Pin
3-Day Salinas Itinerary
When is your trip?
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Salinas in 3 days
If you only have 3 days to spend in Salinas, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Samurai Japanese Restaurant, Villa Azteca, and Red Lobster, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Chopstix Vietnamese Restaurant and Toro Place Cafe so you can get the best taste of Salinas while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Salinas?
Visiting Salinas? See our Salinas Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
Your itinerary and your map in one view
No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.
What users say about the app
Table of contents
- Salinas in 3 days
- Most popular attractions
- North side of town
- Proximity is everything
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, National Steinbeck Center, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 7 hours of your day.
1
•Sax S — Google reviewRICARDO D — Google reviewLisa A — Google reviewIsabelle R — Google reviewSabrina W — Google reviewNayeli A — Google reviewAlisha — Google review
Northridge Mall
4.2
(5319)
3.2
(11)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Food court
Northridge Mall is a vibrant shopping hub that offers an expansive selection of stores, a delightful food court, and even a movie theater for entertainment. This spacious center also features a play area for kids, making it an ideal destination for families. Nestled in Salinas Valley, it's not just about shopping; the mall has undergone significant renovations to enhance the experience with its cleaner environment and open layout.
I hadn't been to the Northridge Mall in years but stopped by on a quick trip to my hometown, it is the largest mall in the Salinas Valley and county. It has been remodeled this my last visit to my hometown mall, a much improvement from the past. There are a lot of stores compared to my previous visit to this mall, cleaner and felt safer with a more open layout.
Brian K — Google review
It is a good place to walk around and browse in the stores. I might prefer to work there, than visit.
Run down parking lots. Some parking lots You can't even see the lines where to park. Half of the parking lots lights haven't worked for years. Then there's the parking lots with the tree roots lifting the asphalt, which has Damaged vehicles in the past. Maintenance are to lazy to fix anything, and Mall Management to Cheap to Pay to make safety repairs. That's just the Outside.
Now Let's talk about the Inside. The Pandemic was in 2020 and McDonald's left the Food Court. Then Carl's Jr's, Subway, Dairy Queen, Blaze Pizza, and Burger IM Followed.
You mean to tell me that in 5 Years You can't bring in a Food Businesses to fill those Empty Food Space?
Now let's talk about the Empty Retail Store Spaces. You forced Businesses to Move to Bring in a GYM.to the Mall? Then forced Forever21 to move and do a Major Downsize to give their Space to Hobby Lobby? Eventually Forever21 left as well, and so many other Businesses have left as well.
I'm Amazed that this Mall Management Team still have Jobs with their Horrible decisions that have ruined this mall.
Love going to the mall so much to do especially enjoy good wonderful food always something stunning u can find to sport clothing wise all around its a wonderful mall it's magical
The Northridge Mall is huge and so many much to choose from, food, stores, everything in there is eye catching.
Beautiful mall with several great stores.
Place is dope. If you go to round 1 it's pretty cool too ,,,,, they have really tight security so I always feel safe there. They wand everyone down before they enter. Really strict on alcohol but they they will start serving pitchers of beer now :D
Mall is always so clean! I love coming to the mall.
796 Northridge Dr, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
6 min · 0.33 mi
2Bryanna M — Google reviewErinn — Google reviewTattooed L — Google reviewMSAPGabby — Google reviewJen C — Google reviewPatricia S — Google reviewMarcela — Google review
Macy's
4.2
(1633)
affordable
Department store
Beauty supply store
Children's clothing store
Macy's is a fantastic destination for all your shopping needs, offering a self-serve kiosk stocked with brand-name electronics like MP3 players, headphones, and cameras. During my visit to find the perfect gift for a friend, I was fortunate to receive assistance from Maria A. in guest experience. She went above and beyond by presenting various options and sharing her insights on what would make an ideal choice—an invaluable help for someone as indecisive as me!
I went in to purchase a gift for a friend, & was assisted by Maria A. from guest experience, she was beyond helpful! She took the time to show me several different options and also offered her feedback on a my choice of gift. Which I appreciated because I’m very indecisive.
Martina N — Google review
The store is in need of renovating. It has gotten so busted, especially the floor that is all cracked and unfinished looking. Customer service and products are great but it looks so rundown definitely lacking the department store experience.
Customer Service is wonderful! Every single person that works there were just awesome when I needed help!
Great store but you only get two cuz y'all Had no bags for you're customers......
This is what they sold me!! A perfume set with the bigger bottle almost empty. They would not take it back, in other words, they did not believe me and made me feel like a thief. Honestly Im so disappointed and embarrassed because I bought it as a gift and this is what they saw when they opened it. Thank you Macys for the horrible experience.
The staff are very friendly, helpful, courteous & knowledgeable. Lots of amazing items!
Best place to purchase make up, perfumes,men & women clothing. Babies clothes too
Sunglass Hut customer service representatives denied my brand new sunglass exchange. Had to drive back to Monterey's Del Monte Shopping Ctr. & exchange there. Customer service w Marilyn @ the Sunglass Hut inside Macy's was a 10 stars! Management included. Followed up until I resolved this matter! Salinas mgmt. get w the program!
200 Northridge Shopping Ctr, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
7 min · 2.5 mi
3Jesus A — Google reviewBenny B — Google reviewElvia A — Google reviewGina V — Google reviewNatty J — Google reviewMatt D — Google reviewJoe D — Google review
Walmart Supercenter
3.8
(3651)
cheap
Department store
Bakery
Clothing store
Electronics store
Furniture store
I don’t normally make reviews, but I need to in this case! The workers at the vision center are the best. I called them with an eye emergency and needed contacts ASAP. I was traveling for the holiday, & needed to see!! I called so many different places to figure out what I could do!
Alicia and Raul were able to help me out. Alicia even called multiple places for me since I’m not from the area!
Alicia and Raul were able to find me some trial contacts, I was able to pick them up without charge! They were so nice, and if you have problems with your vision, I’m sure you would be able to understand how grateful I was that they were able to help me out!
Jen L — Google review
Went in for an oil change. 2 hours and half later they got done. The guys opened the trunk of my car to probably steal something as there is no reason to open the trunk to do an oil change. I was looking at everything they did thru the window. They talked more than worked. When they turned on the car and revved the engine hard a few times as if it was their car. First and last time I bring it here. Trying to save, at the end doesnt pay out. These people didn't even clear the service light on the dash.
I am not from Salinas I just took a rest break because I was headed to another location and I was hungry due to a long drive. I needed help in this store and a young lady named Belinda was extremely helpful and helped me find what I needed. Give this girl a raise because she is so kind and respectful. My experience here was amazing and if I need to take another rest break I will stop here.
During a recent customer service interaction, a representative, Betty, whom I found to be rather impolite, inquired whether I intended to cover another patron's expenses. I was taken aback by this and, given her sarcastic tone, politely questioned if she would be covering both our bills. She claimed she would, but if she is dissatisfied with her position, I wonder why she continues to interact with customers? Unprofessional, but unnecessary.
Worst laundry evet!! Dirty washers n dryers. I got there with 1 hour to spare. I needed my work clothes cleaned n the Attendant there said I couldn't wash 1 load. Now I have No clean clothes for work! Thanks but No thanks star laundry.... None of my friends nor I will ever go to your laundry 🙃
Super rude and terrible customer service. Yecenia was impolite and made the experience terrible. She did not acknowledge me and made me run and look for an item with no price tag that I wasn’t aware of. She didn’t comment and only grabbed the item I brought back. Super disappointed in this store experience. Other staff was friendly.
Asset protection employee thought it was ok to display a sex toy in the clearance isle, amongst chidrens toys. Only moved it after myself and a parent said something about it. Manager didn't think it was ok so it was dealt with accordingly. I have also seen this same store display Nicoret gum and other medicines, in open packaging, in the clearance isle as well. Be vigilant.
Walmart is more n more my place to shop, for Household supplies, cat food, bird food and some RXs, it's close and quick, and for some monthly animal food items i use their online service with very good results.
1375 N Davis Rd, Salinas, CA 93907, USA•
7 min · 2.4 mi
4•KDG — Google reviewGrace C — Google reviewChris W — Google reviewPamela G — Google reviewMyrian R — Google reviewCharles M — Google reviewHarry J — Google review
Tatum's Garden
4.7
(784)
4.9
(24)
Playground
Nature & Parks
Park
Gardens
Tatum's Garden in Salinas is a must-visit for families with kids of all ages and abilities. Named after Tatum Bakker, this expansive park offers an inclusive and accessible play area. The playground features slides, climbing structures, swings, musical instruments, and farm-themed elements like barns and houses. Many areas are ADA accessible, and there are restrooms and ample parking available.
This park is a true gem in Salinas! Originally designed for children who use wheelchairs, it’s thoughtfully built to be accessible and welcoming for everyone. The parks offers a wide variety of fun activities, making it a favorite spot for families- so it can get busy!Convenient parking available in the front, clean restrooms, water fountain, & picnic tables.
Sandra D — Google review
Stumbled across the gem in the heart of Salinas. Talk about a playground! Tatum’s Harden had something for children of all ages. We stayed an hour and didn’t see half of it! Our three year old fell in love with the plastic seated swings and the rocking horses. We stayed mainly in the ‘tot lot,’ and could’ve easily remained for hours. Things to climb things to swing, things to slide, things to spin, things to touch, things to explore, things, things, THINGS!
Tatum's Garden Playground in Salinas
This one of our favorite playgrounds to stop at when making the driving between Northern and Southern California. There are so many slides, climbing structures, swings, musical instruments, and it's farm themed with barns and houses to go into. Many of the areas are ADA accessible. There are restrooms at the playground and ample parking.
For more ideas of things to do in California with kids:
@grace.loves.adventures
I highly recommend bringing your children here! New, clean, safe, accessable playground with plenty of varying activities and space. There are BBQs and picnic tables across the parking lot and the whole area is very well maintained.
Finding this park was such a gem. It was pretty empty and huge with great structures. It is made for those with all mobility ranges. My son had a blast. When we visit Salinas or near abouts, we will be coming back!
Love that this place has an area for toddlers. It's also friendly for kids who have special needs from what I saw at the park.
stars goes to this park for 5 reasons.
#1. Plenty of CLEAN/stocked restrooms!
#2. Unique & clean play equipment/play houses
#3. Plenty of space for picnics & a good handful of picnic benches.
#4. A focus on fruits, veggies, and access for all kids! (thank you!)
#5. Lots and lots of room for imaginative pla
This place is worth to visit. Wide playground with musical instruments, slides and many more. Restrooms are clean. Police are patrolling here I feel safe.
1 Maryal Dr, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
5 min · 2.4 mi
5•Black C — Google reviewManuel A — Google reviewAlex A — Google reviewAlbert E — Google reviewManuel Z — Google reviewVictoria H — Google reviewDanielle — Google review
Salinas City BBQ
4.3
(1430)
4.4
(241)
affordable
Barbecue restaurant
Salinas City BBQ is a cozy restaurant offering an array of barbecue options, including sandwiches, steak, and combination meals. It has gained recognition in local publications for its high-quality meats and popularity. Many patrons have praised it for serving some of the finest barbecue in the city and beyond. Signature dishes like St. Louis Cut Pork Ribs, Smoke Tri-Tip, and Breast of the West have garnered rave reviews for their flavors.
We stopped by St Patrick’s Day weekend to enjoy some good food. I wanted to try the corned beef special and it was melt in your mouth delicious! Spouse had the tri-tips and it was also very tasty. If you like good BBQ, you can’t go wrong with Salinas City BBQ!
Joshua L — Google review
Well you know that these guys know what they are doing. Delicious BBQ! And we also order their garden salad which has the freshest ingredients and the home made blue cheese dressing is also for the win! We'll come back for sure!
If you're anywhere near Salinas, do yourself a favor and stop by Salinas City Barbecue. The food is absolutely amazing smoky, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The brisket was perfectly tender, the ribs fell off the bone, and the sides like mac and cheese and cornbread were just as impressive. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the service was quick even during a busy lunch hour. You can tell this place takes pride in what they serve. Highly recommend it for anyone craving authentic BBQ with great atmosphere!
5 out of 5, my new favorite bbq place food is fire. Not only do the meats come raging or regular. Everything i tried was amazing. They have a good selection of beer on tap and canned go place to stop along the way can wait to go back. And the service was excellent
Had a 3 meat combo, brisket, chicken and tri tip. All were excellent. Spicy BBQ sauce is yummy. Cole slaw is good but could be better.
Meh. I honestly didn't taste any smoke in the meats. And the brisket was dry. Tri tip was not too bad. BBQ sauce was nothing to write home about. I stood at the counter for about 5 minutes before anyone came and there was no one even eating in there. Maybe it's good BBQ for Salinas, CA but stacked up against real BBQ, it's very sub par. Beans and Mac and cheese were also meh. Plus I ordered key lime pie (actually did enjoy the flavor) which apparently came with ice cream and by the time I got to it ( it was served all at once), it turned to soup. Not impressed
We had ribs, brisket, Mac n cheese, beans, and berry cobbler everything was delicious the bread on the brisket sandwich was fresh and soft on the inside. The service for to go order was excellent and friendly. The food was packed and sealed. The inside seating looked comfortable and clean with a nice atmosphere and picnic tables are set up outside Highly recommended for a delicious meal. Thank you ❤️
Seriously...... INSANELY DELICIOUS! We loved the entire experience at Salina City BBQ. We came at a weird hour (around 2:30pm) and the restaurant was pretty busy - I think that speaks volumes by itself. The atmosphere is what you'd expect from a BBQ restaurant - casual and comfortable. All the staff was friendly. The brisket was perfection and their BBQ sauces were so tasty! Loved the cornbread, macaroni & cheese, and the homemade pickles. First time we tried Salinas City BBQ and certainly won't be our last!
700 W Market St, Salinas, CA 93901, USA•
12 min · 8.3 mi
6•Cadulc A — Google reviewRobert W — Google reviewMichael B — Google reviewAl V — Google reviewBrian K — Google reviewRob H — Google reviewDan G — Google review
Fort Ord National Monument
4.7
(752)
3.8
(8)
Monument
Nature & Parks
Hiking area
Historical place
Fort Ord National Monument, located near the Monterey area in California, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. With over 80 miles of trails, it offers an opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Hiking through this undeveloped wildland allows visitors to witness rare plant species and encounter wildlife such as sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals.
Went for a 6-mile loop taking Guidotti to Skyline to Oil Well to Toro Creek back to the parking lot. Started around noon the Tuesday before Christmas. It was drizzling at the start with not much visibility then the sun came out, and the lush green meadows looked really pretty. You walk right by some sheep farms as well, with some very loud guard dogs.
Vipul S — Google review
This trail is a personal favorite—it’s challenging without being overly difficult. There are four uphills, with the first one being the toughest. Once you conquer that, the rest are a piece of cake. The entire trail is exposed, so be sure to use sunscreen and wear a hat for protection. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water. The current dry vegetation may occasionally reveal non-poisonous snakes on the road. Additionally, you’ll encounter squirrels, gophers, lizards, birds, falcons, turkey vultures, and crows as part of the local fauna. Remember to appreciate them and enjoy your hike!🌲🚶♂️🌞
This is one of my favorite places to go mountain biking, due to the views and overall feel of the trails. There's nothing super technical, but it is all super fun, and you can easily spend a day going around, figuring out the trails and enjoying all the view points. I forget the name of the trail, but you can see Laguna Seca from it, and if you're lucky, you'll see and hear some cars racing around as well. Overall this is an amazing place to hike or bike!
Had a great time riding some Gravel roads and single track
Trails from beginners to experts. Wear protection gear from head to toe if you go off road. Expect to find All kinds of vegetation with sharp edges. I did not take pictures of the hard ones for safety reasons
My friends and I did the hike to the top of the Badger hiking trail within Fort Ord National Monument, it offered beautiful views of the Salinas Valley, the trail is steep in areas, make sure to wear proper shoes and stay hydrated. There is a free parking lot at the base of the trail and a restroom. Hikers we encountered on the trail were very friendly and people tend to stay on the marked trails.
Nice place for a stroll, does have quite an incline for those with limited stamina. Saw a few bikes, dog 🐶 walking (on and off leash), joggers, patches of wildflowers, and some horse riding (see videos). Very limited parking though.
Very nice trails and area.. the views are really beautiful... lots of traffic, but everyone seems nice and sticks to themselves. Lots of area to explore and quite a bit of parking for you
Toro Creek Rd, Marina, CA 93933, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Northridge Mall, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.
Chopstix Vietnamese Restaurant
4.3
(199)
3.0
(1)
cheap
Vietnamese restaurant
The cuisine at Chopstix Vietnamese Restaurant is excellent. However, a recurring issue is their consistent shortage of ingredients to prepare desired dishes. The staff, while friendly, can appear somewhat indifferent when apologizing for the unavailability of items on multiple occasions. Although the ambiance is pleasant, it feels incomplete with only the sound of kitchen music playing in the background. With improved management, this place has the potential to elevate from good to exceptional.
I recently visited Chopstix restaurant in the mall in Salinas. Found it through Google search. Clean and cozy place. The good thing is the place is located at the outside strip of the mall. and I was absolutely impressed! It has warm and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
The food was really good. The fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that tasted satisfying and refreshing . I ordered Grilled Five Spice Chicken bowl and Vegetarian Chowfun. Both were really good and enjoyed every single bite of the chicken bowl. Price is very reasonable and portion size is good.
Has a lot of great options for vegetarians.
Good place to grab a quick bite.
If you're in Salinas and craving Vietnamese food, this spot in the mall is a hidden gem. Highly recommend!
Rupinder S — Google review
I don’t usually crave Vietnamese food but whenever I do Chopstix is on my top 3 that I crave. Their won ton soup, and pho is so incredibly yummy and tastes just right. Also their drinks, so many good options. Everything about this place is so great :)
Good food.
Quiet atmosphere.
Fast service.
Food was good.
The tea selection is extensive
First of all compliments to the chef the food was amazing!!
The customer service was phenomenal considering the fact the staff looks young but still well organized I was helped by a young man and a young woman I didn’t get there names but the girl was in red and the boy had long hair I would also say the atmosphere was great along with a very calm theme going on definitely recommend and will be coming back.
Ordered a vermicelli bowl and a boba snow drink for lunch. After having ordered and paid, I was told that I they weren’t making drinks yet. Fortunately, the woman at the counter saved me was able to go in the back and make my smoothie for me! The guava snow smoothie was fantastic and the vermicelli bowl was tasty as always.
The food is great. The problem is that they keep running out of ingredients to actually prepare the food you want.
The staff is nice, but seem a little aloof when apologizing for the multiple items that are unavailable (this is on multiple occasions).
The atmosphere is nice, but it seems a little lacking when the only music you hear is the music blasting from the kitchen.
A little better management could take this place from pretty good, to great.
Ordered chicken noodle soup and fresh spring rolls.
Delicious. Was fast and good. Recommend this place for pho. Young kids running the show. They were nice and hospitable. They just need to learn to cleanup after some one leaves a messy table. They were just sitting at a table chillin while there were dirty dishes and things on tables. Not a good sight when youre eating.
Pho is amazing, great customer service, super clean interior, following COVID spacing guidelines, so many boba milk tea options & atmosphere is super chill for lunch with friends or family. I havent tried anything besides the pho but everything that comes out of the kitchen smells bomb.
624 Northridge Mall Shopping Center, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
Toro Place Cafe
4.5
(495)
4.4
(83)
cheap
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Toro Place Cafe, a typical American eatery, offers a light Reuben sandwich without extravagant elements. The staff is pleasant overall, though the waitress lacks warmth and personal charm. Upon entering, one may notice the peculiar bar where she stands and a separate register with another attendant to the right. However, they efficiently handle orders with ease. The outdoor patio provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
We stopped by for lunch on a Saturday and we were thrilled with our order. I had the grilled chicken club and spouse had the mushroom burger. 🍔
We enjoyed the patio dining and the food was terrific! If you are on Hwy 68 the Toro Cafe is a must stop!
Joshua L — Google review
Overall, good food. Be aware there is an added charge for sharing meals. Was a little disappointed that our waitress( a little older) didn’t let us know that they were out of country potatoes and took it upon herself to replace them with hash browns without asking.
The restaurant is a bit crowded, but the food is definitely worth it.
Maybe it’s just a burgers but do not get the sourdough it is drenched sorry pardon me it is drowned in huge amounts of oil. I can genuinely feel my heartbeat just racing.
The meat tasted like high school package meat.
Sorry to say this but is it it is an all Caucasian community so if you are a color or have any taste in your life please do not go here.
Great tasting, home style, comforting meals served here. Can sit outside on covered patio or indoors. Parking is tricky, and be very careful getting off of, or back onto, highway 68. Worth going. Not fancy, casual dress, very comfortable.
Great place. Josue is great!!! He was very nice and made us feel very welcome. I highly recommend for the chill atmosphere, good food, great service!! Bilingual en español tambien!!
I tried to get a table here a few weeks ago on a Saturday morning. It was busy as expected and I was standing right in front of the register waiting to be greeted and put on a waiting list. I waited for 15 minutes and I didn’t even get an acknowledgment from the staff. They walked past me multiple times and avoided eye contact. I used to be a server and I understand things get overwhelming but it only takes a second to greet a guest and let them know someone will be with them soon. I felt like a ghost and looking around the room I wondered if my ethnicity was why I was ignored. Horrible first impression and I won’t return. There’s so many other good breakfast spots around.
Service was quick, loved the decor and atmosphere, and the food was delicious. Parking might be an issue but it's worth it. Especially for the cinnamon roll
Great no-nonsense food served by two delightful waitresses. I’m happy we stopped at this out-of-the-way roadside eatery. Excellent food.
665 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Salinas, CA 93908, USA•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
Blaze Pizza
4.3
(586)
3.5
(6)
Permanently Closed
cheap
Pizza restaurant
Blaze Pizza is a trendy, fast-casual eatery that offers thin-crust pies with unique toppings and sauces. It serves as a popular gathering spot for various groups during shopping trips, providing a satisfying dining experience. The establishment boasts cleanliness, friendly service, and comfortable surroundings. Customers appreciate the opportunity to customize their pizzas according to personal preferences. The ambience exudes a cool vibe, while the staff maintains an amiable and respectful demeanor.
Blaze never disappoints with their food. The dogh nuts were well cooked and the pizza was great as always. What an amazing service at this store! The staff really is the best of any pizza place I've been to around San Jose. They are courteous and offer help at every single chance they get.
Karthik R — Google review
Go to for a simple all veggie pizza; spicy red sauce, cherry tomatoes, extra black olives, broccoli if it’s available, pineapple on occasion, mushrooms, extra mushrooms roasted garlic or even minced garlic is a a wise choice extra sail extra on the spinach, and sea salt/oregano to send her off to the oven. (******Pro tip to try is spicy red sauce mixed with garlic pesto sauce!)eager to try margarita pizza style. Wait time varies but line moves fast sometimes, pizza has a standard cook time I believe about 7-10 minutes not completely sure but it’s usually a fast cook time. Not a big fan of the service as much as before. Used to love the spicy red sauce but lately it has definitely been slacking on flavors and variety. They used to have these garlic pesto knots with a side of their selection pf sauces which were an amazing pairing, too bad! Would love to come again one day but unfortunately will hold off and try something new pr perhaps a different location.
The pizza might have been good if it wasn't incorrect. The girl making the pizza didn't have a pie making attitude so shouldn't be surprised.
Food was good and service was excellant. Just too high priced...
First things first the service was great. I placed an online order and i had no issues receiving my pizzas. Everything was done correctly and none of the pizzas were missing anything. A young lady named Liz was super helpful in walking me through the mobile pick up process. The willingness to help with a smile made me feel more comfortable and is worth a 5 star rating. On top of everything the food was delightful. Thank you Blaze Pizza!
It wasn't too busy at 2pm. The staff was great. Although it wasn't busy at the time they looked like they were trying to catch up on stuff like making more lemonade. The girl that helped me was super nice but she looked like she was trying to get 20 things done.
I’m a manager within the mall of this location and customer service should always be #1 even if you aren’t having a good day. The energy in the restaurant was very odd, there was two employees arguing behind the cash wrap. None of them rang us out we got the pizzas before we paid and had to remind the person making the pizzas that they didn’t charge us. There was one great guy there trying to do everything with no help and he apologized for the environment as well.
Best Build Your Own Pizza place for an unbeatable price. Even though they were short staffed me and my two friends were able to get our pizzas just in time before our lunch break ended. The staff was attentive and friendly but overall very accurate with our orders. Again, even though they were only three crew members helping a line of about 10 people they managed to get us our food in a fast manner. Kudos to Salinas Blaze Pizza
796 Northridge Shopping Center, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
Patria on Main
4.5
(346)
4.4
(251)
expensive
European restaurant
Patria is a charming European bistro in Salinas that has quickly gained popularity for its diverse menu featuring German, Italian, and French cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide array of contemporary dishes including salads, pizzas, pastas, and original farm plates with unique ingredients like lamb, scallops, and rabbit. Its cozy rustic-style interior adds to the dining experience. Patria has been featured in local news outlets and magazines as one of the top restaurants in Salinas.
This place is in the heart of Downtown in Salinas and I can't make up my mind if the food is better or the service and staff. But one thing is that the staff is always customer focused and goes above and beyond. If I give 10 out of 10 for the food and drinks, I would give a 20 out of 10 for the staff and service.
Vikas P — Google review
Made a reservation for 2 to celebrate our 27th anniversary. My wife and I enjoyed it very much. No need to go to Carmel/PG/Monterey to eat such delish cuisines. Good old downtown Salas came through with this jewel of a restaurant. We had the mushroom soup, artichoke appetizer, Lamb and calamari dinner. Servers Mireya and Juan were awesome and went out of their way to make it a pleasant and memorable experience. The bar and bartender were very generous with our drinks. Super highly recommend it for an anniversary and/or some type of celebration. We wish the recent owners lots of success.
This is a charming gem with delicious food. The decor was nicely done and there wasn't a single bite of food that we didn't absolutely enjoy! The chef visited our table and later happily wound up the cuckoo clocks so my daughter could experience their chirping birds, chimes, and moving characters. I would highly recommend giving this place a try. Thank you Chef!
I gave them 4 stars because food and desserts were delish. Our piña coladas, and Paloma drinks were not good. The wine selection was great. The atmosphere was welcoming. Staff was friendly. My family and I had a great family dinner.
I've been here twice & loved it both times. Food delicious and exquisitely prepared. Large portion. Fantastic wait staff. Superb waiter brought a carafe without my asking for one. A lovely evening both times. Highly recommend.
A pleasant surprise and worth stopping into Salinas for! We were in Salinas for an event and found Patria. They have a varied selection of foods from Italy, German and France. I had the jager schnitzel with spaetzle and rot khol/red cabbage. The pork was tender and lightly breaded with a tasty jager/mushroom sauce/gravy. The spaetzle was slightly fried and had a slight crunch, which is different than traditional spaetzle. The rot khol/red cabbage is a family recipe with corriander, apples, clove and other spices and was extremely good! The atmosphere is a rustic French country look with rural German country home look. Authentic down to the Hofkreuze cross at the doorway to another section. Several smaller dining areas to make for an intimate dining experience. Highly recommend!
Very Cool Restuarant! Salinas finest! My drink Passion fruit Martini was very good! And Dinner was Very good as well. I had Fried Calamari that wasn't very crispy but it was soft and the dipping sauce made it very tasty. I also ordered the Chicken Salad... I enjoyed my meal listing to cool jazzy Bossa Nova type music. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated with a well balanced vibe and clean look. It really gives you more of the city type vibe then of Salinas! I went on a Thursday evening and the place was crowded so reservations are best!
Overall was a great experience and the food was delicious. I opted for the special of the day which was a lamb shank. It was cooked beautifully and came right of the bone. The sauce was also delicious and the peas a nice touch. My wife had the lasagna and that was even more amazing. Creamy, cheesey, and very flavorful. Was really a great dish, and I would highly recommend it (I know it will be my choice during our next visit!) The desert was... Lackluster. We decided to share a cheesecake. Tasted like a store bought cheesecake, similar to the bread and butter we were offered after taking our drink order. The lemon sauce with hints of strawberry was better than the cheesecake. I was happy to have tried this cozy little spot with a great ambient atmosphere.
228 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Day 2
North side of town
For day 2, we recommend exploring the north side side of town. Start the day off with WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Salinas Sports Complex. All together, your day would be filled with about 7 hours of non-stop fun.
1•Mark H — Google reviewCesar M — Google reviewChristopher G — Google reviewDavid C — Google reviewSydney T — Google reviewEd W — Google reviewE ( — Google review
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
4.8
(3821)
4.7
(261)
Car racing venue
Sights & Landmarks
Adventure sports center
Event venue
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a renowned 2.2-mile road-racing track that hosts auto and motorcycle racing events as well as special activities like twilight bike rides for just $10. The circuit features 11 turns, including the famous Corkscrew with a dramatic 59-foot drop in a short distance. The venue offers a relaxed atmosphere and provides excellent views of the course from the hilltop.
A great place to watch racing. You can bring your own food, drink, chair, blanket, shade(pop-up or umbrella), scooter or bike to get around. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. I thought that turn 2 next to the restrooms was the best place to watch to get the feeling of the speed they were going.
Terry G — Google review
Great road track and a pretty informal/casual overall experience - it's a big track and property, but has an atmosphere more like a small local track. Be prepared for a lot of walking, like many tracks; but nice that you can get pretty close to things, including the paddock area where the cars stage when they're not on the track. I'd suggest bringing chairs too, there are lots of places you can watch from where there are no seats or bleachers; and a small piece of pool noodle foam (with a slice cut in it) is nice to have to pad the top of a fence if you find a spot that's lower and you want to lean on it.
Amazing place to even stop by and check out. If you are near this place I strongly recommend to check it out! It will be worth your while. The lady at the both was nice enough to let me check out the place. I am not sure if you have to pay to get in. What I do know is that, there are camping grounds. Plenty of spot for you to check out the races. I was lucky to find out Porsche was doing races and I was able to enjoy watching then go at it. It was a lot of fun.
This track is an icon for a reason. Bathrooms are all clean, lots of places to walk around and see the track, super friendly and kind staff.
We stopped in to see the track during a track day and we're able to see all the highlights (corkscrew, tire bridge, etc.), enjoy a great lunch at the Bear & Flag concession stand, and explore around the track.
Cannot wait to go back again someday for a race event.
Awesome Track, viewing locations of the race every step of the way. Lots of good walking if enjoyed or grand stand seating if you like. Plenty of food, drink and souvenir vendors, plenty of good parking and clean restrooms throughout. A Great Track to see any race, its a Blast
You can purchase tickets ahead with a very minimal transaction fee of a few cents or buy at the door which may have a wait depending on the day/event. From watching in the stands or at the top of the hill to view the infamous corkscrew, it’s always a fun time at this track. Restroom at the paddock is always clean with portapotties throughout the grounds. Dress in layers, wear a hat/sunscreen, and pack snacks/water if you don’t want to pay exorbitant prices.
Awesome. If you are thinking about going to a race event, scca or otherwise- I suggest you go. Camping is available, but if it's a big event I wouldn't tent camp unless you don't mind being right next to others. The fire ring/ picnic table at sites 137 and 138 are literally 8ft apart, but the area is gorgeous and the facilities well maintained and there's plenty of areas to watch the races. No matter if you Cano at the track or just come for the race day, it's an experience you'll never forget
Attended as part of Monterrey motor week.
First time visitor used lift to get there. Was a bit of a hassle. The food selection is limited.Here you almost want to bring your own food. Perhaps they bring in food vendors in food trucks during other events. The price of the food for two people is almost equivalent to the ticket price to get in to the raceway.
Definitely, bring your chair, your cooler,
And enthusiasm to watch the events!
1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Salinas, CA 93908, USA•
15 min · 6.9 mi
2•Jonathan P — Google reviewDebby E — Google reviewAndrea K — Google reviewOscar C — Google reviewJose P — Google reviewChris S — Google reviewJose B — Google review
Toro Park
4.7
(942)
4.5
(52)
Park
Nature & Parks
Biking Trails
Hiking Trails
Off-Road & ATV Trails
Nestled in the heart of nature, Toro Park spans an impressive 4,756 acres and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of amenities including riding trails, softball fields, playgrounds, and volleyball courts, it caters to all ages. For those seeking adventure, the challenging hike up Ollason Peak rewards trekkers with breathtaking vistas of Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley.
My mountaineering guide
Moderate to low-intensity mountain climbing,especially for families or individuals who are not physically strong.
It took me 90 minutes,approximately 450 calories,and 7600 steps to walk from the parking lot to the semi mountaintop with seats.The altitude here is 491 meters.
Hongbin T — Google review
Toro Park in Salinas is a gem for families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The trails cater to all skill levels, leading to panoramic views and quiet moments surrounded by oak trees. My family enjoyed the picnic areas, which were clean and spacious, ideal for a relaxing meal or group activities like scout outings. The park’s charm lies in its natural beauty and the sense of calm it brings to every visitor.
With plenty of open spaces for kids to run and explore, it’s an excellent choice for outdoor adventures or a peaceful retreat. The park’s upkeep and welcoming atmosphere made our visit memorable, and we’ll definitely return for more hikes and picnics!
I love this spacious, clean, and people friendly park. You can hike, walk your dog, or have a family picnic. There’s lots of wildlife to be seen and trees to climb!
Great hiking area away from the costal fog this time of year.
Loads of parking on a sunny weekend day. Lots of flat areas to set up for parties (lots of them were happening when we hiked in).
Did an easy 3.5 mile loop on Ollason Trail to Coyote Spring and back.
Bathrooms along the way. Shaded in a lot of areas. No complaints.
Leave no trace. Unfortunately saw some trash along the paths that were closest to the picnic areas.
Really peaceful place during early morning 🌄 for hiking.
It has alot of trails and l'll do all of them
Scenic and spacious public park that is hugely popular for parties, events, or just BBQing with family and friends. There are a handful of full service picnic shelters with counters, sinks, and BBQ pits for cooking over a wood fire...these must be reserved in advance and they're very popular. There are picnic tables and cans for trash and recycling at each shelter too. The bathrooms are clean but lacking hand soap. The patches of grass are drying out due to the drought, but still usable for sports. There are hiking trails throughout the park too; along with volleyball nets and horseshoe courts. The area is still scenic despite the lack of rain, but it would look a lot nicer with greener vegetation. Lots of birds and wild turkeys were visible on our visit...probably more wildlife too. A wonderful place to spend a weekend afternoon.
Nice area with plenty of space. Come during the week for less people come on weekends for more people.
501 Monterey-Salinas Highway 68, Salinas, CA 93908, USA•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
6 min · 4.3 mi
3•MJ B — Google reviewBay R — Google reviewMaria N — Google reviewManuel H — Google reviewRiana M — Google reviewDebra W — Google reviewBuppi G — Google review
Elli's Great American Restaurant
4.1
(1633)
4.0
(163)
affordable
American restaurant
Bar & grill
Breakfast restaurant
Elli's Great American Restaurant in Salinas Valley offers a diverse menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Ellis Island. The restaurant pays homage to immigrants who pursued the American dream by serving a fusion of cultural dishes, including family recipes passed down through generations. The Melting Pot section of the menu features blends from various countries like Italy and Mexico.
Pistachio-crusted Chicken Salad was spectacular. Not to be dramatic, but it was so good it gave me hope—that salads can be excellent, that food service can deliver love and joy to anyone anywhere. Elizabeth was a wonderful server and I am so grateful to her. Elli’s is a place I will come back to again and again, and recommend to my closest loved ones. Such a special place. Thank you!!!!
Gabrielle W — Google review
Incredible dining experience with the most personable waitress you’ll ever meet. She makes you feel like she’s been waiting for you all day and is happy you’ve finally arrived. Even without hovering, she’s there when you need her. (Tip her well—she’ll earn it!)
Overall this restaurant is awesome, everything we ordered tasted great , it was hard to decide due to everyone on their menu looked great. The Food took a while to get to our table but worth the wait. I will be back to try other eats on their menu, and remember to save room for dessert we got the peach pie 👌🏽. 💥
I went for breakfast and had to come back for Dinner!
Everything was delicious! Had pizza and wings for dinner.
We came to celebrate father's day. The server was very attentive, always checking on our table. The food was a lil cold but still good. Bread pudding is amazing!!!!
Easy, delicious breakfast. Our server was lovely and kind and we have absolutely zero complaints. Our meals arrived very quickly and our toddler loved his eggs, fruit and orange juice. We were passing through town and wanted something local and easy and they delivered. Would definitely stop in again if passing through town.
Haven't been here in a month after last horrible experience. First, the food was above average (great improvement), the service was chaotic. Two servers (with smiles) doing their best to keep up with the whole restaurant, while two other young people just stood in the aisle or close to the bakery case chatting. Ice machine being cleaned, no ice, no flavored creamer(non dairy), food arrived and we had to get up to search out utensils which eventually came (food was by then luke warm). Hard to justify a $100 breakfast (for three) when there are such other great choices in town. BTW the large pancakes were not even half the size of the plate ($17.95). Sad to see a well known eatery struggling, with that said, it will be awhile before we try again.
First time here. It was okay. They did mess up half of my order but they did fix it and the manager also came to apologize. Another dish was also cold but we didn't complain we ate it anyways. We ordered pancakes, roast beef French dip, chilaquiles, and two other combo plates.
1250 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, USA•
4 min · 1.6 mi
4•Michael H — Google review龔振勝 — Google reviewStacy M — Google reviewYuliana P — Google reviewTrinie L — Google reviewEddie F — Google reviewCaroline P — Google review
First Awakenings
4.6
(869)
4.5
(380)
affordable
Breakfast restaurant
American restaurant
Gluten-free restaurant
Restaurant
First Awakenings, established in 1993 by Chris Ulrich and Craig Bell, is a beloved breakfast spot in Monterey County. The restaurant offers classic American comfort food like roasted Portobello burger, eggs Benedict, and California crepe. It also features special house combinations such as the Triple Bogey and homemade Belgian waffles. Using fresh ingredients, First Awakenings is committed to serving delicious all-American home cooking for over twenty-five years.
Beautiful huge facilities, with options to see either in or outside. The food menu is incredible with lots of options to choose from including vegetarian. Service was fast and you’ve been served with a picture of water and coffee so you don’t need to worry about anything. The food portion was incredibly big so you won’t leave hungry.
Dana S — Google review
Excellent service I got seated right away. I got helped right away and they made sure to pay close attention and give me anything I needed whenever I wanted it. I ordered the oatmeal with vegetarian sausage patties and it’s probably the best vegetarian sausage patties I’ve ever had in my life. The oatmeal was five stars for sure came with raisins and brown sugar and milk, which I didn’t use.
I also had a cup of coffee and water and both of them were premium sometimes coffee makes my stomach hurt, but not at this place.
The oatmeal was so good It didn’t need milk, plus people don’t realize how disgusting milk actually taste. The only reason why it taste good is because they load it with so much sugar. It’s more sugar than soda. I prefer oat milk for that reason it has a lot less sugar in it so much less you could drink chocolate oat milk and it still has half the sugar at regular cow milk has. However, plant-based milk is not an option here yet. Didn’t bother me a bit.
This is WAY better than the First Awakenings in Monterey! If you're looking for a nice breakfast spot, with well-kept rustic furniture bringing you back to the time when the city first came to prominence in the 1800s, this is a nice spot! Staff was professional, food came out quick, and it tasted great!
We arrived shortly after opening and seated right away, waited on promptly. Some of the other patrons spoke quite loudly so it was difficult to hear each other at our small table. No fault of the restaurant, just for other customers... know how loud you speak. Large portions of food and tasty. I ordered an omelet and was full of veggies. The potatoes did not taste good, way too oily. He ordered 2 eggs and meat. He too did not like the potatoes. Which was fine, luckily portions were so good we were still quite full without eating the potatoes. Staff was friendly and attentive. Would definitely go back.
This is the best traditional American breakfast you will find in town! I don’t need to say much because the food truly speaks for itself. The skillets (the classic onion and bacon one) are my favorite and so is the wheat pancake. The pancakes and waffles are huge! Perfect to share.
Cinnamon French toast, amazing. Belgian waffle really only fantastic because of the grapefruit on top. The chicken, fried steak and gravy was delicious. Get a reservation if you can. Seems to be busy during the weekends.
We had the banana French toast special, orange juice, coffee and a banana wheat germ pancake. One scrambled egg for each of us as well.
Huge portions, was afraid a single pancake wouldn't be enough, but it certainly was. The banana wheat germ pancake was not incredibly flavorful but the fluffiness and texture was fantastic. Would probably recommend ordering the pancake with the additional whipped cream and fruit.
They also put a whole carafe of coffee right on the table which I definitely appreciated. Prices were fair and the servers were all very nice.
Editing this review because we actually ate at this restaurant four days in a row while we were staying in Salinas. Had a great meal every time. In addition to our first meals we also tried the eggs Benedict with carnitas, eggs Benedict with ham and avocado, blueberry wheat germ pancakes, raspberry coconut and granola pancakes and apple cinnamon oatmeal chocolate chip pancakes.
Each meal was fantastic and each time the servers were friendly. I do recommend getting the strawberries and whip cream on any of the pancakes.
The wheat germ pancakes taste the best, but the blueberry pancakes have more flavor than the banana pancakes and come with a blueberry syrup while the banana wheat germ is a bit bland in comparison.
My husband and I stopped at this breakfast spot along our road trip, and we loved it. Everyone from the hosts and wait staff were extremely friendly, service was fast, and the restaurant was decorated everywhere with Halloween-themed decor, it was a super cute vibe. We got the portobello mushroom and blue cheese omelette, and the portion was a nice size. Would definitely come here again.
171 Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, USA•
3 min · 1.5 mi
5•Brian S — Google reviewPatrick J — Google reviewStefan H — Google reviewFrank P — Google reviewInfo B — Google reviewKathleen H — Google reviewDopey P — Google review
Salinas Sports Complex
4.3
(688)
4.3
(8)
Event venue
Sights & Landmarks
Arenas & Stadiums
The expansive Salinas Sports Complex serves as a versatile venue, hosting various activities like rodeos, concerts, and motocross racing. This facility offers a range of entertainment options to visitors. Additionally, Salinas itself combines the charm of yesteryears with modern conveniences. The city draws tourists with its vibrant cultural events such as the California Rodeo, California International Airshow, and Steinbeck Festival.
The rodeo was great!
But it was quite cold at night
The parking is 10$
We got low cost coca cola tickets for 5$ each
Alisa T — Google review
Nice complex of softball fields. Plenty of parking. Fields are well maintained. Snack bar with decent options, beer, and clean restrooms. There is no overhang on the backstops. You have to keep an eye out for foul balls.
Great place for a baseball tournament. Spacious and clean facilities. Food isn’t too expensive. Though they did run out of many food items Saturday evening. Overall great weekend.
Ths stadium is an alright stadium with sanitary facilities and not too big. Since I went there to see a rodeo I need to talk about this: Oh boy... as an European I wanted to experience something American... And I feel there are only a few things which can top a Rodeo. Half of the time I didn't even know where to look because there was so much going on,...hell,... Sometimes I didn't even know what was going on. It's Amazing and fun event. The kids corral was really cool, the food was awesome and the show itself: just terrific. So get your hat, grab some popcorn and go see this...
Less trucks at this Monster Jam then Levi's stadium, Arena cross was good, got to see the action up close. Smaller venue but still a good time, kids enjoy it. The football stadium is amazing.
Metal benches and windy, great sound.for concerts..good view for any event..no matter whete you are seated...bring cushions and blankets
California State University - Monterey Bay Graduation, 2025
Nice place were u can go see events that come into your town
1034 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Where to eat
Under a 1-minute walk from First Awakenings, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
Villa Azteca
4.2
(389)
3.7
(19)
Mexican restaurant
Villa Azteca is a family-owned Mexican restaurant located in Salinas, CA. Situated in downtown Salinas near the Maya Cinemas, it offers a diverse menu featuring locally sourced and traditional Mexican dishes. From handmade tortilla tacos to lobster quesadillas and prawns in mango sauce, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The restaurant has gained renown for its fantastic, fresh, and homemade cuisine. Customers praise the friendly and attentive staff as well as the al fresco dining experience.
I Love Villa Azteca! It is my favorite restaurant in Salinas. I Always make sure to dine here when I visit Salinas.
The dishes are so flavorful, they do a great job at cooking familiar dishes with unique tastes. The presentation of the dishes is also very beautiful and creatice. They have delicious drinks (alcoholic and non-alc) too!! I can’t wait to come back ☺️
Robert N — Google review
Amazing mole. I enjoyed the spice. The shrimp and filet mignon were fantastic and flavorful. Best mole amarillo ever.
Came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon. We waited a while in the doorway until we were greeted & seated, waited about 10mins to get our order taken, & another 30 for the food to arrive; It didn’t seem that busy.
When the food finally came it was in a sizzling bowl with a delicious boiling salsa yummy meat, seafood, cheese, avocado, & scallions. Tortillas were delicious & hand made, but be careful because only 2 came with that huge molcajete, which is enough food for 2 people. We asked for more tortillas, which we never received & were charged $6 for them. The prices here were outrageous for what it was honestly. But food was good, regardless. Though service could really improve.
Villa Azteca is a must for dining in Salinas. Community is built around food at lunch and romance is celebrated at dinner. Exquisite cuisine, lovingly prepared and presented with pride. I get to travel to Salinas 3-4 times per year so every visit is, for me, a special occasion. I feel at home here. An excellent restaurant staffed by wonderful people.
Did a take out order. The sister of the owners wife gave us our food. Super bubbly. She gave us our food and came home just to find out that they forgot to give me the side of beans I paid extra for and also the Tortillas for my husband’s Mole dinner. Called back to let them know about the tortillas and the lady that answered the called stated that the server did put them inside the boxes. I said no my 2 daughters are my witnesses that we don’t have the tortillas. It was already 8:40 pm when I called. I also asked to speak to a manager and the lady said they didn’t have a manager at that time. Wow no manager running a restaurant. I’m very disappointed. AGAIN the food is delicious and the price is a bit high for the service they gave !!!!
Fantastic Mexican food, extremely high quality at a decent price.
The steak I had was some of the best steak I've ever tasted. The rice is also perfectly seasoned, not a single throwaway flavor. Portions were decent as well but we still had room for flan!
Definitely want to make sure you get here early since the line to get in fills up pretty fast.
This place is fantastic, fresh and home made. I got the beer battered shrimp tacos and they were great. Handmade corn tortillas, too. They were a bit spicy but the nachos with the fresh corn was amazing.
The staff are friendly and just kind and attentive. A great experience overall.
I drove in for dinner after seeing this place on the show, Check Please. We have some great spots in San Jose but I wanted to get out of town and try something new. I have to say this place does not disappoint. We started with the queso fundido and bone marrow- both amazing. The bone marrow came with a chili oil I've never had that was a taste sensation! This chili oil was a stand out for me. I've been to several different cities all over Mexico and never had anything like this. (For me it was delicious. Like Asian chili oil but Mexican style). The main I had was carnitas enchiladas which came out pink which threw me off and I couldn't pin pont the flavor. (My guess is it was a beet sauce mixed with fresh cream) The chicken mole was good a little spicy from what I was told but I thought it was fine. The stand out main for me was the Mole Amarillo- the sauce (I think it was pumpkin) was awesome with the prawns. Try to get that dish with extra prawns. Definitely getting that next time. (Extra sauce, extra prawns please) For dessert, the table split the flan which was thick like cheese cake which I'm not a fan of. The second dessert was the tiramisu (GET THIS!!) this was light, creamy, tasty and another stand out for me. And last but not least was the flight of Palomas (Didn't realize they were going to be full size.) very good and would totally get again. All in all a great time and can't wait to come back.
Smalley's Roundup Restaurant
4.1
(369)
3.7
(71)
expensive
Steak house
Smalley's Roundup Restaurant is a delightful dining destination that offers an extensive menu filled with mouthwatering options. From hearty combo platters to tantalizing jumbo shrimp cocktails, there's something for everyone. Indulge in savory dishes like ribs, pork chops, and various salads topped with filet mignon or salmon. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, enhanced by friendly staff who ensure a pleasant experience.
Great place to eat if you are a carnivore! I had the pork chops and ribs, wife had surf & turf and the beers were large (1L). Everything was delicious and portions large!
Joshua L — Google review
Good luck with other BBQ places; I haven't encountered anywhere else that matches Smalley's quality. We were served by one of the owners, Jeff, who provided superb service with a smile! The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, the ribeye steak was perfect, and the chicken breast was incredibly tender. The baked potato was just right, and the country beans were outstanding. We drive a considerable distance to dine here because the food is that good!
Walking into this restaurant it instantly took me back in time. Old school vide, wood tables and walls galore. Kitchen is somewhere in the middle from where we sat. Service was very attentive, our waiter was very patient and super friendly. Came at least 7 to 8 times during the course of our lunch. Now the food, these ribs had just the right touch of char 😋 and crunchiness (LOVE this!) and just a slight touch of sauce on top. The ribs were so meaty and tender. I fell in love...I chose a baked 🥔 potato for my side and a fresh COLD 🥗 salad. Plate also came with a small bowl of chili. Man, this BBQ restaurant left me feeling full and 😊 happy. Definitely coming back.
Pretty bad experience. Bathroom was so dirty I had to take my toddler next door to Starbucks. He couldn’t go as there was pee all over the floor and toilets. Ordered a medium steak and big a blue steak. That thing wasn’t even cooked. Paid and left. Didn’t eat and we really had to use the bathroom somewhere else
Just what i needed. 16oz ribeye salad bakedpotato beef n bean chili garlic bread. Great service great food. This is just the place for the traveling contractor lookin for a local good meal.
We had our NYE meal here and it was the first time ever trying Smalleys! We were so full! Husband had a ribeye with steak fries, add mushrooms and grilled onions. I had a cheeseburger and steak fries. The ranch had the perfect ranch taste and the drinks come in a large cup. The mushrooms and chili were my favorite. OK it all was my favorite! My husband said his steak was delicious and cooked just as he requested. Staff are friendly and attentive. Good relaxing atmosphere with great country songs playing. Only negative was Bathroom toilet ran out of paper and I went to the other stall and the floor was soaked I almost slipped in the restroom. But I would totally go back! Thank you for a wonderful meal!
We were passing through, celebrating our anniversary. As we were visiting our very close friends, we were told to try their food, we hafta say it was a lot of food and amazingly good, top it off, great service from the staff!! Thank your all for such a great service, serving us the amazing food!!
Second time I have ordered a filet mignon and it 1. Was overcooked...again. I ordered rare 2. It was kind of tough. I used to go there frequently but I think from now on I will order from a different restaurant
1190 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, USA•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
Samurai Japanese Restaurant
4.5
(320)
3.8
(16)
affordable
Japanese restaurant
Samurai Japanese Restaurant is a cozy spot that has been serving traditional Japanese cuisine and creative sushi rolls for over two decades. Despite its modest size, the restaurant is known for its flavorful dishes and reasonable prices, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. The menu offers a variety of options, including fresh sushi boxes and customer-created rolls that are both delicious and reasonably priced.
My favorite sushi place in Salinas! The best rolls are posted on the walls. I love so many options and they are always ready to help of you have questions. Order ahead if you're on lunch break.
Only thing I don't like is the hot tea.
Ms J — Google review
They have really good food and it is filling. The soft shell crab is good. The sushi seems fresh. A bit on the higher price but you get what you pay for in the portioning. Definitely will return for more.
RUDE!!!! Worst, rudest service for no reason. I was ordering takeout. Told the owner and got a blank steer. She didn’t even acknowledged my dissatisfaction. Like she is used to people complaining about her. Such a shame that there are people like her.
This place has a variety of sushis and are creative. All the sushi rolls are affordable. A little gem in Salinas. A definite worth to visit 👍
I ordered quite a variety and it was all pretty tasty. Can't wait to experience the environment once the pandemic is over, the staff is friendly and does their best to cater to you. I'll be coming back again for sure.
I have been come to Samurai Sushi for 20 years. This place is a Gem! Peter the owner is an amazing person and a good friend. I will always support his business. This is the best locals spot for sushi PERIOD!
Great food at a good price. The atmosphere isn't great, but the food, more than makes up for it! 👍
Great tasting and large portions for your money. Highly recommend!
983 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
Gino's
4.4
(1097)
4.4
(330)
affordable
Italian restaurant
Gino's is a cozy Italian restaurant with a rustic ambiance and wooden beams. It offers a mix of Italian classics and American favorites, creating an inviting dining experience. The menu features options like charcuterie boards, avocado toast, and beet salad to start your meal. Customers rave about the delicious calamari, homemade garlic bread, flavorful carbonara spaghetti, and unique bread pudding.
Best experience ever the food was so fresh and delicious, servers are attentive and friendly, they are also dog friendly definitely 10/10
Maria G — Google review
In the are doing some work and after we decided to get some good food. Top rating was Gino’s so we pulled up. Started off with the garlic bread and I must say it was awesomeness for sure buttery garlicky soft bread. You are given the option to add cheese but it isn’t necessary.
Next up was the soup and the choice were clam chowder, artichoke bisque, and spumoni. I chose the artichoke bisque and was not disappointed.
Entree: Steak & Scampi: the NY steak was very tender and the shrimp were ok. I was expecting bigger prawns as it said jumbo but they weren’t bad. Mashed potatoes were creamy and good as well.
For desert I went with the bread pudding.
Overall Gino’s understands the assignment so that you can’t be mad at. If you’re in town check ‘em out.
Haven't been to this place in a couple of years because the last two times....this place sucked. Well, we still had a gift card from a 2 years ago Christmas and decided we might as well use it. I wasn't expecting much and was I wrong! Started with calamari strips...very good. Next was artichoke bisque.....tasty! Entree 1 was the Gino's Trio which had lasagna, chicken parmesan and fettuccine Alfredo. A lot of food for a reasonable price. Loved it but u will say it didn't taste like authentic freshly made pasta. But it was good. Entree 2 was steak tri tip pasta. It was good but a little light on the bits of steak. Emilia was a very gracious and professional wait staff and made a killer apple martini. Very good experience. 2 drinks, 1 bottle of wine, 1 app and two entrees under 150. Not bad. Definitely worth another visit.
Great seating areas. Beautiful ‘outdoor dining room’ food is palatable would have expected great taste from the hype been here several times, recently didn’t have a bad experience, food wait time is as expected highly recommend blackened chicken alfredo with broccoli and mushrooms
I had the pleasure of dining at Gino's, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. We made reservations in advance, and upon our arrival, we were seated promptly. The service was truly excellent, with a staff that was not only friendly but also highly attentive.
The food was not only delectable but also wonderfully presented. It was evident that a great deal of care went into the preparation of each dish. We were celebrating a birthday, and the fact that we could secure reservations for a party of four on the same day was a pleasant surprise.
If you haven't yet had the opportunity to dine at Gino's, I would highly recommend giving this spot a try. The welcoming atmosphere, outstanding service, and delicious food make it a dining experience.
Solid place. Staff is fun and attentive. I gave the place a four only because things can always be a little better. To each their own. Food great. Place is great. Bar is great. Great ambiance.
Gino's is an amazing icon of a bygone era in the area. Delicious Italian cuisine, superb service, and delightful atmosphere. It has long been a favorite restaurant of ours and I am sure they will continue to deliver wonderful cuisine for years to come.
Nice ambience in this family owned Italian Restaurant. Tasty fresh bread and the cooler is refillable. Bruschetta, Castroville Chicken Alfredo and Roasted King Salmon Filet were spot on. Entree portions are huge which isn’t usual in Italian Fine Dining. Friendly staff helped me surprise my wife with the dessert and a candle to celebrate our anniversary. yes dessert was yummy too. Definitely visit if you are on Hwy 1 and it’s time for some delicious food.
Note: There is a separate to-go window and it’s easy to get parking even though it’s considerably small parking lot.
1410 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Day 3
Proximity is everything
For day 3, we bundled attractions like Natividad Creek Park and Closter Park and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 7 hours.
1Armando R — Google reviewBecky D — Google reviewDavid R — Google reviewSusie L — Google reviewStanley S — Google reviewCarlos P — Google reviewBobby B — Google review
Natividad Creek Park
4.3
(891)
Park
Natividad Creek Park is a perfect destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers walking trails surrounded by lush greenery, providing opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy picnics, barbecues, and playtime at the playgrounds. Additionally, there are facilities for skateboarding, a dog park for furry friends to socialize, and a soccer field for sports activities.
Have had some of the most beautiful moments in my life in this hidden gem . Great feeling knowing the dailies of the park . Do wish everyone would clean after parties. So many activities going on always Its awesome . This park is perfect example how one person can impact allot of people.
Not L — Google review
Very nice park, but to many homeless people. Sadly, the homeless people act like they own the place. Once again, it's a nice park, but it doesn't feel safe.
I love this dog park. Very nice dogs and people every time I've been. It's larger than many. Lots of benches and always stocked with doggy bags. Not everyone picks up after their pets, so watch your step.
Great for bringing your dogs and children they have a dog park where you can let your dogs run around and socialize with other pets. There is a playground for your kids and a taco truck nearby in case you get hungry after a run.
Great place for your dog to make friends! Snickers rate this dog park 3 out of 4 paws. She says it needs some grass and shade to make it 4/4.
Men's restroom is dirty and broken, no doors on the stalls, no soap dispenser, 1 of 2 sinks doesn't work, 1 of 3 toilets doesn't flush, no paper towels. The electrical outlets in the gazebo are broken. Weeds coming up in the amphitheater. Tennis court fences are broken and the court stripes are worn off, no tennis nets. The place seems abandoned by the city. I submitted a complaint.
I live around, I sell ice creams this a nice place to sell a and to get joy there is sand! Some games some fields behind it there a volleyball field basketball also a skate park
Game there only takes an hour to finish. But still really fun and pretty maintained.
1395 Nogal Dr, Salinas, CA 93905, USA•
6 min · 1.7 mi
2ElTiktokero — Google reviewFidel P — Google reviewMauricio V — Google reviewSpoony Z — Google reviewJane D — Google reviewMelinda O — Google reviewHector N — Google review
Closter Park
4.1
(462)
Temporarily Closed
Park
Closter Park is a vibrant and family-friendly outdoor space that's popular among locals. Despite some negative reviews, the park has undergone renovations and now hosts a farmers market every Sunday. It's an ideal spot for little league games and boxing, with well-maintained fields and a community atmosphere. This old-school park is still well-maintained and attracts people for sports activities or simply hanging out.
It's a nice park we're you could take ur kids to go play at the playground or do a barbecue have a party just something to relax and remember the joy n excitement we had
Dopey P — Google review
Instead of building a skatepark and all those new add ons the city is going to build, why doesn’t the city build a parking lot? Everyday my street is flooded with cars of people who go to the park. I can’t even park outside of my house after work because of all the people who go to the park and church. Cmon city
Love going to the park bc it has restrooms n its nice n big n it has it's own playground
It’s filled with a bunch of people smoking now
Went to take my 1 yr old to the park and then a bunch of men (They looked homesless/druggies) like 10 of the started gathering at the kiosk where we were at and started drinking and smoking. It was uncomfortable because
They just surrounded us and stayed doing their business. I just grabbed my daughter and left.
Although there are many other poor reviews this is a great place for little league and boxing. No matter where you go there will be gang violence and unfortunately that is the world we live in. This park now has a farmers market every Sunday and has been renovated. So stop by if you want to see the many improvements at this park.
Usually I go workout there, people need to respect that it is a park not a bar... don't leave your glass bottles there dispose of them properly please... anything can happen...😱
Great spot to come if you wanna score dope or get shot at in broad daylight. Back when I was a kid this was the park to come to but now that the immigration problem is out of hand this is the last spot I would bring my kids to play.
M9JP+J8M, 401 Towt St, Salinas, CA 93905, USA•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3 min · 0.95 mi
3Lucas . — Google reviewAppraiser R — Google reviewArt R — Google reviewMatthew V — Google reviewElijah G — Google reviewJohn U — Google reviewJ P — Google review
Salinas Fairways Golf Course
4.3
(247)
Public golf course
If you're looking for a leisurely day out on the green, Salinas Fairways Golf Course is the place to be. This municipal golf course caters to all skill levels, offering well-maintained fairways and a relaxed atmosphere. The wide open fairways provide an enjoyable challenge for both beginners and seasoned golfers. With courteous staff and well-kept grounds, it's a great spot to spend a day outdoors. Plus, the nearby airport adds an interesting touch to the surroundings.
It was a great course to play at.
Grass is green and the greens are healthy.
Definitely had to change my play in the back 9 with the wind.
Definitely makes you feel like you’re a pro because of the different approach you have to take.
Alvarezyankees — Google review
I was just there and was in a party of 2. I let the older gentleman at the front know it was for 2 but I guess he didn’t hear me because on hole one another employee let me know I only paid for one which I understand just a misunderstanding. However when I came back from playing the older gentleman from before was incredibly rude and made it seem I was trying to “play” him when it was just a misunderstanding. I’ve never played here before and it was my first time, and I know that it was just a small little communication issue but to be that rude to me was just super unprofessional. You guys need to do something.
Nice course and well taken care of. Wide open fairways with some being really long and a few being really short. A good mixture. A few of the sand traps were really steep (I know I should not be in there). Lot's of small airplanes taking off over us on the back nine. I'm a newcomer to golf and really enjoyed this course. Fair price with a cart. And........you gotta try the grilled hot dog with everything (except mayo for me). Outstanding! Definitely reccomend this course and will be going back often.
The course conditions are generally fair for the pricing so this review isn't a reflection of the course itself I have no issue with the course. The issue is with customer service/management/ general manager. I booked an online tee time through the course website for a foursome and pre-paid, come the day of play, I only had a threesome. No problem I'm told by the front staff, a young hispanic male tells me I'll get my refund of $51 for the unplayed round. I said cool but I'd rather just take a round voucher instead don't really care for a refund, he says no worries we'll issue a refund. This is a Saturday, the following day I get a phone call from the same kind gentleman to confirm by bank card info and to say he's issued a refund and it should go thru in 3 days and to call back and get in contact with the general manager if I don't get it. The refund never processes so I call 3x in two weeks and 2x a middle to late aged caucasian male answers the phone and is rude and condescending says "they don't issue refunds", after I explain as above, says he'd leave a message for the general manager to call me back, gets my name and #, and literally hangs up on me before I'm finished with my sentence, does this two times in two weeks. I never got a phone call back from the general manager and I never get a refund. I don't even care for the measly $51 dollars, all I wanted was a round voucher to catch another round. It's the principle and treatment of your core customer that matters and for that they get a lone and deserved 1 star for the rude, condescending attitude and the inattentive, unresponsive general manager.
For a local public course, fairways is a nice course. Very disappointed that they raised their rates and no longer offer daily deals. It was great for people that are on a budget to grab a deal for $30-40 with cart. Now it’s $62 everyday. For $10 more you can grab a deal for Crazy Horse. Sorry fairways but you aren’t on that level. Set disappointing and have not played the course since they raised their rates.
The staff at the pro shop consistently come across as unwelcoming, and it’s frustrating that they frequently close the range early or refuse to accept tee times just so they can leave sooner. It’s disappointing to see such a lack of consideration for guests, as it reflects poorly on both their professionalism and the overall experience at the course.
Great local golf course that's easily played. Wide fairways, forgiving traps and reasonable greens. Highly recommend?!
Right near the airport the views are unique the back 18 I felt like a pilot playing golf I was so close to the airstrip
45 Skyway Blvd, Salinas, CA 93905, USA•
9 min · 4.9 mi
4•Sarah J — Google reviewAngelina V — Google reviewMariahpiper — Google reviewDavid R — Google reviewBobby B — Google reviewKat R — Google reviewRyan K — Google review
Target
4.1
(454)
5.0
(1)
affordable
Department store
Baby store
Clothing store
When it comes to shopping for a variety of items, Target stands out as a go-to retail chain. From home goods and clothing to electronics and exclusive designer collections, there's something for everyone. During my recent visit, I stopped by to grab some essentials for my pet cat. The convenience of curbside delivery made the experience even better! A young employee greeted me with exceptional courtesy and friendliness, ensuring everything went smoothly in just eight minutes despite the bustling atmosphere with other vehicles picking up orders.
Ive stopped to pick up a few items for our pet cat. Target offers us curbside delivery. The young worker was courteous, very polite, friendly & on top of his work performance. My experience was very pleasant and non-confrontational job well done it only took eight minutes and & because what I viewed they had a lot of other vehicles picking up orders as well when I went to pick up our order.
Martin ( — Google review
I recently visited the Target store in Salinas, and I was extremely disappointed with the state of the restrooms. The bathrooms were very messy and unclean, making it difficult to use them, especially when I was just trying to help my sister. There was trash everywhere, the floors were filthy, and it was clear that cleanliness is not a priority.
This level of uncleanliness is not only disgusting but also a potential health hazard due to bacteria. Despite claims that the bathrooms are cleaned regularly, there has been no noticeable improvement. Target should consider hiring staff dedicated specifically to maintaining the restrooms and ensuring they stay clean throughout the day and ensure employees have proper protective equipment in order to clean these filthy bathrooms. The store floors were sticky, very poor maintenance overall. For a store of this caliber, I expected better. I hope management addresses these concerns to improve the shopping experience for everyone. Overall I hope shoppers have some compassion and learn how to clean up after themselves and also Target get some supplies out in the bathroom have them available for people to clean up after themselves.
I’m not sure who manages this store but lord let me tell you. When I say the bathrooms are as disturbing as them come, I mean that in the most alarming way possible. Instead of having 5-8 associates in the member service area standing around waiting for drive thru orders to pull in. I recently visited this establishment, and I was extremely disappointed with the state of the bathrooms. They were incredibly dirty, with trash overflowing from bins, toilet paper scattered on the floor, and unpleasant odors throughout. It's clear that they haven't been cleaned properly in a long time.
Clean bathrooms are essential for any business. They reflect the overall hygiene and care that the establishment puts into its services. Dirty bathrooms not only create an uncomfortable experience for customers but also pose health risks. Proper cleaning and maintenance should be a top priority to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for everyone. I hope the management takes this feedback seriously and improves their cleaning standards.
This store has really poor management. They no longer honor an incorrect price tag, which is actually against the law. The item I purchased rung up more than advertised on the price tag, and the cashier refused to change it. She asked if I had a picture. It is absolutely absurd to expect customers to take a picture of every single item they are going to purchase to show the cashier in case an item rings up incorrectly. I calmly expressed to the cashier that "how are customers supposed to know what isn't going to ring up incorrectly?", and she was so incredibly rude. She looked away from me and didn't respond. The manager was right behind us as well, so I'm positive he witnessed everything but chose to ignore the situation. I'm so disappointed because before this manager, I know you know who he is, he's always hovering over checkout, micro managing everything, customer service was great. That rude cashier is a reflection of the work culture there. It's Target's fault, and the employees' fault alone if price tags are incorrect. Fix them. Or do what every other store does which is give the customer the advertised price. It's the law. I would avoid this location. It is no longer a pleasant experience shopping there.
If you like Monster Jam toys, don’t shop here, employees don’t care about this aisle especially with other aisles.
I'm calling and trying every single extension so someone will answer but it just rings until it chooses to hang up on you. What's the point of a phone number if no one answers? So now I have to drive over there to see if my pick up is ready and if it's not , guess what ? You wait longer ..... The second time and last time I'll order online with them.
I bought these today. Wish I saw the date before I ate the whole bag
Overpriced, not worth it. Buy at local stores or different chains then target. Poor management at this store.
1640 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
12 min · 0.64 mi
5LandJ H — Google reviewRachel H — Google reviewSteven C — Google reviewAJ — Google reviewDirenda B — Google reviewVanessa R — Google reviewTired W — Google review
Big Lots
4.2
(271)
Permanently Closed
Discount store
Furniture store
If you're on the hunt for a treasure trove of bargains, Big Lots is your go-to destination! This fantastic chain offers an impressive array of products, from stylish housewares and furniture to delicious grocery items. You can find everything here—from adorable summer beach toys and water guns to trendy clothing for all sizes. The store also boasts a wide selection of snacks, drinks, cleaning supplies, and hygiene essentials.
This is a great place with really good deals. There's a variety of items. The staff are friendly. Really good deals of bath items and snacks.
Sam R — Google review
Not sure if BL has a different store mgr now or what the problem is, but we were in the store recently & it was a complete mess & looked very trashy. We hadn't been there in a while. When we did go (about once a month up until this spring), the store was always clean, neat, & well organized. It was a pleasure to shop there. But something has happened to the store since the last time we were in there – and it's not good. It was so disorganized and junky looking I thought I must have been in the wrong place. Hope Big Lots can get its act – & store – back together once again so they look like the wonderful place to shop like they were after they moved out to Northridge Mall.
hardly any people at all and disinfecting of carts and counter surfaces was a delight to see
Love this big lots. This place has everything great prices on everything. Got these pizza pans for $4.00.
Love to come and browse never know whatcha gonna find. I feel like they just cram stuff to close so it all looks unorganized to me. But I always seem to find things to buy.. lol.. friendly & helpful staff
I went in and scored on a bunch of dog toys. An employee noticed my hand cart was over flowing so she asked me if I needed a cart and got me one. I asked her if they had a price scanner on the floor because I hate to find out how much stuff is at the checkout. She offered and scanned all my items for me. I noticed my total was higher than it should so I looked at my receipt and noticed that two of the items that she scanned at .87 rang up full price at $5 each. I went back to my awesome cashier and explained to him she had just scanned it minutes before at .87. He called the manager over who questioned me. When I mentioned to him the 75% off sale he looked at me and "then that would make it .90". The girl came over and fixed it all!!! FYI manager, there was two that rang up at $5.00 each TOTALLING $10.00 which makes them $1.25 at 75% . You shouldn't go out of your way to prove a customer is wrong. It's a good thing you have great staff. Who knows how to customer service because you, Mr. Manager DO NOT!!!
Always good finds at reasonable prices! Great spot for home decor! Tons of snacks and drinks. They even have cute clothes all sizes 👌 lots of summer beach toys and water guns ! Storage containers and organizers and even big variety of furniture. Sandals and shoes for kids and adults too in very cute prints and styles 😍. Whole lot of cleaning supplies and hygiene items! Cute cute coffee cups and fake plants for home or office decor 🙌 Def 1 of my fav places to stop and get it all!
This store is alright, hut it's stock feels very limited and at times, very messy and unsorted. It has some nice things here and there, but very little to grab my interest. Their movie selection could be neater and better sorted cause it's an absolute mess, which dissuaded me from looking for much to purchase. Honestly, I prefer when this store was a Toy'R'Us then a Big Lots, but that's just me. Otherwise, this place is average at best. Maybe it'll improve over time.
370 Northridge Mall, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 7-minute walk away from Target.
Red Lobster
4.2
(1061)
3.9
(35)
affordable
Seafood restaurant
Red Lobster is a vibrant chain restaurant that brings the flavors of American seafood to life, all set against a charming New England-inspired backdrop. Whether you're in the mood for their delectable sesame soy salmon bowl or classic shrimp scampi, there's something for everyone on the menu. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it perfect for family celebrations or casual outings with friends.
I was traded today by a friend for n early birthday present.We came around 1130 n both ordered off of their lunch menu I got the sesame soy salmon bowl n she got the shrimp scampi.We both ordered diet Pepsi n we shared a chocolate wave for dessert which was chocolate cake n vanilla ice cream
My soy ginger glazed salmon bowl has orzo pasta with with crispy brussel sprouts, Edamame n mix greens
Delicious .The service was excellent My friend enjoyed her food as well n the dessert was awesome
Elizabeth I — Google review
Alyssa P. from the Salinas Red Lobster was amazing. The food was so good. We haven’t been back since they changed the menu, ceo, etc. and you can just tell the improvements. We had such great service here and the food was excellent
Another good choice of seafood restaurants in the area. Today’s Special was Snow Crab Legs. Not many service staff were there. Waiting time could be expected. There famous cheese biscuits were as good as always. Their crabs were perfectly cooked.
My family and I came here for my son’s birthday .We were greeted first by Gabriel and my kids noticed the lobsters 🦞 and Gabriel then asked if they wanted to hold one. My boys were excited and yet nervous . He was very patient and super sweet explaining how to hold them and making jokes. Our waiter was Jesus he was nice gentleman always checking if we needed anything and then him and two other staff brought some ice cream to my son and sang happy birthday. I highly recommend this place to anyone.Special thank you for Gabriel and Jesus for making this special day a memorable one for my son!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent Service from Ivan!
Ivan was fantastic from start to finish. He was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything at our table ran smoothly. He checked in often without being intrusive and had great recommendations that we really enjoyed. It’s clear he genuinely cares about the customer experience. We’ll definitely be asking for Ivan next time!
Ps management he deserves a raise!
Angel was very pleasant! New manager was very kind to go around and introduce himself. I order the Wednesday special. Good stuff! Brussels sprouts are amazing! Love a great server!!! PurMina was absolutely amazing also !!
Food and Service was on point our Server was really attentive to our table. I would definitely recommend it to my family and friends. Specially now with the boil 😋 added. Esteban Service Manager was awesome as well .
Our waiter Duane S had a really good attitude. He was very attentive and was to go out of his way for us. Thank you.
1720 N Main St NEAR, Salinas, CA 93906, USA•
Avatar Indian Grill
3.9
(493)
4.6
(36)
affordable
Modern Indian restaurant
Nestled just off downtown Salinas on Constitution Blvd, Avatar Indian Grill is a delightful haven for lovers of vegetarian cuisine. This charming eatery features a lunch buffet available from Monday to Friday, alongside an extensive regular menu perfect for dining in or taking out. The inviting ambiance and well-designed interior create a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. Guests rave about the flavorful dishes, including their unique samosas that stand out with a special twist compared to others in the area.
This older guy who took our order was the highlight of our visit. He was so kinda and funny. Super nice gave us a free mango drink which I recommend!! Not only that but the food was amazing. It’s was a cozy spot to go with a friend, a partner, or alone. I would definitely come back here.
TRI T — Google review
Nice people. Good food. Understaffed for a Friday night. Service was slow but one old guy who was nice. DoorDash were waiting though. Food was pretty good. Especially the Tika masala. So glad to have found Indian food in Salinas. We will be back.
We arrived right when it opened and dinned in for lunch. They do not have a buffet. I ordered the Tandoori mixed grill that had an assortment of chicken, sausage and spicy fish. It took about 20 minutes to get our food, but when we got it, it was hot and tasty, the Naan bread was fresh also. The server was an older guy who was very pleasant, we will
Be back soon, I do Not see much authentic Indian restaurants or food in Salinas, ca.
The food here is fairly average — it’s the kind of place where it feels like something is better than nothing. What made the experience less enjoyable was a senior staff member who seemed more focused on airing personal political opinions, rather than attending to customers. Conversations like these can be off-putting, especially when they overshadow the service. It would be great to see more attentive and professional staffing in the future; otherwise, the customer experience may continue to suffer.
Best selection of Indian food in Salinas! There’s a bit of a language barrier but the services is welcoming. The curry dishes I got were savory and delicious. The restaurant style is very casual. Lots of mobile orders being processed while we were there. Very authentic food. Modest wine and beer selection. Family style food. Vegetarian selections. Coming back soon to try other selections.
We order food from here these guys Snd us nann we order allo prantha tha they charged extra for spiceness
My dinner started off well (after some difficulty ordering due to language problem) with samosas and a beer. Naan and main came next served in a timely manner and was very good. The problem came when I went up to pay and found the charge for the beer was $10, not $6 as stated on the menu. I at first tried to explain nicely the menu only showed $6 ( there was no $10 beer listed) and all of a sudden the older man who ran the place became combative and argued that was the only beer he had so that’s what he will charge. This was never mentioned when I made my order. So… make sure you are getting exactly what you ordered and check the price when you get your bill! The man finally called his son who was able to understand the mix up and resolved the problem.
Food was decent and quantity was good as well. Reason for lower rating is the service time. Took time to get us a table (we were a big group of 10), took time to take the order, then took time to get the food. We spent around 1.5 hours here. Thankfully, food did not disappoint and we enjoyed our meal at the end.
1568 Constitution Blvd, Salinas, CA 93905, USA•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
El Zacatecano
4.4
(851)
4.6
(29)
affordable
Mexican restaurant
Restaurant
El Zacatecano, a longstanding Mexican eatery on Alisal St in Salinas, offers a variety of flavorful and authentic dishes. This small restaurant has been serving customers for over 50 years and continues to draw a loyal following. While the size may be modest, patrons are willing to wait for a table due to the exceptional quality of their food.
Truly stands out with its exceptional combination of delicious food, impeccable cleanliness, and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you step in, the staff's warmth and professionalism make you feel right at home. The restaurant itself is spotlessly clean, creating a pleasant environment to enjoy their flavorful Mexican dishes. Each bite is a testament to their dedication to quality and authenticity, making El Zacatecano a must-visit for anyone seeking an outstanding dining experience.
Megha S — Google review
The restaurant is in a small building, which might mean a wait during busy times. Fortunately, there were two open tables when we arrived, so we got lucky on our first visit. Our group of four included myself, and here’s what we experienced:
My mom ordered the carnitas, and she found it to be horrible. I tried the chile verde, which was okay but not spicy. My husband had the sope and described it as "eh." My dad didn’t enjoy his food either; he ordered the machaca. So, based on our experience, my rating reflects that only one out of the four dishes was somewhat decent. I didn’t eat the salad that came with my meal.
We got there around 11 a.m., and my mom wanted to order the pozole, but it wasn’t available until 11:30 a.m., so just a heads-up on that. They won't serve it to you until 1130. The rice was smoky and burnt, which wasn't appealing.
Additionally, my husband ordered the chabela drink, which came with shrimp
on the rim. However, they weren’t properly cleaned, as they still had the digestive tract intact and tasted watered down. If you are particular about food quality, this place might not be for you.
Walked in hungry and left stuffed—the portions were huge and the carne asada was packed with flavor, super juicy too. Chips and salsa came out fast and were honestly some of the best I’ve had in a while. Only downside was the wait; took a bit to get our food even though the place wasn’t full. Service was friendly though, and the vibe felt super local and chill, like the kind of spot regulars go to every week
This restaurant has some delicious Mexican dishes. The carne asada was so tender and flavorful. This dish also I had a cheese enchilada, beef flauta, beans and rice. The staff was very friendly and patient.
Very tasty home style Mexican food. The restaurant is humble but very authentic and flavorful, staff had always been friendly, very loyal local customer base. One of the best Mexican joints I've been to
Not very good at all. Husband and I read the reviews, and we were excited to try this small little Mexican spot. It’s not very pretty, but we thought that meant great food, right? Nope, sadly wrong. Got the “Camarones de la Diabla” and “Carne Asada Fries”. The shrimp was overcooked, tough, with the smallest portion of like 10, and the carne didn’t have a flavor and was crunchy… they give chips & salsa, but they taste just like oil. Super bland. Sad the reviews didn’t accurately describe what we experienced.
A very casual no frills simple spot. They serve tasty flavorful dishes … just like home …. The flank steak and the sides were delicious. The service is fast and friendly. Coffee is good.
Big portions, flavorful asada, and top-tier chips & salsa. Service was friendly, vibe was local. Slow ticket time, but worth it.
655 E Alisal St, Salinas, CA 93905, USA•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Restaurants
Attractions
Cheap eats
Breakfast and brunch
Bakeries
Family restaurants
Shopping
Chinese restaurants
Italian restaurantsPopular road trips from Salinas
What's the weather like in Salinas?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Salinas for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in Salinas in January
- Weather in Salinas in February
- Weather in Salinas in March
- Weather in Salinas in April
- Weather in Salinas in May
- Weather in Salinas in June
- Weather in Salinas in July
- Weather in Salinas in August
- Weather in Salinas in September
- Weather in Salinas in October
- Weather in Salinas in November
- Weather in Salinas in December
All road trips from Salinas
- Salinas to San Francisco drive
- Salinas to Las Vegas drive
- Salinas to Los Angeles drive
- Salinas to San Diego drive
- Salinas to Napa drive
- Salinas to Santa Barbara drive
- Salinas to Sacramento drive
- Salinas to Paso Robles drive
- Salinas to Palm Springs drive
- Salinas to Phoenix drive
- Salinas to Portland drive
- Salinas to Anaheim drive
- Salinas to Reno drive
- Salinas to Palo Alto drive
- Salinas to Santa Monica drive
- Salinas to Pismo Beach drive
- Salinas to South Lake Tahoe drive
- Salinas to Fresno drive
- Salinas to Oakland drive
- Salinas to Sonoma drive
- Salinas to Solvang drive
- Salinas to Livermore drive
- Salinas to Redding drive
- Salinas to Ventura drive
- Salinas to Bakersfield drive
- Salinas to Cambria drive
- Salinas to Modesto drive
- Salinas to Riverside drive
- Salinas to Yuma drive
- Salinas to Stockton drive
Explore nearby places
All related maps of Salinas
- Map of Salinas
- Map of Moss Landing
- Map of the Carmel Valley
- Map of Monterey
- Map of Pacific Grove
- Map of Carmel
- Map of Pebble Beach
- Map of Paicines
- Map of Gilroy
- Map of Aptos
- Map of Capitola
- Map of Big Sur
- Map of Santa Cruz
- Map of Mount Hermon
- Map of Felton
- Map of Boulder Creek
- Map of Los Gatos
- Map of San Jose
- Map of Cupertino
- Map of Santa Clara
- Map of Milpitas
- Map of Mountain View
- Map of Pescadero
- Map of Palo Alto
- Map of Woodside
- Map of Fremont
- Map of Half Moon Bay
- Map of Livermore
- Map of San Mateo
- Map of Modesto
- Map of San Simeon
Salinas throughout the year
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Salinas?
Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:
Day itineraries for nearby cities
- 3-Day San Jose Itinerary
- 3-Day Carmel Itinerary
- 3-Day Monterey Itinerary
- 3-Day Santa Cruz Itinerary
- 3-Day Livermore Itinerary
- 3-Day Half Moon Bay Itinerary
- 3-Day Pacific Grove Itinerary
- 3-Day Palo Alto Itinerary
- 3-Day Santa Clara Itinerary
- 3-Day Big Sur Itinerary
- 3-Day Los Gatos Itinerary
- 3-Day Fremont Itinerary
- 3-Day Mountain View Itinerary
- 3-Day Modesto Itinerary
- 3-Day San Mateo Itinerary
- 3-Day the Carmel Valley Itinerary
- 3-Day Gilroy Itinerary
- 3-Day Cupertino Itinerary
- 3-Day Milpitas Itinerary
- 3-Day Capitola Itinerary
- 3-Day San Simeon Itinerary
- 3-Day Pebble Beach Itinerary
- 3-Day Aptos Itinerary
- 3-Day Boulder Creek Itinerary
- 3-Day Moss Landing Itinerary
- 3-Day Pescadero Itinerary
- 3-Day Felton Itinerary
- 3-Day Woodside Itinerary
- 3-Day Paicines Itinerary
- 3-Day Mount Hermon Itinerary
Planning a trip to Salinas?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
- Itinerary + map in one view
- Live collaboration
- Auto-import hotels and reservations
- Optimize your route
- Offline access on mobile
- Optimize your route
- See time and distance between all your places
