The Steinbeck Museum was a wonderful literary stop in Salinas. We also visited the Steinbeck House down the street, which made the experience feel more complete. As a tribute to Steinbeck and his connection to the area, the museum was thoughtful, engaging, and well worth the visit. I especially enjoyed the quirky gift shop, always a bonus when a museum shop has personality. The drive into Salinas was also unexpectedly lovely, with so many fields and vegetables growing. It gave the whole visit a strong sense of place and helped connect the landscape to Steinbeck's writing. A great stop for literature lovers, history fans, or anyone looking for something meaningful to do in the area. read more

While I can't remember the last time that I've read a book by John Steinbeck, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the National Steinbeck Center. Unfortunately, reading his books wasn't part of my high school English curriculum; however, my interest in his works was rekindled by visiting this amazing facility! I spent at least a couple hours meandering through the exhibit, beginning with a short film telling the story of his life. It was fascinating to learn how John Steinbeck was both shaped by his hometown, and how much influence he had on the literary landscape during his lifetime. There is so much to look at and discover here! If you're a book nerd, whether a Steinbeck fan or novice like me, check this place out. Ticket prices are reasonable, and they offer discount for locals, veterans, and youth, or if you become a member. I can't wait to visit his childhood home next! read more

See all

We came to Salinas to visit family and decided to explore a little bit. I'm a big reader so when I heard there was a Steinbeck center, I immediately decided we had to go. It is conveniently located downtown next to a parking garage. It is a smaller exhibit but it is definitely larger than you would expect. The employees here are very nice and gave us a rundown of what to expect. It's $15 per adult and they do offer some discounts if they apply to you. You start off in a room with a movie on loop telling you about Steinbeck's life. After that you move into the actual exhibit which was both interactive and fun to look at. Depending on how quickly you move through things you can be here from an hour to 2 hours. We had a great time and this is a great exhibit to see if you are into Steinbeck. There is also a little shop that sells his books and has a nice selection of modern authors as well. They also had mugs/shirts/stickers. read more

See all

This location has a parking garage close by or there is street parking. There is an entry fee. We started with the 15 minute video about Steinbeck's life and then moved onto the curated exhibits. I really enjoyed the displays and learning more about Steinbeck. I didn't realize how many books he had written both fiction and non fiction. It was cool to see more information about his books turned to movies. I enjoyed the museum and the gift shop. All of his books were available to purchase. It would take between 1.5-2 hours to go through. Enjoy. read more

See all

Really enjoyed our visit to the National Steinbeck Center. The exhibits bring Steinbeck's life and works to life in a way that's engaging and easy to follow, even if you're not a hardcore fan. Nicely done mix of history, interactive displays, and local context. Worth a stop if you're in the area. read more

Highly recommended! John Steinberck, Nobel Prize-winning American author, grew up in Salinas and much of his writing is set in the area. It's actually a bit of poetic justice that the Steinbeck Center is located in Salinas, as some Salinans actually burned his books. (Too much truth for them to handle?) Plan at least two hours to take full benefit of the displays and the documentary movie included in the price of admission. There are many personal effects and writings to peruse; the museum does a fantastic job of balancing Steinbeck's personal history with his development as a writer and thinker. Staff was helpful and answered all our questions. Street parking. And, there's a gift shop. read more

Great place! Very hands on things for the kids to check out. Great history and nicely set up. read more

See all

On our way to Pacific Grove my wife and I made a point of coming through Salinas to visit the Steinbeck Center. We had been there a number of years ago with the kids and had enjoyed it then. This time it would just be the two of us and allow for a more leisurely museum tour. Arriving mid-afternoon on a Sunday the museum was quiet with only a few visitors. The front desk attendant give us a nice overview of the museum and recommended we stop first in the film center for a Steinbeck and Salinas overview. We then started our tour through the museum. I love to read and always have admired authors, especially since my brother is one. I've read a few books by Steinbeck, but it's been years; I was hoping for some inspiration and ideas of others to read. The Steinbeck Center was perfect for this: colorful displays of numerous Steinbeck books, not just the famous ones - I was not aware of many of them! The museum is nicely laid out in a nice maze that leads you from section to section. Most sections focus on a specific book or periods of Steinbeck's life, while movies of his books play in the background, and the varied displays enlighten. Near the end you see the camper truck that Steinbeck used for his cross country "Travels With Charley". Loved his travel quote, "When we get these thruways across the whole country...it will be possible to travel from New York to California without seeing a single thing." One tip on parking: there is a giant parking lot off to the side of the museum, but it is somewhat hidden. If you drive right up to the front of the museum there is a small alley on the right; pause and look down this alley to see the parking lot at the end. (No parking sign is visible from the street.) If you like museums focused on literature or authors this is a must see! read more

See all

We were in Carmel. We decided to go by the Steinbeck Center. We were here the year they opened in 1998. A very nice tribute to a fantastic writer and adventurer. We were there on a Wednesday late morning. I was surprised how many people were there. Well worth the stop. Downtown Salinas is pretty cool. They have cleaned it up very nicely. read more

Staff was great and we thoroughly enjoyed the center. Many interactive experiences. The 13 min film we saw first was very informative. My only complaint is that many of the screens intended for video snips throughout the museum, were not on. No videos were displaying at all. I believe only 2 screens were actually on and running with movie clips. About 4 others were completely blank. A couple screens were even covered up, insinuating they've been inoperable for a time. That makes the museum seem in disrepair. Everything should be functioning, but maybe it was just an off day. Perhaps that's not usually the case. If it is, I highly recommend addressing it for a better guest experience. read more

See all

I am biased because my family and I are huge Steinbeck fans. I have been here before but brought our adult Son this time. We all loved it. Watched the 13 minute video, did the self tour. Lots to see. The best part was the camper truck used in Travels with Charley. Perused the gift shop. They allow you to come back in and bring food to eat in the courtyard and indoor tables. Parking garage next door. Lots of places to eat and boutique shops on the same street. read more

National Steinbeck Center - Who knew Steinbeck was a niners fan? - Museums Near Me - Salinas, California

Here is a place you can spend the day in. I loved spending the day here. There is so much to see and learn. I wasn't that familiar with Steinbeck when I arrived and was an expert when I left. They play clips of many of the movies in their displays and it really came to life. The only downfall was the sound wasn't that great. If you are looking for a museum that brings things to life this is the place for you. If you are a Steinbeck lover you will love this museum. If you are only a novice like me you'll love this place. Either ways plan to spend the day here. read more

A great place to learn about Steinbeck. Multiple rooms and exhibits geared towards books he wrote. He's wrote 27 books and it was the Grape of Wrath that earned him a Nobel Prize in Literature. The facility is clean and there's a small gift shop with lots of Steinbeck's books, tote bags, soaps, t-shirts, etc. 2 long blocks away is the house where Steinbeck was born and grew up with his parents and 3 sisters. read more

See all

Great museum. You start by watching a 15-minute film on his life, and then walk through the exhibits. Each room generally features one of his novels or other works, and they are not really arranged in any sort of chronological order. There are rare editions of his books, historic artifacts, textual descriptions, graphics, and short videos in each exhibit. The space is not large, but don't be fooled; 2 hours is not enough to see everything if you want to watch all the videos in their entirety and read all the text on the wall. read more

Absolutely jaw-dropping! O-M-Gosh, there is so much information about John Steinbeck in this museum. The facilitators who put each exhibit together with how John lived, felt, thought, opined, and cared, are amazing. And then to illustrate those thoughts translating his body of wealth into words to write nearly 40 books, with astonishing detail just kept us in awe for over 3 and 1/2 hours touring the museum. We are from San Diego and purposely made this trip to see the museum of John Steinbeck and left extremely gratified of this extraordinary place, where we might get just as much out of a 2nd visit as much as we took in for our first. Well Done!! I was going to add pictures but it just wouldn't do it justice, it must be seen in person. Not only inexpensive for the visit, but worth every cent toward coming to Salinas and visiting I believe one of the most amazing places in our lives. The employees to the sweet gentle guard, you open your arms and were wonderful. read more

Four stars but for you, it might be five. The one-star ding is accessibility related. If you park in the garage, it's quite a long walk to the center itself and oddly, the disabled ramp is on the far side of the building. Then, getting in, there is a door switch but those doors are exit only so the entrance doors aren't switched. Once inside, they do have a wheelchair you can borrow for people with mobility issues but if you have two in your party needing a chair (as we did), you're out of luck. On to the center itself...You start with a looped video on Steinbeck that does a great job of setting the stage (back to the ADA issues, there's really not a place for a wheelchair but I digress...). You move into main exhibition. It is a very family friendly, kid friendly place. Lots of "hands on" touches. There isn't much in the way of actual Steinbeck artifacts (I believe most of his actual transcripts are at the Steinbeck Center at San Jose State University which is a scholarly research center not open to the public) but they do a great job of setting the context of the world that Steinbeck lived in which is crucial in understanding his art. One of the hallmarks of Steinbeck is dialogue which made his books a natural source for movie scripts. There are several stations where you can watch movie scenes which really brings Steinbeck to life. I'd love to see these films remade today with an appropriately diverse cast but I digress... I mentioned earlier that there isn't much in the way of actual artifacts but one they do have that's magnificent is the actual truck and camper driven by JS when he wrote Travels with Charley. A little bit oddly, the plaque letting you know that this is "the" truck rather than "a" truck is buried away from the truck itself. It's the final exhibit (except for an excellent timeline as you walk out) and it's spectacular. There is an epic gift shop you certainly should hit on the way out. It's wonderfully curated. We bought a couple of books but there are really nice souvenirs as well to mark your visit. read more

National Steinbeck Center - Was here in 2019 to watch an artist start a mural and came back to see the finished product! - Museums Near Me - Salinas, California

We took our kids here today for a "homeschool field trip", and it was much more than I anticipated. Many interactive exhibits, and expansive across his prolific lifespan. But what specifically motivated me to leave a review was Alexis, who greeted us at the front desk. She was extremely friendly, cheerful, and knowledgeable. I thought that heading in to the exhibits, and then on the way out she and her lovely coworker gave change from their own bags to make sure our kids could get a souvenir penny. I haven't seen that level of cheerful competence in a long time and was very impressed. read more

DON'T HESITATE TO BRING YOUR KIDS! They did an excellent job with this museum. It's very informative (each section is broken down by book) but at the same time, extremely interactive. All sorts of hands-on activities for children. They even had a typewriter (I wrote a letter to my sweetheart). Friendly staff. Free parking is located a block away (in a lot shared with law enforcement). read more

See all

Decent size museum. Not huge, but definitely not tiny. Located at the end of Downtown Salinas. Went here on a rainy day and had the whole museum to ourselves. Start by watching a video about Steinbeck and then enter the exhibits. Only Two or Three exhibit halls but they stretch. Never knew a ton about Steinbeck, but glad to learn a lot of information. Have a giftshop as well with cool nick nacks and special Steinbeck items. Definitely a place to check our if your in the area. They have a parking structure next to the museum and a Starbucks across the street :) Can also walk down old downtown Salinas read more

See all

We loved our visit! Both of us are writers and fans of Steinbeck. We especially loved "Travels with Charley" and knew that Steinbeck's truck and camper from his trip was at the museum. There's lots of hands-on stuff and I was surprised how interesting the museum would be. If you have kids, they'd have fun too. I really enjoyed listening/seeing the actors reading certain excerpts from his books. And most of all, after a visit here, it makes me want to read all of his works! He was such an interesting and talented man. read more

See all

4.5 stars. Huge Steinbeck fan and so glad to finally visit the center. I love If you are in the area or passing by, do yourself a favor and stop by. We arrived 15 mins after they opened on sat (1/15) and there were only 5 visitors the entire time we were there (about 75 mins.) The staff were very friendly and sweet. I hope they get more customers in and stay in business for many decades to come. The parking structure is right next door and only costs 1.25 or 1.5/ hr, enough time to walk couple blocks to Steinbeck House for photo shoot within 2 hours :) ** It is a restaurant serving lunch but was closed for carpet replacement that weekend. ** read more

See all

WE went on a Sunday morning and it is well worth the price. The hostess are knowledgeable and can answer questions. Take your time and walk through the wonderful sections concerning John's life and writings. The selections of each of the books and the stories that inspired them are wonderful. Overall, the museum makes you want to go read the books if you haven't already! Support the gift shop since it supports the museum. The only disappointments were the broken exhibits. read more

I loved the book "Cannery Row" and wanted to see the real Cannery Row up close and to learn more about John Steinbeck's life. I wanted to have a meal at the historic Steinbeck home, so I thought a tour of the museum first would spark some interest for my husband and son before we headed over there. Recommendation: Start off by watching the film. I learned a lot about the history of Salinas and Steinbeck's life before his books were published. It was all very interesting. The museum is small but if you took your time to read each exhibit rather than whip by, it could take you a few hours. I did take my time reading and observing each exhibit. There were film clips from "East of Eden" and others with explanations and a timeline which made it easy to follow. Every exhibit was unique and well presented. There was a lot packed into a small space. Impressive. The gift store carried many of Steinbeck's and other books. My son's interest was peaked and he asked to purchase one of his books. Now that's something I don't mind! read more

National Steinbeck Center - Museums Near Me - Salinas, California

Went with a friend a week after I signed up for a membership online. Had a small hiccup as they weren't able to find my membership card but still got in free. It's definitely a place you'll visit more than once. More than worth the $50 for a year of free admission. Awesome gift shop to. read more

See all

If you're a hardcore Steinbeck fan, this is the place for you. We stopped by on a Saturday and we got there an hour before closing. But we had enough time to see everything. The staff is really friendly and they give you a quick explanation on where things are, the bathrooms, souvenirs, the exhibits. Lots of information on John Steinbeck's life. Over all it was a nice little museum. If you're in the area I recommend stopping by and checking it out. read more

See all

I enjoyed this museum but it is a very small one. If you are a child and never read a Steinbeck book, you won't get much out of it. But if you are a fan, it's a nice way to learn about his life and think about his work. The people who work here are super nice. If you happen to be in old town Salinas, it's a nice walk through. read more

I enjoyed reading Steinbeck's novels in high school but am finding them to be even richer now reading them a second time as an adult without the pressure of having to analyze the book for an assignment! I was up in the Monterey area for a one-woman writer's retreat so of course, I HAD to pay tribute to Steinbeck and visit this center. First let me say that when driving into Salinas, you totally feel as though you've been here before and that it's literature come to life before your eyes. I kid you not but I drove over a teeny bridge and caught a glimpse of the side of a river where I could almost see Lenny and George kicking it and planning their future. The Center itself is a wonderful experience from so many angles. Kids will enjoy seeing the scenes from the movie come to life, Adults may find Steinbeck's life fascinating! Writers will enjoy seeing the transfer of his real-life onto the page. I loved learning about the influences behind his many stories and learned about (and bought) the "Travels with Charley" book which was a journey for Steinbeck to get back in touch with his muse - the people of America. I only had an hour so I have to rush through it. Do what is recommended and allow at least 2-2 1/2 hours so you can go slower and linger longer. Plus I missed a few film exhibits for lack of time that I hope to revisit. Plan to walk around in town afterwards as well as it's straight from the pages of his books and still so beautiful and offers many food offerings. #Steinbeck #Literature #book #booklover #OneWomanWritingRetreat #Getaway #History #blogger #makesmewander read more

See all

We really enjoyed this museum and afternoon outing. The exhibits are easy to navigate through and gave a nice, overall appreciation to the life and works of John Steinbeck. Parking is easy as there is a parking garage next to the Center. Old town Salinas is absolutely lovely, filled with great restaurants and easily walkable. We're really glad we spent the time to visit both. read more

This was a fun way to learn about this author's personal and professional life. I never knew he was a war correspondent in addition to being a fiction writer. read more

My husband wanted to go here, since we found out that we'd be driving through Salinas to get to Carmel. I thought, why not? It seems like a popular destination, especially if you are a fan of Steinbeck novels. Ticket prices are: $14.99 adult There's a bookstore inside, and the staff are very friendly. Once inside, you can opt to view a video clip of the life of Steinbeck. I think viewing this video is important before you take the tour of the museum, since it'll help you understand his life journey and his works through time. My husband is a fan of Steinbeck's books, so he found this museum to be rather fascinating. You can spend a good 1-1.5 hours here, give or take. Parking is available on the streets; not sure about a parking lot or structure. If you like Steinbeck or his books, then this museum is right for you! It's quiet and not that many visitors, at least for July 4th wknd. read more

National Steinbeck Center - Lobby of Steinbeck museum - Museums Near Me - Salinas, California

For the Steinbeck fans this is a great place to see history in action. You can see the truck Charley traveled the country in. Lots of great photos and memorability. And just down the street is where his house is and you can even have lunch there. read more

National Steinbeck Center - Museums Near Me - Salinas, California

We finally checked out the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. It's in Old Town Salinas, they have street parking & parking garage nearby. It's better if you've read Steinbeck's book because it's mostly about all the books & other stuff he's written. I've only read: "The Grapes of Wrath", "Of Mice & Men" & "Cannery Row". So many other books I need to read. We watched the 2 short films first which helped. Learned more about John Steinbeck - he was married 3 times, born in Salinas, his old house is only a few blocks away from the Center. He went to Stanford, but didn't graduate. Other film was about agriculture in Salinas. The Rabobank Agriculture Museum had exhibit on the Missions & Ohlone Indians. In the current changing exhibit there's works by Liam De Leo - he's a graffiti artist. Pretty fun & colorful stuff. Plan about 2hrs to see everything in the museum. Good for locals & fans of John Steinbeck. Regular adult admission $14.95 - with AAA Card you get $1 off. Open daily 10-5, holidays different hrs check website. Website: http://www.steinbeck.org/ read more

See all

If you went to high school in California, chances are that you read a book or two by John Steinbeck. The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men were required reading at my school. Steinbeck was born and raised in Salinas, where the National Steinbeck Center is located. The Center is actually located a few blocks from the house that Steinbeck was born in. This museum is dedicated to Steinbeck's life and his works and according to the most awesome docent ever, Al, is the largest museum in the U.S. about a writer. Al, who volunteers his time at the Center, is full of Steinbeck knowledge and is quite enthusiastic about it - meeting him and chatting with him was definitely one of the highlights of visiting the Center. He recommended that I check out the short film about Steinbeck's life in the little theater and also gave me a list of Steinbeck's works and told me which ones were his favorites. He also talked about the temporary exhibit (right now it's photographs of Edward Weston and three of his descendants) and how it used to be the section devoted to agriculture and migrant workers, but that the Center had to change it to have exhibits that would draw more visitors. The main part of the museum starts with the early years of Steinbeck and goes through each of his major works. There are lots of old photographs and lots of reading - so this isn't really a museum for little kids; more for folks who can comprehend his works and the themes he wrote about. There are also tv screens playing films based on his novels. One of my favorite parts was seeing the display that held Steinbeck's novels in all different languages, including Korean. My other favorite part was the section on Travels with Charley - there was a map of where Steinbeck and his dog Charley went and a model of the camper that he took on his major road trip. I really want to read this book now! The Center was a great place to visit and learn more about John Steinbeck, who was not only from Cali, but has ties to the Bay Area as well (he went to Stanford, though he didn't finish). The gift shop was cool too - they sell all of Steinbeck's works and they also sell shirts that have one of my favorite quotes of his "I guess there are never enough books." The main gallery about Steinbeck is quite chilly, so if you get cold easily like me, definitely bring a light jacket or a sweater. I was wearing a shirt and jeans and I was freezing in there. And parking is either what you find on the street, or there is a parking garage right next to the Center. The Center doesn't validate for it, but the garage is 50 cents an hour, which may be the cheapest garage (that's not free) I've ever parked at. read more

See all

It is worth the trip inland from the coast to go to Salinas and the Steinbeck Center. This is not a typical museum. It is a shrine to all that is Steinbeck. If you have read and love him, you will be in heaven. If you do not know Steinbeck you will be lost and confused. So, read your Steinbeck before you go. There are little films, all his works, and tons of displays. Being there takes you to the place where Lenny and George stayed in Mice and Men, it takes you to the bus stop in Wayward Bus--if you don't know what I am talking about, read him first and then go. John Steinbeck is a true American author. He wrote East of Eden and The Grapes of Wrath. Steinbeck lived in Salinas for a time (it is mostly farm area). The Center is very pretty and whatever you want to know about John Steinbeck you will find there. This is not for little kids. They will be bored. I love it. I will go back again. read more

This small, delightful museum is a must-see for Steinbeck readers. I went with a family member who has never read any Steinbeck and he still enjoyed the exhibits. The museum is well located near several charming dining options as well. read more

This place was pretty awesome. It's right by downtown Salinas and only a few steps from John Steinbeck's original family home. So you can hit up two historic sites at once. Also if you are staying in Monterey it's a beautiful drive through the farm lands of the valley. The real truck and camper from "Travels with Charley" is at the end of the exhibit so make sure not to fly by that one. And I have to point out that the staff were all amazing especially the tall thin cashier with the hair bun (forgot his name). read more

As a fellow museum employee of a different institution, I definitely enjoy exploring museums like the Steinbeck Center. My girlfriend and I came in the latter half of the day, and we enjoyed learning about John Steinbeck and the thematic of his books. I definitely became a fan of his, and I even picked up my first book of his, Travels with Charley. I definitely want to come again. Also if you come here, make sure to grab one of those coupons for the Steinbeck house restaurant. It's pretty good. read more

On our drive back from Los Angeles to San Francisco, we stopped in Salinas. For anyone who has not been there recently (like 2021 or later), they have seriously updated their downtown. It is really inviting! We wanted to visit the Steinbeck House, but since it is run mostly by volunteers, the hours are very limited and we did not plan our return drive very well. But we were able to visit the National Steinbeck Center (after enjoying a wonderfully fresh salad at the Salad Shoppe). The museum is at the end of Main street. We think it was super cool and provided a comprehensive view into his life. We could have easily spent more time here than we allowed. Our positive experience began with the staff who greeted us - Narda and Jessika. They were very welcoming and guided us to the video that covered his life and then to the exhibits, laid out as a path through his life. Next time we're down that way, we'll likely stop in again (and time it so we can visit the Steinbeck House). read more

I loved this museum; it is one of the most presentable and greatest museums I have ever been to! I especially love the way they present it; each book is its own exhibit, and there was info on his life in each exhibit as well. The short film seen before going into the exhibit area was very well done; it precisely and concisely described John Steinbeck's entire life in about twenty minutes. I read about ten of John Steinbeck's books in preparation for this museum, and, let me just say, that was a very good decision. It gave me much more understanding into each exhibit, and I was able to fully appreciate each paragraph of information or each video shown. I was also in the middle of 'Travels With Charley' and I thought it was simply wonderful how they, in fact, had the real Rocinante on exhibit! read more

Stopped on our way to SF; what a welcoming experience from the three young people working the front; specifically, the young man working in the morning on June 16; we had a terrific conversation about many topics as he was giving me a short history of Salinas. Great people working there. Wonderful presentation of Steinbeck. I was really impressed and enjoyed my stop there. read more