Each of the California Welcome Centers scattered throughout the state are staffed with personal travel concierges. These knowledgeable experts are ready to provide information that will enhance and enrich your visit including suggestions on where to eat, what to see, and where to stay. Welcome Centers also offer free maps and brochures on local attractions and things to see and do.
Discover beautiful Salinas California, the gateway to the Monterey Bay in Steinbeck Country, where you'll find historic sites, unspoiled farmland, world-class wines, a quaint, historic downtown, and some of the friendliest people around.
Author John Steinbeck was born here, so visit his boyhood home as well as the National Steinbeck Center while you're there. Salinas is famous as the Salad Bowl of the World for agriculture and the fresh, home-grown produce is available internationally. Salinas has the best year-round climate in the entire North American continent, and some of the cleanest air in the United States of America!
Salinas' hospitality blends yesterday's charm with today's modern conveniences. Visitors can explore the beauty of nearby Monterey Bay beaches, historic missions of San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Carmel, and San Antonio de Padus and wineries of South Monterey County, Carmel Valley and Pinnacles National Monument.
Local attractions include more than 50 beaches, 60 plus parks, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Giant Redwoods of Big Sur and Santa Cruz, Gilroy Gardens Amusement Park, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and a variety of history and art museums.
The area plays host numerous festivals, some celebrating agricultural heritage, such as the Artichoke Festival, Garlic Festival and Strawberry Festival as well as a great many music festivals like the world famous Monterey Jazz Festival, Blues Festival, and Bach Festival.
Hours: Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dog-friendly Amenities:
• Well-behaved dogs allowed on leash in Welcome Center with their owner
• Area near Welcome Center for dog to walk or run
• Dog treats available inside Welcome Center