National Steinbeck Center — Attraction in Salinas

Small museum with few interactive activities for youngsters. No audio devices for guided tour narration (in English or any other language). Two brief films in the small theatre were informative but only for a adults. A film specifically designed for youngster us advised. No highlights or recordings from the annual Steinbeck weekend is available as part of the tour. Bookstore is unattended and signage fails to tell shoppers that the admissions clerk is also the bookstore cash register attendant. Bookstore has a lot of books all offered at retail prices. I bought 2 to support the Center; however, I felt that the pricing discouraged sales. No Steinbeck merchandise specifically designed for youngsters (boat replica, action figure, stress ball vegetables, squeaky mouses) and no collectible replicas (bronze bust, high quality resin boat replica, glowing pearl which float above a magnetic base) were available for adult Steinbeck fans. I saw no catalogs or flyers of merchandise to take with me nor did I get a complimentary bookmark offering a discount on membership, next visit or next purchase. I wanted this shrine to be more than it was yet I was an am grateful for it's very existence. It's mission cannot be achieved in any other place and no other place ought...

We had driven by several times, never having time to stop. Finally we allowed time and were glad that we did. I don’t have a lot of time to read for enjoyment, so was only familiar with some of the titles and watched one or two movies long ago. We were very impressed with the exhibits and displays, all well done. The displays tell of the life of John Steinbeck as well as many of his major works with lines from the books, why the story was relevant to him, and sometimes dioramas or objects. I saw at least two models of Cannery Row in Monterey. Two videos run continuously, one about Steanbeck and one about agriculture in the Salinas Valley. The Museum Store in filled with his books, audio books, videos of movies based on his books, mugs, etc. We came away with two paper books, two audio books (one we started on the long drive home), and a commuter cup. My wife had grudgingly allowed me to stop and I think she enjoyed it even more than I did. After visiting the museum, the Steainbeck house is about two or three...

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...