Things to do in Salinas

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Salinas

Types of activities

Where to stay

Salinas Travel Guide

Lettuce field in the Salinas Valley of Monterey County, California

Man makes a loving heart light painting on the beach in Big Sur, California during sunset

surfista dirigiéndose al mar en la playa de Salinas, Asturias, España

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Tours & day trips

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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Free cancellation available

History & culture

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

Classes & workshops

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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Free cancellation available

What to do in Salinas

Popular places to visit

National Steinbeck Center

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

View towards Ollason Peak, Toro Park, California

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 top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

First Mayor's House

Find out about the history of Salinas when you take a trip to First Mayor's House. Stroll along the marina or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Areas of Salinas

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 Aguila Cultural Center.

Chinatown

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

Carmel

Seaside

Monterey

Moss Landing

Castroville

Frequently asked questions

Is Salinas worth visiting?

From shopping to history and outdoor adventures, there are many great things to do in Salinas. Remember to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, culture and local charm.

How do I spend a day in Salinas?

Marina State Beach and Monterey Zoo are two good places to begin your vacation adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Salinas while you're here too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Salinas?

Don't leave without visiting Marina State Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Salinas.

Is three days enough to stay in Salinas?

You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Monterey Zoo, Boronda Adobe History Center and Steinbeck House with a three-day trip to Salinas. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Monterey.

Is Salinas a walkable city?

With popular neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Salinas is a great destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Boronda Adobe History Center and Steinbeck House. Then take a stroll through Oldtown Salinas, located 0.16 kilometers from downtown, and Chinatown, which is about 2 kilometers away.

What are some activities to do in Salinas with kids?

Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Salinas with kids.

What to do in Salinas for adults?

Steinbeck House and National Steinbeck Center are just a couple of the things to do in Salinas. With loads 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 a breeze to find free things to do in Salinas. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Boronda Adobe History Center is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.