Romantic Long Weekend Getaway in Salinas
Experience love and romance in the peaceful vineyards of Salinas.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Salinas, in California, is a lovely spot for a romantic trip with your partner. Take strolls along its gorgeous beaches, enjoy cycling in the surrounding valleys, and dine on local foods while taking in the striking sunset. For a charming getaway filled with romance and adventure, Salinas is the perfect destination.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the romantic Carmel Valley Ranch, surrounded by nature and incredible views
- Start the day with a tour of the National Steinbeck Center, learning about the author's life and work
- Visit the nearby Steinbeck House, where the writer himself lived and wrote some of his best work
- Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch at the picturesque Toro County Park
- Round out the day with a sunset visit to the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
- Begin with a coffee and pastry at the chic Farm Fresh Deli, known for their farm-to-table fare
- Tour the many vineyards of the Salinas Valley, sampling award-winning wines at Chalone Vineyard and Folktale Winery
- Lunch at the iconic Salinas Valley Food & Wine Festival, featuring local chefs and winemakers
- Spend the afternoon exploring the charming Oldtown Salinas, with its eclectic mix of shops and galleries
- For dinner, tuck into the renowned Italian cuisine at Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza
- After breakfast at Carmel Valley Ranch, take a scenic drive to the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Spend the morning marveling at the incredible marine life and interactive exhibits
- Take a leisurely lunch at the Blue Fin Cafe, with stunning views of the bay
- In the afternoon, take a kayak tour of Elkhorn Slough, famous for its wildlife and untouched beauty
- Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner at the Sur House, offering contemporary coastal cuisine and breathtaking views of the Pacific
- Note: Before making any bookings, please check for pandemic-related restrictions and safety measures in Salinas.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Salinas, United States by plane is to fly into Monterey Regional Airport, which is approximately 18 miles away from Salinas. From there, you can take a taxi or rental car to your destination.
Car
The best way to get to Salinas, United States by car is to take US Route 101 or CA-1 to Salinas. There are also several rental car options available at airports in nearby cities.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Salinas. The closest Amtrak station is in Salinas, but you will have to take a connecting bus or train from a nearby city.
Boat
There are no direct boat services to Salinas, as it is an inland city. The closest major ports are the Port of Oakland and the Port of Los Angeles, both of which are several hundred miles away.
Bus
The best way to get to Salinas, United States by bus is to take a Greyhound bus to the Salinas Transit Center in Salinas, CA. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to your final destination.