Where to take visiting family in Salinas

$10–$20 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

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.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports

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.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

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.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

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.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

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.

FoodRelaxedRomantic

$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

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.

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

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.

FoodCocktailsSports

$25–$50 typical45 min visiteasy parking

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.

FoodOutdoorsRelaxed

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

$20–$50 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

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.

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

FoodRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

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.

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

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.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

FoodCocktailsSports

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

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.

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

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.

OutdoorsViewsAdventurous

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.

$10 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

El Estero Park

El Estero Park is ideal for a relaxed family outing or solo walk, offering playgrounds, a lake, and waterfowl. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, with an optional small spend on snacks, fitting well before or after a meal in Monterey.

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Salinas River State Beach

Salinas River State Beach is good for a free, scenic outing such as bird-watching or a walk along the dunes. Expect to spend a couple of hours here, making it a good complement to other nearby coastal activities.