Salinas, CA

The World's Salad Bowl

Salinas is a bustling agricultural community located about 100 miles south of San Francisco. Known as the “Salad Bowl of the World”, Salinas sit atop some of the most fertile land in the world, and with that comes a diverse, multicultural town that has a whole lot to enjoy. Salinas is located at the opening of the Salinas Valley and being only about eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, the weather is more likely to be determined by the ocean than by the hot valley. This means that the perfect growing climate is also one that is very comfortable for visitors. There are warm days and nights that cool off with the late-afternoon ocean air that rolls in each day. Although Salinas is primarily a farming town, it is also one with a rich history and culture. And since it’s just a short drive from the seaside communities of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Cruz, Salinas is a great place to base a visit to the region.

One of Salinas’ biggest draws is the National Steinbeck Center, which honors John Steinbeck, the American author of literary classic such as The Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row. During the annual Steinbeck Festival, guests can enjoy seminars, readings and Steinbeck’s Home Brew Fest. Another exciting event in Salinas is the annual California Rodeo that takes place in late July. Guests can enjoy the PRCA/Professional Rodeo, bullfights, barrel races and some of California’s best barbecue. Being a city based in agriculture means that some of the best produce and locally produced culinary delights are all on display at the weekend farmer’s markets and served in the local restaurants. The dining in Salinas ranges from authentic Mexican to gourmet farm-to-table eateries. And with more than 24 wineries in the Salinas Valley, wine lovers will appreciate the unique Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Merlots from the region.