Salinas, CA

Travel Guide

National Steinbeck Center which includes interior views
National Steinbeck Center featuring signage
National Steinbeck Center which includes interior views, signage and modern architecture
National Steinbeck Center showing signage and interior views
National Steinbeck Center featuring signage and 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

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Chinatown

When in Chinatown, you can plan a visit to National Steinbeck Center and Steinbeck House, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Chinatown
Laurel Inn Motel
Laurel Inn Motel
2 out of 5
801 West Laurel Dr., Salinas, CA
$94 nightly
The price is $106 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$106 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Salinas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
6.6/10 (1,312 reviews)
"Staff was attentive and friendly. Property was clean. Room was clean and beds were comfortable. Large rooms. Breakfast items were delicious snd Breakfast staff were constantly making sure food was stocked and tables were clean. Easy check in ."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Laurel Inn Motel
Motel 6 Salinas, CA - North Monterey Area
Motel 6 Salinas, CA - North Monterey Area
2 out of 5
140 Kern St, Salinas, CA
$86 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$97 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Salinas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (1,016 reviews)
"good place for a night hold"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Motel 6 Salinas, CA - North Monterey Area
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salinas by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salinas by IHG
2.5 out of 5
195 Kern St, Salinas, CA
$144 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$161 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Salinas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"New"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salinas by IHG
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.
Little European Lodge
Little European Lodge
3.5 out of 5
45 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Carmel Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (50 reviews)
Excellent
"Great hotel. Very clean, comfortable. Friendly. Would highly recommend and would definitely stay again should we ever be in the srea again"

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

Little European Lodge
One Bedroom Suite Cottage
One Bedroom Suite Cottage
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Stay at this cottage in Carmel. Enjoy private pools, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions 17-Mile Drive and Monterey Bay ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (18 reviews)
BrucecFamily
"Thank you for such a nice, clean place to rest."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

One Bedroom Suite Cottage
One Double Bed Cottage
One Double Bed Cottage
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Stay at this cottage in Carmel. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions 17-Mile Drive and Monterey Bay Aquarium are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
Great for the price
"I had read ahead of time that the walls were very thin.... and they are!! But everyone tries to be quiet and most things settle down by 10. Parking is VERY tight, but it worked out okay. Room itself was fantastic."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

One Double Bed Cottage
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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Reviews of Salinas

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
99
5 - Excellent 22%
4 - Good
178
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
121
3 - Okay 27%
2 - Disappointing
32
2 - Disappointing 7%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 3%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It’s my hometown so not a lot to do because of Quarantine and everything is closed. Was just a quick visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I’ve been visiting family in Salinas my whole life. Salinas is always a great place to stay!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Would not stay in this city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We were there for a memorial service and the location was ideal

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I live here so I am biased. Salinas is a nice place to live and has plenty of shopping and restaurants to choose from.

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