What to do in Salinas, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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
Pebble Beach - California
surfista dirigiéndose al mar en la playa de Salinas, Asturias, España
Playa de Salinas, Castrillón, Asturias

Salinas Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Salinas has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Salinas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Salinas with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Salinas

Salinas is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Salinas, and make it a breeze to explore Salinas and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Salinas to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Salinas, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Salinas.

Salinas attractions

Salinas has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Salinas to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Salinas.

Looking for things to do in Salinas can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Salinas or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Salinas attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Salinas

Tours & day trips

See all 65 activities
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 287 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £46 per adult
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History & culture

See all 18 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
6.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Price is £6 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £70 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Salinas

Number of things to do
77
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: £6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Salinas

Popular places to visit

National Steinbeck Center

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
View towards Ollason Peak, Toro Park, California

Toro County Park

Explore the lovely green spaces of Toro County Park and enjoy the cycling trails in Salinas. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch 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 through 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 through the marina and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

California Rodeo Grounds

Monterey Zoo

Meet the animals who call Monterey Zoo home during your travels in Salinas. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Monterey Zoo

Northridge Mall

During your trip to Salinas, you can enjoy retail therapy at Northridge Mall. Wander through the marina and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Northridge Mall

Steinbeck House

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

Steinbeck House

First Mayor's House

Find out about the history of Salinas with a stop at First Mayor's House. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

First Mayor's House

The Farm

Learn about the local history of Salinas when you spend time at The Farm. Amble around this family-friendly area's marina or attend a sporting event.

The Farm

Explore areas of Salinas

Oldtown 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 First Mayor's House.

Oldtown Salinas
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Chinatown

While there might not be top attractions in Chinatown, you can explore the larger area and discover places like California Rodeo Grounds and Salinas Sports Complex.

Chinatown

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Salinas

Carmel

Carmel

Panorama of the popular seaside holiday resort of Skegness on the east coast of england. Warm summer tones and sweeping vista views

Seaside

Looking Down on San Benito County Historical Park

Hollister

Monterey

Monterey

Castroville artichokes in the setting sun

Castroville

Beautiful View of the California Coastline along State Road 1.

Gonzales

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 holiday 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 Centre and Steinbeck House with a three-day trip to Salinas. On average, most travellers 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 neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Salinas is a great destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Boronda Adobe History Centre and Steinbeck House. Then take a stroll through Oldtown Salinas, located 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) from downtown, and Chinatown, which is about 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in Salinas with kids?
Whether you're travelling 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 Centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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 Centre is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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