Salinas Travel Guide

Salinas is the county seat of Monterey County in Central California. The city is located in the Salinas Valley, about 8 miles away from the shores of the Pacific Ocean, over some hills that isolate the valley from the shore. Salinas is an agricultural and economic hub in Central California. The moisture from the nearby sea along with the warm valley climate makes it perfect for vineyards and for various vegetable and fruit farms. Because of the city’s premier agricultural conditions its history was often filled with struggles for controlling the land here between groups of pioneers and between Mexico and the United States.

Things to Do in Salinas

Salinas offers great and diverse activities for visitors. Check out the great museums of the city to learn about the history and heritage of the area. The National Steinbeck Center and the Steinbeck House are both dedicated areas to the Nobel Prize winner, John Steinbeck. Locals admire Steinbeck and it is only natural to crate a few landmarks and monuments dedicated to him. Many of his books like Of Mice and Men, Grapes of Wrath, and Cannery Row are all about this area of California.

To see a few more landmarks in the city check out the Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca, which are the racing tracks near Pebble Beach, a beautiful beach town not too far from Salinas. The area also features a number of parks near the beach with stunning views. Pacific Grove is one of these spots.

The famed Monterey waterfront is just a few miles away from Salinas. On the shores of Monterey visitors can walk around Cannery Row where numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants are open. Stroll through the Row, pick up a few post cards and get a delicious drink in one of the nice outdoor places. Also, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is truly one of the most amazing aquariums in the world.

Best Places to Stay in Salinas

The best area to stay in Salinas is the southwestern part of the city where visitors can be close to the city center but do not have to listen to the noise of the airport. This area features lots of restaurants, bars, bakeries, and stores. There are some great spas and golf courses in this area as well. Vacation rentals in Salinas are available all year around and are very popular because Salinas is only a few miles away from Monterey Bay and its lovely shoreline.

Best Time to Visit Salinas

Even though it is only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean the temperatures here a significantly higher than its neighbors to the West. With that being said the beach is only a quick drive through the hills so cooling off is not hard.