and want to learn some interesting history! See more..
5.0 The Western Stage (1 review)
- Steinbeck drama in Steinbeck's home town
Friday: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

The Western Stage is the theatre arts venue of Hartnell College, in Salinas, California. They routinely perform stage presentations of local celebrity, John Steinbeck's works. Currently, they are presenting a revival of the 1958 musical version of Steinbeck's famous 1938 novella "Of Mice and Men." This is a surprisingly professional theatre group, and well worth visiting. See more..
4.5 National Steinbeck Center (388 reviews)
- A nice museum
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

A celebration and exploration of the well-known author's work through multi-sensory exhibits, priceless artifacts and live theater performances. See more..
4.5 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (258 reviews)
- American Motorsport
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Auto Racing Tracks

The Monterey Peninsula's love affair with world-class racing traces its beginnings to the inaugural running of the Pebble Beach Road Races in 1950. Those sports car events quickly outgrew the public roads of the Del Monte Forest and a beautiful new road facility was born on November 9, 1957. Since then, Monterey has been visited by some of the most prestigious racers in history; Roger Penske, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Kenny Roberts, Bobby Rahal, Wayne Rainey and Valentino Rossi to name a few. From Can-Am to IndyCar, to motorcycles and historic race cars, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the spiritual racing home to many. See more..
4.5 The Steinbeck House / Best Cellar Gift Shop (110 reviews)
- Great Experience Friendly Volunteers
Friday: 11:30 PM - 2:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

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. See more..
4.5 Maya Cinemas (55 reviews)
- Wednesday is Senior Citizen $4.00 tickets day and evening
Friday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Movie Theaters

I happened to go to see The Martian at the Maya Cinemas in Salinas last night. My friend was very happy and surprised to pay only $4.00 for a 6:35 pm showing. The movie theatre is large, bright and clean. The parking garage behind the theatre validates. I took a walk down the street before the show. There are several interesting restaurants and shops. See more..
4.5 Toro County Park (51 reviews)
- Great park, especially in Spring!
Parks

I have hiked all the trails in this park, and it is just beautiful, no matter where you go. I would recommend that you take water, as once you start hiking, there is none available, but it is such a great place to hike. On the flat part there are picnic areas and soccer fields, and even play equipment for the kids. There are lots of different trails, so get a park map. You don't want to hike to Simas peak if you're out for a casual hike. Get out there and enjoy Toro Park! See more..
4.5 The Farm (35 reviews)
- An organic farm stand
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Farms

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. See more..
4.5 Salinas Valley Art Gallery (8 reviews)
- Love this artist owned co-op gallery
Art Galleries

Fun filled viewing of a big variety of local artists' works. I love supporting these local artist owned and artist operated cooperatives. Pieces include: Plein Air valley and Peninsula scenes, seascapes, amazingly crafted felt animals, unique and expertly rendered jewelry pieces, hand made greeting cards, ceramic pieces, big burl wood bowls and more. The prices for this original art is very reasonable - start your own personal collection, I have! There's also a section in the gallery which has unframed pieces and prints which are especially reasonably priced. And, while you're there, you can meet and speak with one of the local resident artists as they mind the gallery on a rotating basis. See more..
4.5 Salinas Sports Complex (8 reviews)
- Great Place for Baseball and Rodeo and more - Salinas Sports Complex
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

We visited the Salinas Sports Complex; this is an amazing facility. First there is the rodeo grounds and corrals area. The rodeo is held in the summer. There is a very nice baseball stadium - Rabobank Stadium. There are also softball fields. The aquatic center is very nice as well. By the rodeo stadium, there is a building with a Wells Fargo stagecoach from 1868. See more..
4.5 The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch (7 reviews)
- Lunch
Speciality & Gift Shops

The place has been beautifully updated. Had lunch in the bar. Their lunches are great with plenty of drink refills. See more..
4.5 Escape Room Salinas (3 reviews)
- So much Fun!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Here at Escape Room Salinas we have 5 different rooms to choose from. You're in a themed room and have to use elements of the room to solve puzzles, find clues, and escape within 60 minutes. It's a race against the clock! Fun for families, friends, and also great for corporate and team building! See more..
4.5 Boronda Adobe History Center (3 reviews)
- National Register of Historic Places: Boronda Adobe History Center
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

We visited the Boronda Adobe History Center. The adobe is on the National Register of Adobes. It is a Monterey Colonial adobe and was built in 1846. It was the home of José Eusebio Boronda, who was the grantee of Rancho Rincon de Sanjon. There is an adobe style bake oven outside the adobe. Also on the property is historic Lagunita School house, which was originally built in 1897. There is also a military exhibit. It did not take much time to see the place, read the historical plaque, and walk around but we found it a worthwhile short 1/2 hour visit. See more..
4.5 Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge (2 reviews)
- Underappreciated and different
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

I think this is really an underappreciated gem of a place. Yes, your car will get filthy. Yes, it feels for all the world like you're trespassing till you get there. Yes, the beach is a long way away. Yes, some people may have a strange sense that they are suddenly very isolated and will be axe-murdered. But honestly, I still love it. It's one of the only places locally that gives a feeling of being out in the countryside rather than a curated park or highly trafficked beach. I'm not a birder, but there's lots of birds, and no matter how awful I know wild radish is as an invasive, it's gorgeous. I look forward to coming back in the late winter/early spring and seeing what kinds of wildflowers are around. If you find yourself tiring of the endless beautiful beaches, it's well worth a visit! See more..
4.5 Marilyn Remark Winery (2 reviews)
- Great Wines!
Wineries & Vineyards

The Carmel Valley is good for certain wines, of course, but this place is a stand out! They specialize in Rhone varietals and have some spectacular wines. Worth the visit to their tasting room in the Carmel Valley or the vinyard. See more..
4.0 Monterey Zoo (146 reviews)
- Wonderful zoo!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Monterey Zoo is open 10:00 am – 3:00 pm 7 days a week – including most holidays except Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Come visit with a variety of animals including monkeys, cats, reptiles, and our Brand New Rhino exhibit! Bring your headphones and a smart device to watch short videos on the animals as you wander using our unique QR code signage. Monterey Zoo is proudly accredited by the Zoological Association of America. Pricing: $35.25 ages 15-64 $31.75 ages 65 $25.00 ages 2-14 Free ages less than 2 $8.00 any stroller or wagon See more..
4.0 Oldtown (63 reviews)
- Visit "Taste of Monterey" in Salinas
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Walking Areas • Antique Shops

We visited both the "Taste of Monterey" in Monterey and also in Salinas. We visited "Taste of Monterey" at Salinas on a late Friday afternoon and plenty of people were coming in. One wine-tasting flight is just $5. We bought one flight each, then bought a couple of bottles of wine, and we received $5 off each bottle. All the tasting wines at the Salinas Taste of Monterey come from Salinas Valley grapes. Vineyards in Salinas Valley focus mostly on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Wines from throughout the Central California region are available for purchase. Lucky visitors may receive a tutorial on Salinas Valley vineyards, soil, climate and growing conditions provided by Denny. We found it to be a fun and educational experience. If you're visiting the Salinas area with an interest in wine, Taste of Monterey Salinas provides a great introduction. See more..
4.0 Fort Ord National Monument - Badger Hills Trailhead (8 reviews)
- Excellent hiking off Hwy 68
Spent 2-3 hours National Parks • Hiking Trails

My wife and I have logged hundreds of miles of great hiking in this area-treasure that previously served the military as Fort Ord. See more..
4.0 XL Publichouse (7 reviews)
- Not fancy but good beer selection
Bars & Clubs

Kind of a "rustic" feel. Cold beer, large selection. No food though but there are lots of places nearby to grab a bite. See more..
4.0 Passagno Winery (7 reviews)
- Great people
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Very friendly employees and great atmosphere to try wine. Good selection and well located on River road. See more..
3.5 Scheid Vineyards (3 reviews)
- A nice stop between Salinas and Paso Robles
Wineries & Vineyards

Just off Hwy 101 between Salinas and Paso Robles we have stopped at Scheid several times on our way south. This visit we brought along two other couples, and all enjoyed their tasting room hospitality as well as a picnic with views on their elevated patio. See more..
3.0 Northridge Mall (11 reviews)
- Not the best mall, but I've seen worse...
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Find over 120 stores at the Northridge Mall in Salinas. The mall hosts a Century movie theater, Sears, JCPenney and Macy's department stores, mall shops and restaurants. For great shopping in Salinas, the mall is just east of Hwy 101 at the Boroda Rd. exit. See more..
Salinas Community YMCA (0 review)
Sports Complexes
See more..
Aguila Cultural Center (0 review)
Speciality Museums
See more..