While Sunset might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like California Rodeo Grounds and Salinas Sports Complex.
Though Spreckels Junction might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like National Steinbeck Center and Steinbeck House.
While Alisal might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like California Rodeo Grounds and Salinas Sports Complex.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Salinas
National Steinbeck Center
7.6/10 (128 reviews)
This literary shrine celebrates Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck with exhibits and artifacts. Immerse yourself in the Salinas Valley landscapes that inspired classics like "East of Eden" and "The Grapes of Wrath."
Toro County Park
7.8/10 (107 reviews)
Spanning 4,756 acres of oak woodlands and rolling hills, Toro County Park offers over 20 miles of trails with panoramic views of Salinas Valley. Spring visitors enjoy vibrant wildflower displays across the meadows.
Salinas Sports Complex
7.6/10 (184 reviews)
Home to California's largest rodeo, the Salinas Sports Complex hosts thrilling western competitions. Experience bull riding, barrel racing, and live entertainment during the iconic July rodeo festivities.
California Rodeo Grounds
7.6/10 (116 reviews)
Home to California's largest rodeo since 1911, this historic venue showcases authentic Western traditions. Experience thrilling bull riding and barrel racing during the celebrated mid-July rodeo festival.
Northridge Mall
8.0/10 (193 reviews)
Northridge Mall offers the largest shopping experience in Salinas with over 100 retail stores and dining options. Explore Macy's, catch a film at Cinemark, or enjoy the diverse food court.
Monterey Zoo
7.6/10 (17 reviews)
This intimate sanctuary offers close encounters with over 100 exotic animals across 51 acres. Join "Walk with the Rhinos" or watch feeding sessions during "Crunch Time" for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Steinbeck House
7.6/10 (95 reviews)
Step into the Victorian birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, now a charming restaurant. Savor lunch amid period furnishings while volunteer staff share stories of the literary giant's early years.
The Farm
7.4/10 (89 reviews)
This working agricultural center offers field tours and animal interactions. Sample fresh produce at the on-site store or join seasonal events like fall festivals and flower picking sessions.
"Property is on a busy street with traffic noise well into the night. Staff was friendly enough but office was locked when we were leaving.
Found a nice pub within walking distance.
OK place for one night"
"Parking was a problem. The hotel and the McDonald's share the same parking lot, so if you go out for an event as we did, when you get back to hotel it is a problem because traffic going into the McDonalds drive thru is blocking the entrance to get into the parking lot to the hotel."
"There were loud, inappropriate noises coming from the room next door throughout the night.”
* “The guests next door were extremely loud, with screaming and other inappropriate noises that made it impossible to sleep.”
* “The noise from the neighboring room was inappropriate for a family-friendly hotel.”"
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.
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.
You can snap up a vacation package to this destination from $735 on Expedia. However, how much your vacation to Salinas costs will depend on factors like the length of stay, season and hotel choice.
What are the cheapest months to go to Salinas?
If you'd like to snag a cheap Salinas vacation package, consider traveling in September, November and December. You'll usually find better rates on hotels and flights during these quieter months — perfect for a budget-friendly getaway.
How many days is enough for Salinas?
Dedicate at least 2 days for your Salinas vacation if you want to discover everything that makes this place unique. Explore popular neighborhoods, including Oldtown Salinas and Chinatown. Then make a beeline for major sights such as Toro County Park and The Farm. With a clever itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some downtime too. Want to go beyond Salinas? Consider squeezing in an excursion or two.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Salinas?
Known for its culture and home to leading attractions like Salinas Sports Complex, a Salinas vacation is sure to leave an impression. Another top sight worth exploring? Don't miss Northridge Mall.
How to find the best Salinas package deals?
Finding a cheap Salinas package deal is a cinch with Expedia. After you've entered your trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, add some filters and see what's available. You can fine-tune your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most economical Salinas package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider traveling on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Salinas vacation as a package?
Expedia vacation packages are designed to give you more bang for your buck. Bundle your flight, hotel and car rental into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll generally get a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still enjoy the flexibility to create a tailored Salinas vacation by choosing your favorite airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a vacation package to Salinas?
If you're planning an impromptu Salinas trip, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can find terrific deals on your flights and hotels by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Salinas?
Pick your dates: The things you'd like to do in Salinas and your favorite season can help you decide when to go.
Set a budget: Consider expenses like flights, transportation and food when working out how much to put aside for your trip to Salinas. Then, choose a property that fits your budget, whether that's an economical stay or a lavish retreat.
Use our trip planning tool to discover Salinas: Research every part of your trip to Salinas with this comprehensive planner. Invite your family and friends to collaborate on a group getaway, search for stays or things to do and make bookings.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you're up to speed on Salinas, you can work out the perfect length of your break. Put together a draft plan and allocate enough time for all the things you want to do.
Combine your airfare and accommodations: After you've nailed down your trip dates and duration, lock in the right Salinas vacation package for you.
Book any day trips or activities: Now to the fun part — organizing everything you want to do and see. Check out some of the top things to do in Salinas and reserve your tickets early to save time (and maybe some dollars too!).
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Salinas vacation packages?
If you're anything like us, you love exploring new places but are not a fan of the price tag that can come with it. That's why we offer Book Now, Pay Later vacations. With the help of online lender Affirm, you can spread the total cost of your Salinas trip over 3, 6 or 12 months. There are also no hidden or late payment fees, so you can snap up great vacation packages with payment plans as soon as you see them.
Salinas, California, offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and scenic beauty perfect for a beach vacation. Visitors can enjoy thrilling motor racing, explore recreational areas, and have fun at amusement parks. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Salinas has a variety of activities to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Shopping
In Salinas, you can enjoy shopping at Northridge Mall, which offers a vibrant atmosphere with various stores. If you're up for a drive, visit Del Monte Shopping Center and Steinbeck Plaza, both featuring entertainment and family-friendly vibes, located 15 and 14 miles away, respectively.
Recreation
At Salinas Sports Complex, immerse yourself in an energetic atmosphere filled with various sports activities. For a relaxing day outdoors, visit Salinas Fairways Golf Course, where you can enjoy stunning views while playing a round of golf. Fremont Peak Observatory offers a family-friendly experience with captivating stargazing opportunities.
In Salinas, California, enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene at venues like The Fox Theatre for live performances, or unwind at local bars like The Steinbeck House. Explore unique dining options and casual pubs, where you can mingle with locals and enjoy live music in a friendly atmosphere.
Find the best attractions in and around Salinas
Salinas, California, is perfect for outdoor and beach vacations, offering stunning scenery and a vibrant culture. Explore popular attractions like the beach, jetty, and modern college campuses, all while enjoying a variety of outdoor experiences. Don't miss the Salinas Sports Complex for activities and events, and take advantage of easy access to the area's highlights for a memorable trip.
California State University Monterey Bay: Experience a vibrant campus atmosphere just 8 miles from Salinas. With modern architecture and beautiful coastal views, this university is a hub of educational and cultural activities, perfect for exploring innovative programs and community events.
Cannery Row: Located 14 miles away, this iconic street is steeped in history and charm. Once the heart of the sardine canning industry, Cannery Row now offers delightful shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Monterey Bay, making it a lively destination for tourists.
California Rodeo Grounds: Situated in Salinas, this stadium is a thrilling venue for sports enthusiasts. Home to the famous California Rodeo, visitors can enjoy exciting events showcasing rodeo culture and local traditions in a vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
Best time to go to Salinas
The best time to visit Salinas can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Salinas falls in August and September. September has slightly high visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature in Salinas falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Salinas
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Salinas.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Salinas.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.