I enjoy old town salinas, they've worked very hard on uplifting the old look..but kept the old buildings..it's pleasant to stroll through. Rollicks Cofee is a great place for espresso, and hanging out
While walking around the area, alot of empty shops. There is one very nice & large antique store that is in an old bank building. Near the John Steinbeck Center there is a large multiplex theater but unless you're coming down here for one of those three things, not much else to see.
Old Town is historic. I love to go there for cappucino. It is a great place to run into old acquaintances. It also has a nice historic feel.
There is almost nothing left in downtown Salinas. A few used item stores which seem to frequently go out of business, and storefront "churches." There's a great specialty shoe store, and a few very good restaurants, but honestly, you sometimes feel like you're the only one on the street, and that lonely feeling can be somewhat unnerving. Salinas is slowly learning to embraced its Latino heritage and culture. As this occurs its downtown could become as alive as the nearby Alisal area. Perhaps the new building going on, and possible future Cal Train extension will make the downtown truly an enjoyable place.
Not much to see or do here. Most of the shops were closed....on a Friday night! I don't see how business can continue in this part of town. Its a shame because the area has some really historical buildings and attractions that would appeal to many, if given a change.
As a resident of Salinas, I'm proud of the upkeep and restoration of our Oldtown. As we enter the holidays, the main drag, Main St, is decorated for the Holidays, all the lights and ornaments of a time gone by. While you definately have a sense you have traveled back in time, there are great relevant shops and stores....cute clothes, great shoes, and some must see really great home decor stores.Lots of places to eat from Mexican, "Rosita's Armory Cafe", a Salinas staple, and if you are in the mood for a yummy and huge breakfast, make sure you stop by FIRST AWAKENINGS. Don't be put off by the line outside...it's worth the wait!Hope you can come visit our city and enjoy it as much as me and my family does!
We loved the old shops and the layout of the street. A nice little stroll through an older small area in Salinas
Downtown Salinas is quaint with many of the buildings still possessing that 50's kind of charm. It's quiet and friendly. Not at all expensive either.
The town itself old fashioned-looking, charming without being cutesy. We didn't have time to poke in and out of the stores, but it looked much more charming than I remember it looking 30 or 40 years ago, when it was definitely just a farming town.
I didn't expect Salinas to be a destination I'd return too. We went for antiques and found a very good one in Halltree Antiques. Had lunch around the square which is filled with shops and dining.