Welcome to Salinas, California

Imagine watching a sunset the color of fine amber, relaxing in a cool summer breeze, while sipping a glass of wine made from locally grown grapes.  It sounds like heaven on earth, and you can find it in beautiful Salinas, California.

Located in Monterey County along the northern coast of California, Salinas is close to Monterey Bay, where the weather is the envy of the nation.  With winter lows typically in the 60’s and summer highs reaching the mid-70’s, Salinas offers the perfect year-round weather to enjoy golf, tennis, biking, and many other outdoor activities.  Just a short hop to Monterey Bay, visiting Salinas provides opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy a walk on the beach, visit the Monterey Bay aquarium, or enjoy boating, kayaking, scuba diving, and surfing.  

Nestled between the beautiful Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges, this “Valley of the World” offers old world charm with every modern convenience.  You will find fabulous contemporary gourmet dining while surrounded by century old architecture.  Take a guided tour of beautiful Old Town, stopping at its antique shops and boutiques, or visit the Old Town Farmers Market for the freshest in local produce. 

One of the crown jewels of Salinas is the National Steinbeck Center.  This multi-sensory celebration of writer John Steinbeck explores many of Steinbeck’s works through live theatre presentations and priceless artifacts.  The National Steinbeck Center hosts the annual Steinbeck festival each year, with tours of Steinbeck’s home, visits to his favorite spots in Salinas, readings of his works, luncheons, lectures and more that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

To enjoy Salinas, rich in farmland and heavily influenced by the Spanish, you might take a tour of a local working farm during the day, then in the evening listen to a love song performed by strolling Spanish musicians as you take in the sights and sounds of Main Street.  Enjoy a meal at one of the acclaimed restaurants in Salinas, many of which feature locally grown produce, fresh from the farm. 

Whether you are looking for fun in the sun with a day at the beach, or an afternoon filled with history and culture, or an elegant dinner spotlighting locally grown produce, you will find it in Salinas.  Salinas is where quaint charm meets modern excitement, and natural beauty meets contemporary technology.  Salinas is a vacation destination you do not want to miss.