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Salinas City Center

10b Midtown Lane · Salinas, CA

Why you should go…

Salinas City Center Improvement Association promotes and manages downtown Salinas, California, known locally as Old Town, publishing guides such as the Downtown Salinas Dining Guide. The district sits in the commercial heart of Monterey County's Salinas Valley, mixing longtime restaurants and shops with newer openings and hosting a Saturday farmers market at Gabilan and Main. The association's office is at 10b Midtown Lane in Salinas.

  • #downtown
  • #dining
  • #shopping
  • #farmers market
  • #walkable

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Salinas City Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Old Fisherman's Wharf

    Free

    Historic waterfront pier in Monterey lined with seafood restaurants, shops and whale-watching operators.

    35 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Princess Monterey Whale Watching

    $50+

    Narrated whale watching and wildlife cruises on Monterey Bay aboard two large heated vessels departing from Old Fisherman's Wharf.

    35 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Discovery Whale Watch

    $50+

    Narrated whale watching cruises departing daily from Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf.

    35 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Little Mermaid Glass Bottom Boat Tours

    Under $25

    Cruise Monterey Harbor on a glass bottom boat to spot sea otters, seals, and kelp forest life.

    35 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Central Coast Scuba

    $50+

    Family-owned dive shop offering guided scuba and snorkeling tours plus PADI and NAUI certification courses in Monterey Bay.

    35 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours