Things to do in Salinas

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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A rocky coastline with clear blue water, white rocks, and green vegetation.
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A coastal landscape with a rugged cliff, ocean waves, and a mountainous backdrop.
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Salinas Attractions

It's little wonder so many people head back to Salinas every year. This delightful city is brimming with tempting things to do. Whether you're into exploring the local sights or attempting more action-packed experiences, you'll never be bored here.

Explore the best sights in Salinas with some unique tours & day trips, or try out our list of {99 fun activities in Salinas fun activities in Salinas}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and put your energy into planning the vacation of a lifetime.

Things to do

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

$75
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey

Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey

$65
per adult
Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

$70
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

$56
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

$65
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

$95
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

$95
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
See all activities in Salinas

Recommended things to do in Salinas

Number of things to do
99
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Salinas

Things to Do in Salinas with Kids

There's fun for the entire family wherever you go in Salinas. Here are some family friendly experiences to enjoy together that are sure to make your break memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Salinas? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Salinas attractions

A modern building with a large sign reading "Stieboch" and a mural of a field.

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."
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Where to stay in Salinas

Find the best Salinas areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Salinas
Learn more about Salinas
A large tree in a vineyard with rows of grapevines.

North Salinas

While visiting North Salinas, you might make a stop by sights like Salinas Sports Complex and California Rodeo Grounds.

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Sunset

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 Salinas Sports Complex and Salinas Fairways Golf Course.

A large tree in a vineyard with rows of grapevines.

Spreckels Junction

Though Spreckels Junction might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Salinas Fairways Golf Course and National Steinbeck Center.

A modern building with a large sign reading "Stieboch" and a mural of a field.

Oldtown Salinas

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Oldtown Salinas. You might want to make time for a stop at National Steinbeck Center or Steinbeck House.

A large tree in a vineyard with rows of grapevines.

Alisal

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 Salinas Fairways Golf Course and Salinas Sports Complex.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Salinas

A two-story building with a gabled roof, a flagpole with an American flag, and a sign that reads "Alain Pinel."

Carmel

A sunset over a beach with a pier extending into the water.

Seaside

A rugged mountainous landscape with rocky outcrops and dense vegetation.

Soledad

A rural landscape with rolling hills, a winding road, and several buildings including a house and barns.

Hollister

A sandy beach with wooden benches and a wooden fence.

Marina

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, ocean waves, and distant mountains.

Watsonville

A sandy beach with footprints, a wooden fence, and a clear blue sky.

Monterey

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San Juan Bautista

Frequently asked questions

Is Salinas worth visiting?
Salinas has an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or local cuisine, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Salinas?
After you've visited popular attractions like Marina State Beach and Monterey Zoo, spend the rest of your day enjoying Salinas's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salinas?
Marina State Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Salinas and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Salinas?
Three days in Salinas is more than enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many guests spend two days on average. Monterey Zoo, Boronda Adobe History Center and Toro County Park are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Monterey.
Is Salinas a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Salinas, including Boronda Adobe History Center and Steinbeck House, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.1 miles from the city center of Salinas is Oldtown Salinas and Chinatown is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Salinas with kids?
Planning what to do in Salinas with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Salinas for adults?
Steinbeck House and National Steinbeck Center are just two of the things to do in Salinas. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Salinas?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Salinas. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Boronda Adobe History Center is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their traveling adventures.

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