Things to do in Salinas

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

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 {54 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.

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Most popular activities in Salinas

Tours & day trips

See all 43 activities
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 19 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $62 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 11 activities
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Price is $8 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 9 activities
Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $159 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $95 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Salinas

Number of things to do
54
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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Salinas

National Steinbeck Center featuring interior views

National Steinbeck Center

Immerse yourself in the life, times and works of legendary American novelist John Steinbeck through memorabilia, photos, journals and film.

National Steinbeck Center
The name is 'Toro Park', but we didn't actually expect the cows... On the east side of the park, along Mark's Canyon Trail, the whole hillside was covered with California poppies and Lupine! Beautiful.

Toro County Park

Explore the lovely green spaces of Toro County Park and enjoy the biking trails in Salinas. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

Toro County Park

Salinas Sports Complex

Catch an event at Salinas Sports Complex, and enjoy other activities in Salinas such as golfing. Wander the marina and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Salinas Sports Complex

California Rodeo Grounds

Catch an event at California Rodeo Grounds, and enjoy other activities in Salinas such as golfing. Wander the marina and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

California Rodeo Grounds

Northridge Mall

During your trip to Salinas, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Northridge Mall. Wander the marina and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Northridge Mall

Monterey Zoo

See the exotic and native animals who call Monterey Zoo home during your travels in Salinas. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Monterey Zoo

Steinbeck House

You can find out about the history of Salinas with a stop at Steinbeck House. Wander the marina and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Steinbeck House

The Farm

Learn about the local history of Salinas with a stop at The Farm. Amble around this romantic area's marina or attend a sporting event.

The Farm

Natividad Hospital

Though Natividad Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Salinas while you are here.

Natividad Hospital

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Salinas

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Chinatown

When in Chinatown, you can plan a visit to California Rodeo Grounds and Salinas Sports Complex, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Chinatown
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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

Carmel featuring a house and autumn leaves

Carmel

Fort Ord Dunes State Park showing a beach

Seaside

Monterey Wine Country showing a lighthouse and a park

Soledad

Photo by Vijay Narasimhan

Hollister

Fort Ord Dunes State Park which includes views and a sandy beach

Marina

Watsonville

Watsonville

Carmel Beach which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach

Monterey

San Juan Bautista

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.