Salinas · Monterey County, CA
Things to do this weekend in Salinas
Scout analyzed 65 Salinas places and surfaced the ones that actually fit this weekend.
Places analyzed
65
Matches
24
Typical spend
$25
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Scout-verified spots
Outdoors
Sherwood Park
Sherwood Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a family outing or a cheap weekend adventure, offering playgrounds, gardens, and sports facilities for a few hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to a nearby casual eatery.
Food & Drink
Portobello's on Main
Portobello's on Main is suitable for a relaxed meal or drinks with classic American food. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a visit lasting about an hour, pairing well with downtown Salinas activities.
Outdoors
Manzanita County Park
Manzanita County Park is good for a casual family outing centered around sports, with baseball and soccer fields available. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, and it is a free activity.
Sports & Recreation
Del Monte Beach
Del Monte Beach is good for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, perhaps as a morning walk or afternoon picnic. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the sand dunes, wildlife, and ocean views.
Outdoors
Fremont Peak State Park
Fremont Peak State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outing, offering hiking and picnicking with expansive views. Expect to spend around $10-20 per person for park entry or activities, making it a budget-friendly option for nature lovers.
Family
Tatum's Garden
Tatum's Garden is a destination playground, good for a free family outing with young children for 1-2 hours. It can be paired with a picnic lunch at the park or a visit to a nearby family-friendly restaurant.
Outdoors
Natividad Creek Park
Natividad Creek Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a 1.5-hour visit with family, pets, or for solo exercise, often paired with a picnic. It offers diverse activities from playgrounds to skate areas.
Outdoors
Central Park
Central Park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, typically lasting 1-2 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or as a stop during a longer day out, with little to no cost involved.
Food & Drink
The Beerded Bean
The Beerded Bean is a coffee shop suitable for a quick stop to grab a drink or a casual meeting, typically lasting 30-60 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for a beverage and possibly a light snack.
Food & Drink
East Village Cafe
East Village Cafe is good for a casual breakfast or coffee break, easily paired with exploring Monterey's sights. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for a quick bite and drink.
Food & Drink
Patria | Main St
Patria is a cozy European restaurant, good for a relaxed dinner or special occasion. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person on a meal.
Food & Drink
Captain + Stoker
Captain + Stoker is a good stop for a quick coffee and a light bite to start your day or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a visit of about 30 minutes.
Food & Drink
The Village Restaurant
The Village Restaurant is a casual spot for American and Italian fare, suitable for a relaxed meal or drinks. Expect to spend $15-30 per person for a visit of about an hour.
Food & Drink
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ's is a casual chain restaurant good for family meals or a relaxed dinner with friends. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $25-50 per person on pub fare and drinks.
Food & Drink
First Awakenings
First Awakenings is a classic breakfast spot suitable for a casual start to the day. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $10-25 per person for a hearty meal.
Food & Drink
Gino's
Gino's is suitable for a relaxed family dinner or a casual date night, offering Italian fare and wine. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-$50 per person.
Food & Drink
Growers Pub
Growers Pub is a casual spot for an affordable meal or drinks, ideal for winding down an afternoon or starting an evening. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for about an hour.
Food & Drink
Black Bear Diner Salinas
This diner is a reliable spot for a casual meal, suitable for families or solo diners. Expect a visit around an hour, with typical costs between $15-30 per person.
Food & Drink
Salinas City BBQ
Salinas City BBQ is a casual spot for smoked meats and craft brews, suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for a main dish and a drink.
Outdoors
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Visit this state park for a few hours of hiking or biking on varied terrain. Expect to spend $0-$10 on parking, making it a good, active option for a solo outing or with family.
Nightlife
Dubber's Oldtown Bar And Grill
This is a casual bar & grill for a meal and drinks, especially if you want to catch a game. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-35 per person for food and a drink.
Outdoors
Garland Ranch Regional Park
This park is suitable for a 3-hour outdoor adventure, offering extensive hiking trails and scenic views. It's a free activity that pairs well with a picnic or a visit to Carmel Valley. Expect significant walking on uneven terrain.
Outdoors
Jacks Peak Park
Jacks Peak Park is good for a 2-3 hour hike with scenic views, perfect for a solo or family weekend outing. Expect minimal cost, likely just a parking fee.
Outdoors
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, featuring scenic coastal trails, wildlife viewing, and a small museum. Expect to pay an entrance fee per vehicle and spend several hours exploring the reserve.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 65 analyzed Salinas places fit this weekend.
- 47% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 50% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Scenic, Adventurous, Playful, Quiet.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Salinas
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Salinas.
See what's bookable in Salinas(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Salinas?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Salinas — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Salinas(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.