Salinas and Monterey Attractions

From cultural landmarks in Oldtown Salinas, to art galleries in Carmel, to ocean exploration at Monterey Bay Aquarium, the list of things to do on the Monterey Peninsula is endless. At The Ramada Limited Salinas, you are steps from renowned California attractions.

Cannery Row Fisherman’s Wharf Carmel-by-the-Sea Santa Cruz Beach Oldtown Salinas Rodeo Salinas Toro County Park

National Steinbeck Center. The National Steinbeck Center in Oldtown Salinas honors the life and works of Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. Interactive exhibits and displays teach lessons in human nature, literature, and agriculture as it relates to the Salinas Valley. Steinbeck was a native to Salinas. Visit www.steinbeck.org.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Catch exciting professional raceway action at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca when sports cars and motorcycles take to the track for top prizes. Visit www.laguna-seca.com.

Cannery Row. Cannery Row, fronting the Monterey Bay, is the heartbeat of downtown Monterey. Shop at 84 retail stores, dine at 20 restaurants, or stroll the pedestrian walkway while admiring sweeping ocean views. Visit www.canneryrow.com.

Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Monterey Bay Aquarium celebrates the diverse marine habitats unique to the Monterey Bay. The aquarium features approximately 200 exhibits and galleries, housing an estimated 35,000 live plants and animals. Visit www.mbayaq.org.  [Top]

Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey bustles with activity. Shop for souvenirs, savor delicious clam chowder, watch salt water taffy pulled to perfection, or board a fishing charter or whale watching cruise. Visit www.montereywharf.com.

Pebble Beach. LPebble Beach is the pinnacle of elegant living. This private Carmel resort community features the historic Lodge at Pebble Beach and world famous Pebble Beach Golf Links golf course tucked amid oceanfront estates. Visit www.pebblebeach.com.  [Top]

Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming seaside hamlet of art galleries, bistros, and cottages reminiscent of fairy tales. Carmel has long been a retreat for artists, poets, and celebrities. Clint Eastwood once served as mayor of Carmel. Visit www.carmelcalifornia.com.

O17-mile Drive. Carmel’s scenic 17-mile Drive winds through Pebble Beach and the Del Monte Forest offering a glimpse at one of California’s most impressive coastlines. The self-guided driving tour includes stops at the famous Lone Cypress tree and Fanshell Beach. Picnic tables are available. Visit www.pebblebeach.com.  [Top]

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Feel like a kid again at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk amusement park where adrenaline pumping rides take you high above the surf. The wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster is one of the oldest functioning roller coasters in the country. Visit www.beachboardwalk.com.

Big Sur Coast. The Big Sur Coast is recognized as one of the most rugged and beautiful coastlines in the world. The scenic drive on Pacific Coast Highway/Highway 1 takes you past towering redwoods trees, steep cliff drops, and turquoise lagoons punctuated with crashing waves. Visit www.bigsurcalifornia.org.  [Top]

Oldtown Salinas. Oldtown Salinas bustles with historical landmarks of the 1800s and 1900s, antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The National Steinbeck Center and Steinbeck’s childhood home are also located in Oldtown Salinas. Visit www.salinaschamber.com.

Central Coast Wineries. Monterey County is home to over 75 wineries and 45,000 acres of vineyards. Dozens of tasting rooms are located throughout the Salinas and Carmel Valleys, making wine tours a must-do activity for any Monterey vacation. Visit www.montereywines.org.  [Top]

California Rodeo Salinas. For nearly 100 years, the California Rodeo Salinas has welcomed professional cowboys and cowgirls to the arena to compete for titles in such events as bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, and team roping. California Rodeo Salinas is the largest professional rodeo competition in California. Visit www.carodeo.com.

Jacks Peak Park. Jacks Peak Park in Monterey features over eight miles of equestrian and hiking trails, and family picnic sites with views of Monterey Bay. Visit www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/Jacks_Peak.htm.  [Top]

Toro County Park. Toro County Park offers over 20 miles of wild land for nature hikes, horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife observation. Toro County Park also features two softball fields, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and large picnic areas. Visit www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/toro_park.htm.

Gilroy Garlic Festival. The Gilroy Garlic Festival celebrates all things garlic every July. This action-packed festival features live music, garlic cook-off competition, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and every imaginable garlic flavored food, including ice cream! Visit www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.  [Top]