Guidebook for Salinas
Sightseeing
Gorgeous scenery with awesome inland hikes of every skill level through hills, caves and Pinnacle peaks.
79 locals recommend
Pinnacles National Park
Gorgeous scenery with awesome inland hikes of every skill level through hills, caves and Pinnacle peaks.
One of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as field laboratories for scientific research and estuarine education.
14 locals recommend
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
One of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as field laboratories for scientific research and estuarine education.
Great local park to spot a variety of migratory birds as well as ocean and slough wildlife.
7 locals recommend
Kirby Park
Great local park to spot a variety of migratory birds as well as ocean and slough wildlife.
Absolutely beautiful hike through the redwoods canyon with cacti suddenly turns into a redwood forest with creeks. You can do the whole loop (all day -strenuous gorgeous views) or play in the forest.
Soberanes Canyon Trailhead
Soberanes Canyon TrailAbsolutely beautiful hike through the redwoods canyon with cacti suddenly turns into a redwood forest with creeks. You can do the whole loop (all day -strenuous gorgeous views) or play in the forest.
Wonderful hiking trails through the redwoods. Also good for biking.
272 locals recommend
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek RoadWonderful hiking trails through the redwoods. Also good for biking.
Excellent place to go swimming! There's a rental shop right on the beach for snorkeling, paddle boarding, etc. to enjoy the cove. Lots of sea life right off the beach, but beware of the kelp.
127 locals recommend
Lovers Point
631 Ocean View BlvdExcellent place to go swimming! There's a rental shop right on the beach for snorkeling, paddle boarding, etc. to enjoy the cove. Lots of sea life right off the beach, but beware of the kelp.
Scenic coastal area features a variety of sea animals and wildlife, hiking, diving and whaling museum.
309 locals recommend
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1Scenic coastal area features a variety of sea animals and wildlife, hiking, diving and whaling museum.
Cliff-side hot springs and baths. Public Night Hot Springs Access (1AM-3AM) 831-667-3047 for reservations 7 days a week closed holidays.
17 locals recommend
Esalen Institute
55000 CA-1Cliff-side hot springs and baths. Public Night Hot Springs Access (1AM-3AM) 831-667-3047 for reservations 7 days a week closed holidays.
Dennis The Menace Playground
777 Pearl StKids play park that is a local favorite.
Entertainment & Activities
MY museum's 7 galleries based on local features includes a variety of themed play stations, theater and costumes, as well as several party packages.
15 locals recommend
Monterey County Youth Museum
425 Washington StMY museum's 7 galleries based on local features includes a variety of themed play stations, theater and costumes, as well as several party packages.
Garden themed family park with rides, playground, splash park and flower gardens, sculptured trees and more.
63 locals recommend
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
3050 Hecker Pass HwyGarden themed family park with rides, playground, splash park and flower gardens, sculptured trees and more.
Ride a steam engine through the woods and into town, great for kids! During the Halloween season the train dresses up as Thomas the Train.
150 locals recommend
Roaring Camp
5401 Graham Hill RdRide a steam engine through the woods and into town, great for kids! During the Halloween season the train dresses up as Thomas the Train.
Admission free with a variety of rides for kids of all ages. Free concerts on the beach on Wednesday eve as well as free movies on Friday eve.
Bring pepsi can Wed & Thur after 5pm for discount rides.
745 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
400 Beach StAdmission free with a variety of rides for kids of all ages. Free concerts on the beach on Wednesday eve as well as free movies on Friday eve.
Bring pepsi can Wed & Thur after 5pm for discount rides.
Local non-profit aquarium that aims to inspire conservation of the oceans. 2 guest passes may be available for guests staying a minimum of 2 nights. Free parking available 2-3 blocks up the hill.
668 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowLocal non-profit aquarium that aims to inspire conservation of the oceans. 2 guest passes may be available for guests staying a minimum of 2 nights. Free parking available 2-3 blocks up the hill.
Essentials
Safeway
17539 Vierra Canyon RdLocal Safeway 24 hour groceries, Wells Fargo bank & ATM.
Whole Foods Market
800 Del Monte CenterNatural healthy whole foods source.
Food Scene
First Awakenings
300 David AveAwesome peninsula breakfast spot.
a.k.a. Gorgios's, this lovely Italian restaurant has home pasta and a beautiful atmosphere. Outdoor fireplaces available on weekend evenings to hang out around.
United States
a.k.a. Gorgios's, this lovely Italian restaurant has home pasta and a beautiful atmosphere. Outdoor fireplaces available on weekend evenings to hang out around.
Wonderful place to stop and eat in Big Sur. Sit on benches in the river and relax with your feet in the water.
13 locals recommend
Restaurant at River Inn Big Sur
46800 CA-1Wonderful place to stop and eat in Big Sur. Sit on benches in the river and relax with your feet in the water.
Local Mexican food with kid and pet friendly outdoor seating option.
42 locals recommend
Haute Enchilada Café
7902 Moss Landing RdLocal Mexican food with kid and pet friendly outdoor seating option.
Local Mexican restaurant with a harbor view. Live music calendar.
51 locals recommend
The Whole Enchilada Market Place
7902 CA-1Local Mexican restaurant with a harbor view. Live music calendar.
Wonderful ocean views, beautifully built, with locally sourced food that is spectacularly cooked. A little pricey but worth the beautiful drive with fun places to stop along the way.
94 locals recommend
Nepenthe
48510 CA-1Wonderful ocean views, beautifully built, with locally sourced food that is spectacularly cooked. A little pricey but worth the beautiful drive with fun places to stop along the way.
Ambrosia Indian Bistro
565 Abrego StDelicious India food with many Vegetarian options.
Ambrosia Indian Bistro
565 Abrego StDelicious India food with many Vegetarian options.
Amazing organic vegan Mexican food that is a rare treat. Take out or Eat in. Run by a family of Seventh Day Adventists this restaurant will have you telling your friends all about it. Closed Saturdays
6 locals recommend
El Cantaro
791 Foam StAmazing organic vegan Mexican food that is a rare treat. Take out or Eat in. Run by a family of Seventh Day Adventists this restaurant will have you telling your friends all about it. Closed Saturdays
Large servings of delicious, organic vegetarian and vegan food!
62 locals recommend
Dharma's Restaurant
4250 Capitola RdLarge servings of delicious, organic vegetarian and vegan food!
Amazing vegetarian, vegan and RAW food. Offers a free Thanksgiving lunch on the holiday.
39 locals recommend
Cafe Gratitude
103 Lincoln StAmazing vegetarian, vegan and RAW food. Offers a free Thanksgiving lunch on the holiday.
Avatar Indian Grill
1568 Constitution BlvdDelicious local Indian food.
Delicious local Thai food. Great vegetarian options.
30 locals recommend
Lemongrass Seafood Bar & Grill Thai Cuisine
413 Moss Landing RdDelicious local Thai food. Great vegetarian options.
Everything Else
Features Redwood, Ran oak, Madrone, Chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail.
35 locals recommend
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
52801 CA-1Features Redwood, Ran oak, Madrone, Chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail.
A short hike with the reward of amazing views from the highest point in Monterey County, this peak is a fun adventure beginning with the drive up.
7 locals recommend
Fremont Peak State Park
10700 San Juan Canyon RdA short hike with the reward of amazing views from the highest point in Monterey County, this peak is a fun adventure beginning with the drive up.
Co-ed relaxation spa, with steam room, 4 cool pools, 6 hot pools and water fall on 2 acres. Massage available.
65 locals recommend
Refuge
27300 Rancho San Carlos RdCo-ed relaxation spa, with steam room, 4 cool pools, 6 hot pools and water fall on 2 acres. Massage available.