Salinas probably isn’t at the top of your California travel list, but it should be. Located in the heart of the state’s agricultural region—known as the “Salad Bowl of the World”—Salinas is more than just an urban hub in farm country. It’s a city with a rich history, a strong literary legacy, and a downtown worth exploring.
Main Street has a mix of local businesses that give the city its character. You’ll find taquerias serving authentic Mexican food, old-school diners, and independent breweries. On Saturdays, the farmers market is worth a stop for fresh produce, barbecue, baked goods, and local honey. One stand even sells potted orchids for just $10.
The biggest reason to visit Salinas is the John Steinbeck Center. Steinbeck, one of America’s most influential authors, grew up here, and his surroundings shaped many of his most famous works, including “The Grapes of Wrath” and “East of Eden.”
The museum covers Steinbeck’s early struggles as a writer and a few surprises, like his role as a wartime propagandist and his WWII-era book “Down is the Moon,” hailed as a morale-boosting masterpiece among resistance fighters in Europe but deemed controversial in the U.S. for its human portrayal of German soldiers. Another highlight is getting to see Rocinante, the custom converted camper truck Steinbeck drove across the country while writing “Travels with Charlie” in the 1960s.
Visiting the Steinbeck Center inspired me to finally start “East of Eden,” a book I’d been meaning to read for years. I finally get why so many people call it their favorite book.
Salinas might not seem like a destination city, but if you’re interested in literature, history, or just exploring a different side of California, it’s worth your time.
Nicholas Iovino 