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The Salinas Valley

Steinbeck Literary Trails

Follow in the footsteps of our most famous author, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck, and along the way stand in the footprints of the characters he created in his novels and short stories.

Stop by the Soledad Visitors & Gateway Center at 502 Front Street, Soledad or the California Welcome Center , 1 Station Place, Salinas for detailed information.

Explore the Maps…

From Our Fields

Agriculture dominates the Salinas Valley. Vegetable crops, wine grapes and flowers all thrive in the fertile soil and mild climate of the Central Coast. The fields and vineyards are enticingly beautiful. For an up close look-and-feel experience take a tour !

Stop by the Soledad Visitors & Gateway Center at 502 Front Street, Soledad or the California Welcome Center , 1 Station Place, Salinas  for detailed information.

Pinnacles National Park

Colliding tectonic plates. That’s the backstory of Pinnacles National Park . Today’s story is the result of that impact – a remarkable landscape marked by towering rock spires, talus caves and imposing rock formations.

There is a Park Visitor Center at both the East and West Entrances. Or, stop by the Soledad Visitors & Gateway Center at 502 Front Street in Soledad  and have the staff help you plan your visit to the Park.

River Road Wine Trail

River Road follows the contours where the Salinas Valley floor and the Santa Lucia foothills merge. It’s a long and winding route that takes you through and past rows of vegetables, fields of strawberries and world-class vineyards.

The public opportunities vary on this ever-evolving wine-tasting route so stop by the Soledad Visitors and Gateway Center  at 502 Front Street, Soledad  or the California Welcome Center at 1 Station Place, Salinas  for a current listing of what’s open for visitors.

Arroyo Seco

In Spanish, Arroyo Seco means dry creek, but with the Arroyo Seco River running through this area it’s likely you’ll get wet when visiting. The river cuts through steep, deep, rocky gorges that slice through the Santa Lucia Mountains, gently flattening as it nears the edge of the Salinas Valley floor.

Arroyo Seco is a remote spot, so stop by the Soledad Visitors & Gateway Center  at 502 Front Street, Soledad for more information before heading out.

Salinas Valley Tours

Explore the Salinas Valley for a half-day, day or weekend with one of the premier tour companies in South Monterey County. From Steinbeck Country to the River Road Wine Trail to Pinnacles National Park, take a ride with Experience SoMoCo.

23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Salinas (CA)

Are you in search of the best and most fun things to do in Salinas, CA?

Salinas is a city located 12 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean in Monterey County, California, United States.

Known as the largest city in Monterey County, it has a population of one hundred and sixty-three thousand, five hundred and forty-two according to the 2020 census.

The city is blessed with rich soils, making it stand out as one of the agricultural cities in California.

Salinas has many places to visit, some of which include Monterey Bay Equestrian Center, Allen Berg Racing Schools, Salinas Valley Art Gallery, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and many more.

Are you planning an exploration of Salinas? here are the top things to do in Salinas, CA.

Things to Do in Salinas, CA

1. toro county park.

Toro County Park is a popular destination for many families who want to come outside and have fun in Salinas.

The park was officially opened to the public in 1971 and stretches to almost five thousand acres with many exciting facilities.

Toro County Park features a pastoral setting making it an excellent place for friends and family to spend time outdoors.

This park features a stunning playground with many play structures for little children to enjoy a great time.

Toro County Park features horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and two softball fields great for the athletes or those who just want to have fun.

There are more than twenty miles of well-paved routes ideal for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Toro County Park is a nice place for picnicking and sightseeing as you get a glimpse of coyotes, deer, eagles, and more.

Address: 501 Monterey-Salinas Highway 68, Salinas, CA 93908, United States

2. Maya Cinemas

Are you in for a wonderful movie experience? Add a Maya Cinemas to your list of fun things to do in Salinas, CA, especially with your family and friends.

Maya Cinemas is a nicely designed theater with a seating capacity of one thousand, two hundred seats made with comfortable plush leather.

The theater was established in 2005 and has gone through series of renovations with a 360-degree acoustic system and digital 3D.

Maya Cinemas guarantee patrons a unique movie experience through its large Flat Screen Tvs and highly comfortable seats with a clean environment.

The concessions serve delicious and freshly made popcorn, handmade pizzas, hot dogs, teas, and other nice meals.

Address: 153 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, United States

3. National Steinbeck Center

If you’re someone with an open mind and always willing to learn something new, add a visit to National Steinbeck Center to your list of top things to do in Salinas, CA.

National Steinbeck Center was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization committed to promoting the works of John Steinbeck.

Steinbeck is a Nobel Prize winner and a well-known author who wrote several novels and other writings. National Steinbeck Center showcases a wide range of newly released books, artifacts, newspapers, and interviews relating to John Steinbeck.

National Steinbeck Center is focused on inspiring, educating, and giving the people the chance to participate and relate to one another.

The exhibition hall is uniquely designed and gives insight into the places he wrote about, visited, and lived during his lifetime.

National Steinbeck Center is open to all who would like to explore the museum and go through some of John’s popular books and talks.

Address: 1 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901 United States

4. Monterey Bay Equestrian Center

Are you a fan of horseback rides? Add a visit to Monterey Bay Equestrian Center to your checklist of things to do in Salinas, CA.

Monterey Bay Equestrian Center offers the public an exciting experience through rejuvenating horseback rides.

The Equestrian Center was founded in 1981 and offers intriguing horseback rides along the beach in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage.

Monterey Bay Equestrian Center takes visitors along Monterey Bay on amazing rides while enjoying the scenic views.

Whether you are a novice or an expert, these rides are ideal and can last from one hour to 2½ hours, depending on how long you want to go.

Address: 19805 Pesante Road, Salinas, CA 93907, United States

5. Monterey Zoo

Whether you’re a fan of wildlife or not, visiting Monterey Zoo should be on your list of fun things to do in Salinas, CA.

Monterey Zoo provides a natural setting with a wide variety of wildlife animals and is open to all visitors regardless of their age grade.

You get a chance to come close to many exotic animals that will blow your mind, including alpacas, black bears, zebras, African lions, Bengal tigers, African elephants, camels, and more.

Monterey Zoo offers daily tour of about 60 minutes where visitors are taken on a guided walk through items displayed, while the Pachyderm Tour takes tourists closer to the elephants.

You will find more than one hundred well-trained animals on how to approach strangers. Monterey Zoo is great school field trips as well as educational programs open to kids and adults.

Address: 400 River Road, Salinas, CA 93908, United States

6. Boronda Adobe History Center

The center was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it secures the Spanish Colonial adobe.

This house was formerly the home of Jose Eusebio Boronda, established in 1846; Boronda Adobe History Center is a place you should visit.

You will find a World War II Bataan monument, the little Red Lagunita Schoolhouse, and the Filipino Farm Labor Bunkhouse open for you to explore.

It features the Robert B. Johnson Archival Vault, which houses about a million pieces and more than eighty thousand photographs.

Visiting the Boronda Adobe History Center is one of the best things to do in Salinas, CA for history buffs.

Address: 333 Boronda Rd, Salinas, CA 93907, United States

7. Salinas Sports Complex

Are you an athlete or simply a sports enthusiast? Visiting Salinas Sports Complex is one of the best things to do in Salinas, CA.

Salinas Sports Complex was founded in 1911 as a horse race ground in Sherwood Park; it is currently run as a full-time sports complex.

There are two baseball diamonds, five softball fields, an eighty-stall equestrian barn, and a soccer field open for training.

Salinas Sports Complex is an excellent venue for different kinds of gatherings and community events, mostly festivals and concerts.

This complex is well known as the base of the California Rodeo Salinas, including other occasions like freestyle bullfights, horse shows, the Professional Rodeo, and more.

Salinas Sports Complex is also a venue for numerous social events like cultural shows, beer festivals, garden exhibits, cooking competitions, and more.

Address: 1034 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906, United States

8.WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

The track is just beside the incredible central coast of California; WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is often referred to as The Corkscrew.

The WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has a unique combination of the hard-left, hard-right with a 59-feet drop starting with the first turn at the passageway to the second turn at the exit.

This is a place that every outdoor enthusiast will love to spend, and the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca offers you the opportunity to watch many thrilling events like SportsCar Championships, Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, and Pre-Reunion Races.

Address: 1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Salinas, CA 93908 United States

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9. Salinas Fairways Golf Course

The Salinas Fairways Golf Course is a popular destination for golf players in Salinas due to how incredibly beautiful and well-designed the golf course is.

It is found in the Salinas Valley, offering picturesque views of its surroundings, including the Galibean Hills and the Pacific Ocean.

The Salinas Fairways Golf Course was constructed in 1957 as a fantastic championship, 18-hole course designed by Jack Fleming, a famous golf course architect.

This golf was listed by Golf Advisor on the ‘Top 10 Value Golf Course’ in the United States due to the well-laid out greens.

The Salinas Fairways Golf Course features several essential facilities like a fantastic practice range and practice green.

There is a full service eatery that serves delicious and healthy meals with delightful beverages. The well-stocked PGA-staffed pro golf store with lots of golf equipment is a must-see.

Salinas Fairways Golf Course hosts a variety of tournaments and events in which everyone can take part and show off their skills.

Address: 45 Skyway Blvd, Salinas, CA 93905, United States

10. Allen Berg Racing Schools

Are you to test your driving skills? Add a visit to Allen Berg Racing Schools to your list of fun things to do in Salinas, CA.

Allen Berg Racing Schools houses the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a popular race track worldwide.

The track is immensely rich in history and stands out due to its sensational track of approximately 2.238 miles.

Allen Berg Racing School offers you a chance to control the wheel and speed off on the track, characterized by challenging technical corners, fast straights, severe elevation changes, and more.

This location is a haven for drivers and racing fans from around the world who come to try out the popular Corkscrew track.

Address: 1021 Monterey-Salinas Hwy, Salinas, CA 93908, United States

11. Fort Ord National Monument

A perfect addition to your list of things to do in Salinas, CA is spending the day at the Fort Ord National Monument .

The Fort Ord National Monument is a seven thousand acre park located on what was once the United States Army post.

The Army post was shut down in 1994 and converted into a beautiful park with well-paved trails.

These trails are great for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking, surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna, including Oak trees and wildflowers.

The Fort Ord National Monument is for visitors who would like to explore the trails according to the rules and regulations; there are different companies that take visitors on a tour around this region, including the areas with restrictions such as the former prison and training structures.

Address: Toro Creek Rd, Salinas, CA 93908 United States

12. First Awakenings

For the foodies, dining at First Awakenings is one of the best things to do in Salinas, CA if you want to enjoy an old-fashioned American dish.

First Awakenings is known for serving delicious meals made using the typical all-American home-cooking techniques.

Every meal served is prepared with high-quality ingredients; the more reason it is always flavorful, fresh, and healthy.

First Awakenings has been in business for more than twenty-five years and has consistently served the people with the best dishes.

One popular food is the Easy Rider sandwiches built with pulled pork, chipotle sauce, walnuts, Asian sesame dressing, and red grapes, which make up the Asian Harvest Salads.

Make sure you also try out homemade Belgian waffles and blue lagoon burger; you won’t regret you did.

Address: 171 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, United States

13. Tatum’s Garden

Tatum’s Garden is a wonderful park built majorly for children with any form of disabilities, well designed to be easily accessible.

This playground was named after Tatum Baker, who suffered from Spina Bifida and was restricted to a wheelchair.

Tatum’s Garden serves as a platform for differently-abled children to play together with other children in a much safer and more exciting setting.

Right in the center of this big playground, you will find a beautiful tree house with play equipment like slides and many others.

Tatum’s Garden is also an excellent place for picnics with several picnic tables; come with your snacks and drinks as you also enjoy the environment.

Address; Tatum’s Garden, 1 Maryal Drive, Salinas, CA 93901 United States

14. Escapee Room Salinas

Escape Room Salinas is a family-friendly fun center in Salinas consisting of five different rooms, each with a unique theme.

You and your teammates will be locked in a room and given 60 minutes to search for clues, ideas and solve puzzles to help you escape the room in time.

Escape Room Salinas is a place that helps in building and strengthening relationships between spouses, colleagues, friends, and more.

You and your teammates might choose the Spellbound room with the need to destroy the curse of the witch or the Bank Heist, where you get to join a team of detectives.

Escape Room Salinas offers visitors an opportunity to unite and learn new things while also having fun.

The staff is polite and highly knowledgeable about the escape rooms; they teach you all you need to know before playing the game.

Address : 737 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901-3233 United States

15. Salinas Valley Art Gallery

The Salinas Valley Art Gallery was founded in 1976 and has since become a significant part of the city of Salinas.

This gallery is a forum committed to bringing amazing artworks to the doorstep of both visitors and residents as they get to explore different kinds of art.

The Salinas Valley Art Gallery houses several beautiful sculptures, pottery, photographs, jewelry, glassworks, paintings, textile made by famous artists like Susan Dunklau, Ruth Carroll, Ed Avila, and Ruth Carroll.

This gallery encourages persons from different parts of the world to come and glance through exceptional artworks.

Salinas Valley Art Gallery organizes different types of activities ideal for everyone, like the Salinas First Friday Art Walk, which features a famed artist.

During this visit, guests are allowed to partake and learn about the tales behind some of the artworks and the techniques in making them.

Address: 218 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, United States

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16. The Steinbeck House

The Steinbeck House was the original childhood residence of John Steinbeck, where the author was born and raised here.

The house was built in 1888 in a Queen Anne Victorian style, later acquired in 1900 by the Steinbeck Family.

The Steinbeck House features a lovely restaurant open for guests to relax and dine on a delicious meal in any of the rooms where John Steinbeck grew up.

There are innovative tours open to everyone, both adults and children; they get to browse through several artifacts and furniture belonging to the Steinbeck Family.

When you’re done exploring the house, check out the Best Cellar gift shop, where you can shop for beautiful souvenirs and books written by Steinbeck.

Address: 132 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901 United States

17. Elli’s Great American Restaurant

Another fun thing to do in Salinas is visiting Elli’s Great American Restaurant, a nice restaurant with a homey feel and beautiful interior.

Elli’s Great American Restaurant is a unique restaurant that offers a comprehensive food menu featuring different cultures and cooking styles.

The meals offered were first prepared by immigrants in Ellis Islands who came from different parts of the world. Elli’s Great American Restaurant uses a variety of recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Elli’s Great American Restaurant prepares every meal from scratch for better tastes and freshness with a twist to it.

They serve bread budding, fish tacos, California Chicken Sandwich, Huevos Rancheros, Blackened Chicken Fettuccine, Enchilada Bowl, strawberry pizza, Mexico City Chilaquiles, steak, Elli’s meatloaf, and more.

Elli’s Great American Restaurant staff is friendly and nice, known for offering the best customer service and ensuring everyone is well satisfied.

Address: 1250 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, United States

18. Pessagno Winery

Pessagno Winery is a popular winery well known for producing some of the best wines in Salinas and California.

There is a cozy tasting room that offers visitors a unique experience as they learn and try out the different kinds of wines produced.

Pessagno Winery offers some recently produced collections like the 2013 Pinot Noir, 2012 ‘Due’ Premium Red Blend, and a 2006 sweet Valley Port.

The winery hosts series of events all year round, including the Passagno’s Summer Concert Series, which includes live music performances, drinking of wines, and devouring delicious meals.

Address: 1645 River Rd, Salinas, CA 93908, United States

19. The Farm in Salinas

The Farm in Salinas is a locally run business in Salinas offering a wide variety of freshly grown and quality farm produce.

The farm also serves as an agricultural education center, offering educational farm tours and other fun activities and events.

The Farm in Salinas grows more than thirty variety of crops, including lettuces, tomatoes, strawberries, pumpkins, and more.

All the various crops planted grow adequately due to the nature of the soil and weather of the Salinas Valley; about eighty different kinds of vegetables and fruits are grown here annually.

The Farm in Salinas offers group tours that last from 45 minutes to about 60 minutes, enough to enlighten the public about Farming in the Salinas Valley.

You can also take a peaceful walk through the fields and a fun hayride, both included in the tour.

The Farm in Salinas allows you to shop for fresh organic produce, including freshly made cookies and pies, as well as soap and kitchen wares from the Farm Store and bakery, respectively.

Address: Exit off Hwy 68, Spreckels Blvd, Salinas, CA 93908, United States

20. Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge

One fun thing to do in Salinas is visiting the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge with your family and friends for an incredible adventure.

Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge spans three hundred and sixty-seven acres, serving as a wildlife refuge.

This refuge consists of coastal dunes, saline ponds, riparian habitats, beaches, salt marshes, and grasslands.

Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge was opened in 1973, and it features breathtaking flora & fauna and other species exposed to danger.

The National preserve is one of the few number of wetlands remaining on the central California Coast, where you can also find the western snowy plover, the Monterey spineflower, and Smith’s blue butterfly.

Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect place for bird watching, especially during the fall and spring migrations.

Address: Salinas, CA 93908, United States

21. Salinas City Barbecue

Salinas City Barbecue is a great barbecue joint that offers deliciously smoked barbecue in Salinas with tastes that will certainly blow your mind.

They use quality and locally sourced meats spiced with flavorful California and Texas-inspired ingredients.

Salinas City Barbecue prepares the barbecue using special techniques in which the meats are smoked slowly for a long period on an oak wood.

This procedure optimizes the taste and flavor of the meats for better enjoyment; Salinas City Barbecue serves mouthwatering pulled pork ribs brisket and potato salad.

Salinas City Barbecue also serves the best baked beans, garlic bread, berry cobbler, Santa Maria tri-tip salad, pork tacos, pulled pork sliders, and more.

Address: 700 W Market St, Salinas, CA 93901, United States

22. California Rodeo Salinas

California Rodeo Salinas is an event that began many decades ago in 1911, 1st of August, in the Salinas Sports Complex.

The rodeo is now held in July, on the third week all year round; it is recognized as the largest outdoor bull-riding show in the whole state.

California Rodeo Salinas attracts visitors from different parts of the country and the world, with more than seven hundred cowgirls and cowboys in participation.

The talented bull-riders come to fight for the prize money of $400, 000. California Rodeo Salinas also hosts additional events, line Kiddue Kapers Parade, cowboy poetry, and a carnival.

One of the event’s major highlights is when participants are awarded for being the best-dressed Cowboys and cowgirls, respectively.

23. Odonata Wines South

An outstanding winery where you try out tasty wines is Odonata Wines South and should be added to your Salinas things to-do list.

Odonata Wines South is a family-owned and operated winery built through the passion of Denis Hoey for winemaking.

The winery owner used ancient techniques when he traveled to Europe from his mentors, combining them with contemporary skills and the best ingredients.

Due to production procedures, every wine produced in Odonata Wines South is characterized by distinctive tastes and quality.

Odonata Wines South produces the wines from scratch, starting with harvesting grapes, fermentation, barrel selection, and aging.

Whenever you visit Salinas, do well to stop by Odonata Wines South, your winery, and try out samples of new products.

Address: 645 River Rd, Salinas, CA 93908, United States

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Plan a Trip to Salinas

Salinas is a great place for nature lovers, history buffs, adventure seekers, and fun lovers because there are plenty of things for everyone irrespective of what they want.

There are lots of fun things to do in Salinas, CA, like watching a movie at Maya Cinema, witnessing California Rodeo Salinas, touring the Steinbeck House, visiting the famous WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, golfing at Salinas Fairways Golf Course, and many more.

Salinas is a city that will exceed your expectations, start planning a trip to Salinas.

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Package Includes:

• Up to 4 hrs (tour time)
• Visit 3 wineries
• Picnic Lunch, water provided

Deluxe Vineyards

• Up to 4.0 to 4.5 hrs (tour time)
• Tour thru our beautiful vineyards with spectacular views
• Picnic lunch, water provided

(RSVP one week in advance) Package Includes:

• Up to 5 to 5.5 hrs (tour time)
• Barrel tasting (by appointment only)
• BBQ appetizers, pizza or deli platter, water provided

Enjoy Year Round Tours Tailored To You

A Tour Like No Other

We would like to take you behind the scenes to visit Wineries, Vineyards, Tasting Rooms, and the opportunity to meet Owners and Winemakers.

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Things to See & Do in Salinas

Salinas’ hospitality blends yesterday’s charm with today’s modern conveniences. The California Rodeo, California International Airshow, and the world famous Steinbeck Festival are major attractions of our colorful and diverse city. Visitors can also explore the nearby Monterey Peninsula, the historic missions of San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Carmel and San Antonio de Padua, the world-class wineries of South Monterey County, the beauty of nearby beaches, and Pinnacles National Monument.

Salinas and the Salinas Valley offer a unique combination of climate, natural resources,and people. Although agriculture forms an economic base, more than 100 manufacturingfirms call Salinas home.

Some of the largest employers in the area include: Dole Fresh Vegetable, the County of Monterey, and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.

California Welcome Center Salinas

The California Welcome Center Salinas offers detailed information on where to eat and stay and a host of other options on what to do. There are promotional materials, brochures, souvenirs and a friendly staff ready to answer questions. Plus, there is a diverse array of unique local items to choose from as a memento to take home.

Railroad Depot/Intermodal Transit Center

Salinas’s Railroad Depot/Intermodal Transit Center at Station Place, just off Market Street, has many activities of interest for residents, students, and visitors. The Center is the home to the First Mayor’s Harvey Baker Historic House, the Salinas Valley Model Railroad Museum and the Steaming Ahead Historic Railroad Exhibit.

The First Mayor's House is a museum which helps to interpret early Salinas’ history. Tours and student events are available.

The Salinas Valley Model Railroad Museum is open to the public. The model railroad club members have constructed a model railroad that depicts rail history in the Salinas Valley, and Watsonville to Cuesta Grade in San Luis Obispo County.

Salinas is home to a collection of vintage rail cars and railroad signal equipment. Visit the restored steam locomotive, tender, wooden caboose and newly acquired 1923 refrigerator car. The site is open on the first Friday of each month. Classroom tours of the facility can be arranged by contacting the City of Salinas at (831) 758-7152 .

Visit Salinas’ vibrant historic depot site and take in the sites from local history. All activities are family oriented and free. These sites are all open on the first Friday of each month from 5pm to 8pm as part of the activities of Old town Salinas’ First Friday events. Old Town’s First Friday events also feature food, an art walk and music. 

Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 15 Best Things to Do in Salinas (CA)

15 Best Things to Do in Salinas (CA)

Salinas is a small but sophisticated city a short way in from Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast. Agriculture has been a way of life in the Salinas Valley for a couple of hundred years and these farms formed  the backdrop for many of Salinas-native John Steinbeck’s novels.

The diversity of things to do in and around Salinas makes it seriously flexible: Food-lovers can tuck into the local organic produce and wines, sports fanatics can catch a rodeo event or race at Laguna Seca, while just about everyone will fall in love with the wild beauty of the Pacific coast and fertile countryside inland.

1. National Steinbeck Center

The National Steinbeck Center opened on Main Street back in 1998. Steinbeck was born and grew up in Salinas, and he drew inspiration for his novels from the Salinas Valley and its rural towns.

The attraction has the largest Steinbeck archives in the USA and the displays inform visitors about the themes and philosophy behind the writer’s works. Artefacts to browse at the Center include film clips, first editions and photographs.

At the start of May every year the Steinbeck Festival puts on lectures, live music and a craft beer festival.

2. The Steinbeck House

After a few hours at the museum you can also potter around Steinbeck’s place of birth and childhood home. The house dates to 1897 and the Steinbeck family moved here in 1900.

It’s a restored Queen Anne-style Victorian home on the National Register of Historic Places. People stop for photos in front of the lawn and there’s a gift shop inside, but if you come to the house from Tuesday to Saturday you can enjoy a tasty sit-down lunch, served by staff in Victorian costume.

The menu changes by the month and is updated on the attraction’s website.

3. Toro County Park

Minutes south of Salinas, this beautiful sweep of open country attracts hikers, horseback riders, geocachers and mountain bikers for its challenging and striking terrain.

There are 20 miles of trails for people who don’t mind a strenuous walk – the effort is more than worthwhile for the arresting views out of the Salinas Valley and Monterrey Bay.

The headline trail in Toro County Park is the “1800”, referring to the amount of feet it ascends – 540 metres in metric. It begins and sea level and poses a tough hillside trek, but has the best views in the park.

4. Laguna Seca

California’s top motor racing track, Laguna Seca welcomes some big international racing events  from spring to autumn.

Until 2013 it was an annual stop on the MotoGP circuit, now replaced by the FIM World Superbike Championship. The track dates to 1957 and is renowned for its “Corkscrew” section, darting downhill between two tight turns.

Motor racing has been a local passion for a long time on the Central Coast, and Laguna Seca replaced the nearby Pebble Beach Road Races, set on hair-raising twin-lane coastal roads.

5. Harvey-Baker House

This historic house belonged to the wealthy merchant and local politician Isaac Julian Harvey who made his fortune during the gold rush.

He settled in Salinas in 1866 when it was a settlement with no more than 12 buildings, and in 1868 he built his home with timber hauled from redwood forests at Moss Landing on the coast.

During his time as mayor Harvey did a lot to get Salinas on the map, moving the county seat here from Monterey and negotiating for the railroad to pass through the town.

6. Oldtown Salinas Farmer’s Market

The Salinas Valley is among the most fertile locations in California and is billed by local authorities as the “Salad Bowl of the World”.

Flourishing here are broccoli, cauliflower, celery, peppers, vines, strawberries, tomatoes and spinach. So it’s no surprise that the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings on Gabilan street is a big institution.

Together will all the divine organic local produce vendors sell regional specialities like honey and jam, as well as a variety of hand-made arts and crafts.

7. Boronda Adobe History Center

This adobe (a building made from clay or mud) is another enlightening  journey through Salinas’ early history. The colonial-style structure is on a Mexican land grant, goes all the way back to 1846 and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

It’s a prime example of a Mexican-era rancho adobe and has barely been altered since it was built. One of the features that makes it important is the way it blends north-eastern American architecture with a Mexican style.

The adobe is located in the lower part of the Salinas Valley and predates the city of Salinas by 20 years.

8. California Rodeo Salinas

The Salinas Rodeo began way back in 1911 and is still a highlight of America’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association tour. It all happens during the third week of July and is the biggest bull-riding event in the state, pulling in more than 700 cowboys and cowgirls who compete for $400,000 in prize money.

The rodeo is accompanied by all sorts of complementary events, including a carnival, cowboy poetry and the Kiddie Kapers Parade. With 85 years of history the KKP puts local kids at centre stage, parading them through the city streets on floats before thousands of spectators.

The main event is when the awards for best-dressed cowboys and cowgirls are handed out.

9. River Road Wine Trail

Hand-picking the best local wineries, the River Road Wine Trail starts in Salinas and continues on to Soledad to the southeast. It’s a convenient and picturesque introduction to the area’s countryside and viticulture.

You’ll make regular stops at idyllic vineyards for tastings, and as you make your way into the Santa Lucia Highlands the scenery and views are increasingly memorable.

The Hahn Winery is in these hills, and you can bring a picnic to its deck, admiring far-reaching views over the vineyards and out to the mountainscapes in the distance.

10. Medical History Museum

This surprising little attraction is inside Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. OK, so a hospital may not be top of your list for holiday attractions, but the free museum within has a great collection of medical artefacts from the last 300 years.

One of the best is a surgical kit from the Civil War, but you can also see the instruments belonging to John Steinbeck’s family GP Dr. Henry Murphy.

The museum has also recreated a doctor’s office from the 1920s decorated with furniture and equipment from the time.

11. First Fridays Art Walk

As the name suggests, the first Friday of the month is when Salinas comes together to celebrate its lively arts community.

Things get started around five when more than forty venues open their doors for free art viewings, live music, food sampling, dancing, poetry recitals and book-signings. What’s especially fun about the Art Walk is that it’s not just galleries and museums taking part – cafes, restaurants and a variety of shops all get into the spirit of the event.

Just so you know, venues involved in the Art Walk will hang balloons in their storefronts.

12. Monterey

Only a few minutes away, Monterey is one of California’s best-loved destinations for day trips. It was once the California state capital and has lovely old buildings preserved in its downtown.

Cannery Row, which inspired Steinbeck’s novel of the same name is a good choice for bit of cultural sightseeing. If you have children with you or take an interest in the oceans the Monterey Bay Aquarium presents the ecological diversity of the waters off the Californian coast.

Many days you need only walk to oceanfront to see wildlife, as Monterey Peninsula has large numbers of sea otters, seals and sea lions easily sighted throughout the year.

This gorgeous little coastal town is also an easy drive west and has a history that goes back to 1771 when Father Junipero Serra established one of his 21 Californian missions here.

Carmel’s Mission is still mostly intact, holding onto its original bell-tower dome and still functions as a Catholic church. You can take a look inside and visit a small museum here.

Carmel’s beach is wonderful, with moderate surf and bright white sands before a landscape of cypress-covered rocks. Sunsets at Carmel Beach are a perfect way to end the day, especially if you’re with a loved one.

14. San Francisco

Close enough for a day trip, the scenic drive up to this unique city is a journey you won’t forget. Classic movie fans can visit all the locations they’ll know from films like Dirty Harry, Bullitt and Vertigo.

You can ride the city’s iconic cable cars, streetcars and trolley buses and walk the hilly streets that have seen countless movie chases.

Take photos at China Town, Alamo Square, Strawberry Hill and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, not to mention the legendary Alcatraz Island, the prison that held Al Capone. Also see: things to do in San Francisco .

15. Big Sur

At Big Sur, which encompasses 90 miles of Pacific shoreline, you can appreciate the full untamed beauty of California’s Central Coast. There are four natural reserves in the area, all of which you can hike or cycle through.

With more than 80 day hikes to pick, walkers can step into epic redwood forests, through canyons, along panoramic cliff-tops or next to wild and secluded beaches.

If you’re not ready to slog through the wilderness under your own steam then the spectacular drive on California Highway 1 is a comfortable alternative connecting San Simeon with Carmel in the north.

15 Best Things to Do in Salinas (CA):

• National Steinbeck Center
• The Steinbeck House
• Toro County Park
• Laguna Seca
• Harvey-Baker House
• Oldtown Salinas Farmer's Market
• Boronda Adobe History Center
• California Rodeo Salinas
• River Road Wine Trail
• Medical History Museum
• First Fridays Art Walk
• San Francisco

Luncheon at The John Steinbeck House: A Visitor’s Guide

The John Steinbeck House is a must-visit destination for any literary travel lover, and if you’ve been wanting to visit, here’s everything you need to know.

Born and raised in Salinas, California, John Steinbeck’s childhood home is still in existence today and remarkably well preserved. Luckily for those of us who love Steinbeck’s novels, you can not only visit the John Steinbeck House but also dine there! 

When I visited San Francisco on a long weekend, I made sure to leave time for a detour down to Monterey and Salinas, not in small part due to the many John Steinbeck sights you can visit there (he has written some of my favorite novels, after all). 

There are several John Steinbeck Salinas destinations for bookish travelers, and today we are going to focus on one that largely flies under the radar — a pilgrimage to the John Steinbeck house for a delicious meal and an insightful tour of the author’s home. 

In this post, I’ll tell you all about Steinbeck’s life at the house, how to visit, and what you can expect there. 

In This Post

No time to read it all right now? Pin this post and come back to it later! 

As always, this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, shopping from them may generate small commissions to support the operations of this blog.

Whenever possible, I recommend buying books at local bookshops or through Bookshop.org , because shopping there puts the profits right into the hands of indie bookstores all over the country.

John Steinbeck’s Life in Salinas

John Steinbeck was born in his family home at 132 Central Ave in Salinas, California, on February 27, 1902. The house itself is charming. It was built in the Queen Anne style with a gingerbread trim, only 3 years before the Steinbecks moved in in 1900. 

Steinbeck was the third of four children. The Steinbecks were a part of Salinas’s middle class, with John’s father, John Ernst Steinbeck, working a variety of jobs to support the family. John lived in his family home on Central Ave from his birth until the age of 19, when he left to attend Stanford University (from which he would never graduate — one of the many John Steinbeck facts that might surprise you!). 

Later in life, Steinbeck and his first wife, Carol, moved back to his childhood home to care for his ailing parents. It was in this house that he wrote his first commercially successful novel — Tortilla Flat , as well as the novella The Red Pony . 

Steinbeck’s childhood was relatively stable and happy, and he had a close relationship with his sisters, Mary and Esther. Most of all, he loved being in the Salinas Valley, which served as inspiration for many of his books and stories. 

Related : If you like visiting places where authors lived and wrote, don’t miss stopping by the house where Jack Kerouac wrote On the Road in nearby San Francisco.

Visiting the John Steinbeck House in Salinas

The Steinbeck House has had an interesting journey transitioning from the writer’s family home to the minor tourist destination it is today. The Steinbeck family sold their Central Avenue home in the 1930s after the death of John’s parents. Between the 1930s and the 1960s, the home went through periods in which it served as a private residence, a rental property, and then a boarding house for a school. 

In 1974, the Steinbeck House was purchased by a nonprofit organization called the Valley Guild — an organization started by eight local women who loved “gourmet cooking and wanted to showcase Salinas Valley produce.” 

While that’s not necessarily a group you’d imagine who’d be interested in restoring a writer’s house , that’s exactly what they did. The Valley Guild worked to restore the Steinbeck house to how it existed during the Steinbecks’ residence. In 1974, they opened up the Steinbeck House at 132 Central Avenue as a restaurant. 

Today, there are a few ways that you can visit the Steinbeck House in Salinas:

• Eat lunch in the Steinbeck House restaurant
• Attend a special event at the Steinbeck House
• Join a group tour of the house

Eat at the Steinbeck House Restaurant 

One of the best ways to enjoy a trip to the John Steinbeck House is by eating at the house’s restaurant. As already mentioned, it was a group of women who love gourmet food who were responsible for the house’s restoration and upkeep, so the restaurant itself serves top quality food. 

You can enjoy lunch in the restaurant, which is housed on the main floor of the Steinbeck house. You’ll get to eat in one of three rooms that the Steinbecks lived in, including the family room with a fireplace, where the family spent most of their time. You will be surrounded by Steinbeck family memorabilia, including early editions of Steinbeck’s books, items the family owned, and family photos hanging on the walls. 

The Steinbeck House restaurant serves lunch only , from Tuesday to Saturday as of March, 2024 (as always, verify on their official website before planning your trip!). The menu rotates each month, with menu items designed to feature in-season produce and foods from the Salinas Valley. 

There are options for vegetarians as well as meat lovers, and there’s even a cute kid’s menu called The Red Pony Club, which features dishes like The Tortilla Flat (a quesadilla) and Cup of Gold Sundaes. 

My expectations were pretty moderate when I ate at the Steinbeck House restaurant, as I was there more for the literary travel sight than for the food, but I was dazzled by the delicious lunch. Everything from my salad to my main course to the dessert was flavorful, fresh, and obviously thoughtfully prepared. 

Tips for visiting the restaurant:

• Book your lunch reservation in advance so you don’t risk the chance of missing out
• Come hungry! 
• Check the menu online so you know what’s available (changes monthly)
• Locals get 10% off their bill on Tuesdays

Related : Steinbeck is one of my favorite writers. I even included one of his books on my list of easy classics to read if you’re new to classic literature.

Special Events

The Steinbeck House in Salinas regularly hosts special events that give you the opportunity to visit the house in unique ways. One of the most regular (and most popular!) events is the monthly afternoon tea. 

Each month, the Steinbeck House hosts “Beth’s High Tea Party,” a special affair in which guests can enjoy a pot of their house tea blend and an assortment of traditional afternoon tea foods — tea sandwiches, fruit, scones, quiche, and seasonal desserts. 

The afternoon tea party is typically only offered once a month, with two seatings — one at 11:30 am and one at 1:30 pm. It’s not cheap, priced at $60 per person (comparably priced with afternoon teas in London ), but tax and tip are included in the price. Children may also attend for half price.

I wasn’t lucky enough to attend the Steinbeck House on a day when the afternoon tea was being offered, but if your travel dates work out, book as early as you can, as spots fill up very quickly!  

Tour the Steinbeck House

Of course, if you are a John Steinbeck fan, you will want to take a guided tour of the Steinbeck House. The house tour offerings have changed a few times in recent years, but as of March, 2024, house tour details are as follows:

Tours are offered on select Saturdays (largely during the summer months) from 3-5 pm. You must call and book your spot on a tour in advance . 

On the tour, you’ll be able to visit all the rooms in the house, including the upstairs (this is new, as when I visited just a couple of years prior, guests weren’t permitted on the stairs due to a fire code that needed attending to. I’m glad to hear they’ve gotten that sorted out so current and future visitors can go upstairs, where Steinbeck’s bedroom is). 

The volunteer docents are obviously passionate about Steinbeck and their role in guiding you through the house. In each room, they share stories of Steinbeck and his family. You’ll get to visit a parlor that was once John’s parents room (and the room in which he was born — his parents’ bed frame is on display in the gift shop!). 

You’ll get to hear fun stories like how Steinbeck’s sister Esther got married on the staircase, and how John and his siblings were baptized in the parlor. 

Friends loved to come over to the Steinbeck house, because his mother, Olive, would always make them fun treats and was famed for her doughnuts. Friends have recalled having dinner with the Steinbecks, saying it was always lively, and Mr. and Mrs. Steinbeck were always regaling everyone with jokes. 

Upstairs, visitors can now see John Steinbeck’s childhood bedroom, where he first started writing stories in secret and stashing them away without showing them to anyone. Young John Steinbeck was mostly a loner, and he didn’t often invite friends to his bedroom. 

One friend who did get invited in said that it was “austere” and that he kept a real human skull on top of his dresser, though whether or not that’s true is up for debate (John had a habit of embellishment, though as an adult he did enjoy creeping out guests with his pet rat). 

As of March, 2024, tours of the Steinbeck house cost $10 for adults and $5 for seniors. Tours are free for active duty military and discounted for families and for Monterey County residents. 

Related : John Steinbeck was a fascinating American writer. Read up on these interesting facts about John Steinbeck before visiting Salinas.

Tips for Visiting

• Parking is generally easy near the Steinbeck House. It’s a quiet residential neighborhood with ample, free street parking. Please be mindful and courteous to those who live nearby.
• If you’re seeing more Steinbeck sights in Salinas, the Steinbeck House is a great place to start. You can park here and walk to the John Steinbeck grave , the National Steinbeck Center , and Downtown Salinas. 
• Make all your reservations in advance. The house is operated by a non-profit and is largely run by volunteers, so their capacity is understandably limited. The best way to find out availability is by checking the website and calling during open hours to chat with one of the house volunteers about your upcoming visit. 

• Make sure you check out the gift shop ! The gift shop is located in the basement of the Steinbeck home, with a separate entrance on the side. It’s called the Best Cellar Gift Shop and is one of the best literary gift shops I’ve yet found. In addition to the large variety of John Steinbeck books and merchandise you can buy, there are other items on display down here, like the headboard of the bed in which John was born, a doll house model of the Steinbeck house, and a chair of John’s from his childhood. If you purchase a book here, don’t forget to request to have it stamped with the Steinbeck House logo on the title page! 

• You can also combine your visit to the Salinas Steinbeck sights with a quick visit to Cannery Row in Monterey to see the real-life locations that inspired one of his most famous books

Getting to Salinas from San Francisco

Salinas makes an easy day or even afternoon trip from San Francisco and is best reached by car (flying in to San Francisco? Easy — book a rental car to make this trip). I went to San Francisco on a literary travel tour, checking out the Beat Generation literary sights as well as scouting out the best San Francisco bookstores , and rented a car to make Salinas and Monterey into a day trip. It was an easy and pleasant drive.

Salinas is about a 1.5 hour drive south from San Francisco, or a 2-hour drive if you want to take a more coastal route along the Monterey Bay. From Salinas, Monterey and the famous Cannery Row are only an additional 30 minutes further.

Travel Resources At-A-Glance

All of the following are links to sites and services I actually use to book and plan my travel or to purchase books or travel gear.

For flights : Skyscanner is my number one go-to resource for booking flights. I love using the “explore” function to find the cheapest places I can fly during a given time or using the fare calendar to identify the cheapest days to fly.

For hotels and lodgings : For hotels, hotels.com , and for vacation rentals, VRBO.com . I’ve had much better experiences with private rentals through this website than through other popular private vacation rental websites.

For car rentals : Kayak allows comparisons across a wide range of booking agencies and lists reviews of companies as well. I’ve found this to be the most user-friendly and efficient way to compare car rental prices.

For tours & excursions : Viator and Get Your Guide are my top choices for booking excursions and tour experiences in a new destination.

For travel gear : Amazon.com and REI for more outdoorsy items. Check out my travel gear recs here.

For booking trains & buses : I find the Omio app and website to be the most easily navigable for comparing options for public transportation, especially in Europe,

Best travel credit card : My favorite travel rewards credit card for European travel has been the Chase Sapphire Rewards card . Visa is accepted just about everywhere in Europe, and there are no foreign transaction fees on the card. Some of the travel benefits I love on the Chase Sapphire include free TSA pre-check or Global Entry (worth it every time), an annual $200 travel credit, an annual $200 hotel benefit, built-in rental car, and trip insurance, and points are worth 50% more when used to book travel. I travel around Europe a LOT, and I end up with many free flights and hotel stays from using my points on my Chase Sapphire.

For books : Bookshop.org often has prices as good as Amazon or sometimes better, but profits go to indie bookstores all over the country. Whenever possible, consider buying your books from this online indie bookshop resource.

Hopefully you are now equipped with everything you need to know to check out the John Steinbeck House in Salinas, California.

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I'm Constance, an avid reader and traveler. I love tracking down the best literary sights everywhere I go, from the best indie bookstores to author's homes and fictional locations you can visit in real life. I'm also passionate about all things tea and chocolate. I have a BA in English literature and an MS in Nutrition Science.

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We welcome schools, churches, businesses, seniors, individuals, and families. Our program is adjustable according to age and level of interest.

For more information or to schedule a tour, call the Crown Packing office at (831) 424-1996 .

Kindergarten – High School

We welcome school groups of any class age, from kindergarten through high school. We can accommodate any size group and will tailor our program to suit the corresponding age level and interests.

Our School Tours are 45 minutes long and all include our tour basics, such as the hay-wagon tractor ride, windmill, wells, our farm animals, a field walk, and harvesting crops according to season. In addition to these, our School Tours also include age-appropriate components in order to provide your students with a genuinely educational experience that is geared to their grade.

We welcome groups, including entities such as businesses, higher education, senior organizations, study groups and travel groups. We can accommodate any size group and will tailor our program to suit the corresponding age level and interests.

Group Tours are 45-60 minutes long. They include an overview of farming in the Salinas Valley, as well as farming on our ranch. Tour participants will walk through the fields while different farming topics are discussed. A hayride is also included, as well as the opportunity to pick and sample one of our crops.

An In-Depth Experience

We offer Custom Tours for groups of 1-4 people interested in an in-depth experience. The Custom Tour will give one-on-one time with our farmer while visiting various parts of our vegetable farming operations and taking part in the daily routine of a real farmer. There are three basic packages to choose from, detailed below. Reservations must be made in advance. Custom Tours are available throughout the entire year.

DISCLAIMER: Due to time and seasonal constraints, all activities subject to change.

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Salinas Travel Guide

Experience Salinas

California 1

17 Mile Drive

Carmel-By-The-Sea

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Pebble Beach

Carmel Beach

Natividad Creek Park

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El Charrito

Kokoro Sushi

In and Out Burger

James Dean Restaurant

Avatar Indian Grill

Black Bear Diner

Monterey Coast Brewing Company

Salinas City BBQ

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Full-Day Salinas Grandes Tour from Salta

• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Food and drinks
• Salta, Salta, Province of Salta, Northern Argentina If your hotel is outside the pick up area, we will confirm the pick up from a central meeting point.
• The pick up transfer is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm you the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Consult your doctor for heights over 4200 masl
• Comfortable clothes are recommended
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Ruins of Tastil

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Salta Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• Pass by Salta
• 1 Ruins of Tastil Stop: 5 hours See details Pass by San Antonio de los Cobres
• 2 Salinas Grandes Stop: 3 hours See details
• 3 San Salvador de Jujuy Stop: 4 hours See details Pass by Salta
• You'll return to the starting point

• fionai689 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Tour should be advertised as Spanish only! I wish we could give a higher rating, because I think the tour guide tried hard to make this a good day out. However, the tour was sold as being in English as well as Spanish, and our driver/guide didn’t have any English at all. I have a little bit of Spanish so I managed to understand some, but it was difficult for me because I’m not fluent and I spent all day trying to understand quickly enough to translate for my partner. There were four of us on the tour, in a 4x4 where I was sat in the middle of the back seat. It was not very comfortable for me because I was squashed against a man I did not know for a long drive. There is some beautiful scenery, and I’m sure the driver/guide gave some interesting information if you are fluent in Spanish. I don’t have a problem with people not speaking English - but they should advertise and sell tickets as a Spanish tour in that case, so it is honestly advertised. Then we would have known to book with another tour company instead. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• Vacation47087343875 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good and fantastic app I had a great experience with Meet Transfer. The customer support was excellent, they were very helpful throughout the process. Their service was fast and reliable Read more Written March 1, 2024
• avao710 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing tour! I would highly recommend this tour. I was apart of a small group or just myself, one other person, and our tour guide. This experience would not have been nearly as enriching without the amazing tour guide as I was able to ask any questions that I had and I was always given a thorough answer. This trip was definitely one of the highlights of my month spent in Argentina. Read more Written January 31, 2024
• Yogaphan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beauty everywhere Did the Salta to Cachi to Cafayate to Salta loop. Lots of driving through gorgeous country. Dinner at Bistro de Cachi was excellent. Loved Cafayate and Porvenir Winery. Salta has a lively downtown that we enjoyed. Read more Written January 24, 2024
• travelbug920 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Spectacular views Although it was a long day in a bus the scenery was exceptional in both directions. The tour is nicely paced with appropriate rest stops. Our guide, Cesar, was exceptional. His English was good and he shared many stories including information about the indigenous cultures in the area. Read more Written December 1, 2023
• IslandGalKauai 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A great day It was a long day but I enjoyed learning about the cultures and natural history of the area. Emilia was a great guide and, although I was the only English speaker, she took care to ensure I received the same explanations as the Spanish speakers. Mariano was a careful driver. I appreciated the size of the group - less than 20, I think. Read more Written October 17, 2023
• Flyer34579069145 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles SALT! This tour was really great! The tour guide Eugenia was really informative, English and Spanish too. It’s quite a long day because of the drive but the salt pans are great and all the stops in between are really cool too Read more Written October 9, 2023
• 205florencet 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must see I learned alot about the history of the Andes, the geology of the mountain ranges and the history. Mauricio was very patient and spoke good english. I would definitely recommend going on this tour but also plan to stay in Tilcara for the next trip or at least so you can visit the places for longer. Read more Written September 29, 2023
• Seaside65384444741 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Memorable experience! Best day of our trip! The guide was wonderful! He answered all of our questions about the province, it’s culture, history and environment. He even personalised the trip for us based on our preferences. It was memorable! Read more Written September 6, 2023
• missclarajane 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome! We had a lovely experience!! Our tour guide was wonderful, the views were spectacular, and the bus was very comfortable! It’s a lot of time on the bus but seems like the best way to see all of these places in one go! Definitely recommend. Read more Written July 30, 2023
• reginaioannou 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A life time experience It was an excellent experience. Its a must, once in a lifetime. Our Guide Pablo made our day to the best day in all my travels (6months) throughout Argentina. He was an excellent tour guide. Highly recommended. The tour was well organised with snacks and drinks in the morning and afternoon. We had our own nurse on board, excellent. Read more Written May 14, 2023
• Michelle_n_Aaron 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Locations The sites were beautiful and worth seeing- just keep in mind I selected an English language tour and it was all in Spanish as I was the only English speaker there. The tour guide was very nice and did offer to come sit beside him but he spoke into a microphone quite a bit and wouldn’t be able to continually translate (his English was good). I didn’t expect full translations however A couple would have been nice as he spoke quite a bit about the locations, etc. or even when he told everyone when the stops were and durations as I had to continually ask. So I would recommend this tour if you are a fluent Spanish speaker, if not I would skip as you won’t be able to take in any information about the locations. Read more Written April 19, 2023
• Robert V 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Salta #23 Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave a keen historical perspective of every site we visited. Names, dates, and locations were explained without any difficulty. Highly recommend this tour. 😎 Read more Written March 29, 2023
• Quinn R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Solid tour with Eugenia Pick up was fairly straightforward - tour was timely with this. Bathroom breaks and stops were well spaced. Meal times were appropriately scheduled. Initially I was nervous to book the tour since there weren’t hundreds of reviews. Not sure still if this tour is the same as the ones others have mentioned, given that Tangol seems to be a third party provider. Nonetheless… As a group, we were able to make many, many stops, and I did not feel rushed with any of them in particular. Could have been nice to spend more time in Purmamarca. This stop was my favorite. I was the only (?) English speaker and the guide was inclusive - consistently translating the entire time. I could imagine the same day being split into two days and being a bit more relaxed (with say, a night in Purmamarca). Nonetheless I was pressed for time, so this tour was absolutely perfect for me. The sights are absolutely beautiful. The tour is not so much trekking as much as it is seeing beautiful landscapes and exploring the small towns in the area. Read more Written February 10, 2023
• Liz_hickson 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Day. We had an amazing day and this tour was so much more than we had expected. Beautiful, amazing scenery with a great guide Guille whose story telling and information was detailed, enthusiastic and entertaining. We are qualified sommeliers and had learnt about Cafayate and the highest vineyards in the world and it had been a dream to come here. The wine didn’t disappoint and the wine museum is also not to be missed. We have travelled to over 75 countries and this part of the world in our opinion is a real gem. This tour is all day and will blow all your senses. We thought it was real value for money and we would definitely recommend it. Read more Written January 14, 2023

More to explore in Salta

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Full-Day Salinas Grandes Tour from Salta provided by Tangol Tours Salta

GRUPO SALINAS AND GRUPO VIDANTA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE MEXICO OPEN

VIDANTA Vallarta will host the Mexico Open for the next three years

Continuing with their commitment to grow the game of golf in Mexico, Grupo Salinas, announced a new and strong alliance with Grupo Vidanta, a leading Mexican company in the hotel sector, to be the presenting sponsor of the Mexico Open. Vidanta Vallarta will host the PGA TOUR tournament for the next three years, and with it, the name of the tournament changes to the Mexico Open at Vidanta.

A field of 132 professionals will come together from April 28th to May 1st at Vidanta Vallarta golf course to compete for a $7.3 million dollar purse and 500 FedExCup points.

This sponsorship is a turning point in the history of professional golf in Mexico, as there has never been an alliance between two companies of the stature of Grupo Salinas and Grupo Vidanta, who have joined forces and signed a multi-year sponsorship, strengthening the commitment to continue supporting and developing the game of golf in Mexico and Latin America. This agreement ensures that the Mexico Open at Vidanta will remain on the PGA TOUR calendar for many years.

“At Grupo Salinas we are convinced of the importance of taking the best golf in the world to other locations within the country, bringing the sport closer to more Mexicans and sending a clear message: golf is not owned by just a few, it belongs to everybody,” said Benjamín Salinas Sada, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Grupo Salinas. “I want to express my gratitude to Grupo Vidanta for their support in making this dream a reality. Grupo Salinas reiterates their commitment to growing the game of golf in México.”

Since 2017, Grupo Salinas has been committed to bringing the best golf to Mexico, and today this sport is stronger than ever. Starting in 2022, the Mexico Open at Vidanta will continue Grupo Salinas’ efforts to bring the sport closer to all Mexicans, particularly to children.

“I want to thank Grupo Salinas for their support in making the Mexico Open at Vidanta a reality. The international promotion this PGA TOUR tournament will generate, is very important and will benefit the economy of Bahia de Banderas, both in Nayarit and Jalisco,” said Iván Chávez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. “The tournament will be a great opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of Mexico to the world, its unsurpassed quality and, above all, the kindness of our people,” he added.

The Vidanta Vallarta golf course will represent a new challenge for players and the Mexico Open at Vidanta will become the best sporting and social event in Latin America.

For more information on the Mexico Open at Vidanta please visit www.mexicoopen.mx or follow the tournaments social media channels – Facebook: @MexicoOpenGolf, Twitter: @MexicoOpenGolf and Instagram: @MexicoOpen.

About the Mexico Open at Vidanta The Mexico Open at Vidanta dates back to 1944 when it was called Abierto Mexicano de Golf and is considered Mexico’s national championship. The 2022 edition will appear on the PGA TOUR schedule for the first time as an official FedExCup event, offering 500 FedExCup points to the winner and a $7.3 million dollar purse. The tournament will be held from April 28th to May 1st at Vidanta Vallarta with a full field of 132 professionals. Starting in 2022, the PGA TOUR´s avant-garde style will merge with the history of professional golf in Mexico in the form of the Mexico Open at Vidanta, a worldclass tournament presented by Grupo Salinas that will attract the attention of everyone in our country and around the world.

About Grupo Salinas Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating economic value through market innovation and goods and services that improve the lives of its customers, social value –with the creation of capacities in society to improve their living conditions– and environmental value –by mitigating negative impacts of its value chain. By bringing well-being to all levels of society, Grupo Salinas fosters the development of the countries where it operates.

Created by entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a forum to develop entrepreneurial ability and support decision-making among the executives who lead Group’s member firms: TV Azteca, Grupo Elektra, Banco Azteca, Totalplay, among others. The Group shares a common vision, values and strategies to achieve rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

About Grupo Vidanta Founded in 1974 by Daniel Chávez Morán, Grupo Vidanta is Mexico and Latin America’s premier tourism developer, specializing in vacation destinations, luxury hotel brands, golf courses, real estate, and entertainment. The company’s visionary approach to the development of luxury beach destinations brings vacation dreams to life via resorts and entertainment across Mexico’s most sought-after locations—Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Acapulco, Puerto Peñasco, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán—with eight distinct brands including The Estates, Grand Luxxe, The Grand Bliss, The Grand Mayan, The Bliss, Mayan Palace, Sea Garden, and Ocean Breeze.

From AAA Five Diamond award-winning hotels to an internationally recognized collection of golf courses, Grupo Vidanta continually pioneers innovative partnerships. These world-class collaborations include Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ, a first-of-its-kind theatrical and culinary experience in Vidanta Riviera Maya; an alliance with global hospitality company Tao Group Hospitality for an exclusive collaboration in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico including OMNIA Dayclub, Casa Calavera, and SHOREbar at Vidanta Los Cabos; and an ongoing relationship with Nicklaus Design and Greg Norman Golf Course Design to create some of the world’s most spectacular courses.

Grupo Vidanta’s real estate division has built and sold over 2,000 luxury vacation homes and is responsible for developing Mexico’s first privately built and owned airport, Mar de Cortés International Airport, in Puerto Peñasco. Named among the list of Great Places to Work in Mexico® for the past ten consecutive years, the organization maintains a strong commitment to its employees and surrounding communities through its dedication to environmental and social efforts, including the Socially Responsible Distinctive 2019 and 2020 granted by CEMEFI (Mexican Philanthropy Center), EarthCheck certifications, Safe Travels stamp of approval from the World Travel & Tourism Council, and its long-established non-profit foundations, the Vidanta Foundation and the Delia Morán Vidanta Foundation.

Recent launch announcements include the introduction of The Estates, an ultra-luxury vacationing experience offering the highest level of accommodations to date, plush amenities, and lavish vacation experiences; Jungala Aqua Experience, the upscale outdoor park where you can enjoy the best of nature, lounging, and water attractions in one gorgeous setting; the upcoming expansion into luxury cruising with the introduction of Vidanta Cruises; and the forthcoming series of groundbreaking “Dream Parks” known as VidantaWorld. In spring 2022, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta will host the PGA Tour’s Mexico Open at Vidanta—the first PGA tournament in history to take place on the Pacific Mexican coast.

To learn more about Grupo Vidanta, visit GrupoVidanta.com

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