Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Salinas - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Salinas

Salinas, California

Fort Ord

Once America’s most beautiful army base, this abandoned military fort on the coast of Monterey Bay has been left to the elements.

Salinas, California

The Steinbeck House Restaurant

Eat a tasty meal in the house where John Steinbeck was born.

Are we missing something unusual in Salinas?

Castroville, California

World's Largest Artichoke Statue

It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

7 miles from Salinas

Castroville, California

Sauce Bros Barge

An abandoned boat that's been stranded mysteriously for decades.

9 miles from Salinas

Moss Landing, California

Elkhorn Slough

More than 700 species live within this murky marvel of a swamp on California's coast.

11 miles from Salinas

Monterey, California

Dennis the Menace Playground

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.

13 miles from Salinas

Monterey, California

Monterey's Custom House

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

14 miles from Salinas

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Private Trip: Photographing Palm Springs

Join National Geographic author, photographer, and Palm Springs resident Christopher P. Baker on this privately guided, one-of-a-kind photography workshop.

Community Forums / United States / US: West

Top Discussions in the US: West Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Looking for places to visit in Tucson Az	13 January 3, 2020	2677	January 3, 2020
Blenheim Apricot	10 January 13, 2020	2433	January 13, 2020
Visiting Utah and Colorado	11 December 5, 2019	577	December 5, 2019
Traveling through MT, WY, CO, TX. Need advice!	9 June 12, 2019	1429	June 12, 2019
Tracing a town with a square with a lovely scent, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA	8 September 22, 2019	1461	September 22, 2019

New Post Visit the Forum

Explore Salinas, California

Launch Map

Salinas Leaderboard

Places Added

Weifinder 1

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Salinas.

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Salinas Activity

SkyRocket13 wants to go to Fort Ord

pooriaman has been to The Steinbeck House Restaurant

mayamiz2004 wants to go to The Steinbeck House Restaurant

philipgoltsin has been to The Steinbeck House Restaurant

radojicicm has been to Fort Ord

Stories About Salinas

One theory holds that Monterey Jack was developed by Scotsman David Jacks.

The Cheese Makers Keeping Monterey Jack's Local Legend Alive

Only one farmstead in Monterey County still makes the famed cheese.

by Rachel Wharton

November 12, 2019

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.