What to do in Oldtown Salinas, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

National Steinbeck Center featuring interior views
National Steinbeck Center showing signage
National Steinbeck Center featuring interior views, signage and modern architecture
National Steinbeck Center showing signage and interior views
National Steinbeck Center featuring interior views and signage

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Top places to visit

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases more than 35,000 animals and plants across 550 species. You’ll discover all kinds of local wildlife here, including fish of all sizes, invertebrates, mammals and plants.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes interior views and marine life

2. 17-Mile Drive

Gaze at dazzling mansions and barking sea lions along 17-Mile Drive, a privately owned stretch of road that winds between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. This exclusive seafront drive hugs the wild, craggy coastline, passing great cypress trees, rocky coves, sandy beaches and undulating golf courses.
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17-Mile Drive featuring rugged coastline and a beach

3. Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is a long stretch of soft, white sand in Carmel, a picture-perfect town just 15 minutes’ drive south from Monterey. Steady swells make this a popular destination with surfers, swimmers and kayakers. Rent a kayak and paddle out across the kelp beds. Bring a wetsuit, as the water is often cold except in the heat of summer.
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Carmel Beach featuring landscape views and a sandy beach as well as an individual female

4. Cannery Row

Discover the leisure attractions along the historic street of Cannery Row. Once a thriving and rather smelly sardine-canning district, today this strip of coast offers fun for the whole family. Peruse the specialty shops and art galleries, dine in seafood restaurants, take the kids to Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy watersports in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
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Cannery Row which includes a beach as well as a small group of people

5. National Steinbeck Center

John Steinbeck was a celebrated American novelist and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. The National Steinbeck Center celebrates his work through photos, artifacts, interactive exhibits and the author’s personal belongings. It also explores the area’s agricultural history, which was a major influence on Steinbeck’s work.
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Immerse yourself in the life, times and works of legendary American novelist John Steinbeck through memorabilia, photos, journals and film.

What to do in Oldtown 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
Toro County Park

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

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

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

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

Natividad Hospital

If Natividad Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Salinas.

Natividad Hospital

The Farm

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

The Farm