oldtown

Great ols City, with the Maya Theatre and National Steinbeck Center. Also several Art Deco buildings within four blocks.

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.

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.

We were staying at a hotel by the freeway, and just ventured downtown to see if it was worth the drive by. Not only was the area filled with lovely old buildings, but there were several antique and whatnot shops for us to poke around in, and even a farmer's market. We spent several hours there and enjoyed ourselves....

Fantastic Art Deco buildings - totally unexpected. Get map from Welcome Center on N end of town. And, I'm not even particularly into architecture!

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.

There are some cute shops, restaurants, the old Fox Theatre,as well as the Steinbeck Center, so it is a pleasant place to browse.

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.

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.

Just as is the case with 19th Century Towns, the retail center lost its purpose and went out to the 'burbs' long ago. It is amply evident by the presence of antique stores. The best part of retail was a farmers' market which is closed - new multi-purpose structure under way on that site. Parking is still not convenient, this small area is served by an expensive hi-rise structure. Still, one has to go far to find such TLC where there are businesses. The Steinbeck Museum anchors one end of Main Street. We have patronized several restaurants, one brewpub, a landmark Movie Palace that our family in Salinas attend. The quality of these businesses is indicated by the size of the crowd of patrons trying to get in. Try such a town in mid-week for the survivors - they have to be good.If one misses the sounds of railroads, here is where you hear tnem.

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.

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.

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

We loved the old shops and the layout of the street. A nice little stroll through an older small area in Salinas

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!