John Steinbeck is an American icon, famous for writing "The Grapes of Wrath," "Of Mice and Men" and several other literary masterpieces that remain widely read to this day. Many of these works feature Salinas — the place where Steinbeck was born and raised. Steinbeck is from humble beginnings, having grown up at a time when Salinas was nothing more than a small rural town. He worked on ranches around the Salinas Valley, forming close relationships with many of the migrant workers in the area.
A century later, Steinbeck still looms large in Salinas. With his birthday around the corner (February 27th), there's no better time than now to visit these six Steinbeck-related landmarks.
Most high school students across the country have been assigned to read at least one John Steinbeck novel, whether it was "Of Mice and Men" (1937) or "The Grapes of Wrath" (1939). These timeless classics feature a realistic portrayal of the working class, the intricacies of family bonds and the importance of community.
1. Come Visit Steinbeck’s Inspiration
A number of Steinbeck’s literary works were inspired by the agricultural fields, fruitful pastures, rolling hills and ocean fronts throughout Monterey County. But the city of Salinas deserves the most recognition here as it was Steinbeck’s hometown and primary inspiration.
So before heading to Monterey’s Cannery Row for sightseeing and a bite to eat, take a half or one full-day literary tour in the city of Salinas.
2. National Steinbeck Center in Salinas
This museum and memorial dedicated to Steinbeck's creative legacy is a must-visit for any fan of Steinbeck — or anyone just looking for a deeper knowledge of literary history. The National Steinbeck Center features frequent events, such as contests for young writers and the annual Steinbeck Festival every June.
3. Steinbeck’s Birthplace in Salina
After you visit the Steinbeck Center, take a short walk to The Steinbeck House. Steinbeck and his siblings were born and raised in this Victorian home. After taking a guided tour, visitors can stay for lunch and buy a Steinbeck novel and other memorabilia at the gift shop.
This is Steinbeck's humble boyhood home, which now serves lunch to those who want an up-close-and-personal taste of the great writer's beginnings. Delight in Steinbeck's memory with a good lunch at this cozy spot, open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.
4. Pay Homage at Steinbeck's Family Gravesite
Visiting Steinbeck’s Family Gravesite is another important stop on your tour. Stay for 10-15 minutes, place a flower on the family gravesite and pay homage and respect to Steinbeck, Pulitzer Prize (1940) and Nobel Prize (1962) winner, by reading aloud one’s favorite passage from one of his novels, novellas, screenplays or published letters.
5. Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row
"Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream," opens Steinbeck's iconic 1945 novel, "Cannery Row." Present-day Cannery Row is as charming as it was in Steinbeck's day, full of waterfront shops, restaurants and hotels. Along Cannery Row is Steinbeck Plaza, which showcases a gorgeous monument to the late, great author and the migrant workers at the heart of the novel.
6. Ed Ricketts's Lab on Cannery Row
Keep walking down Cannery Row and you'll find Ed Ricketts's Lab, which was also featured in the novel "Cannery Row." Head inside for a tour of Pacific Biological Laboratories and view a unique scientific setting that figured prominently in an American classic.
7. Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey
Featured in "Sweet Thursday," the sequel to "Cannery Row," this stretch of shops along the water offers the perfect opportunity for a casual stroll. Pick up a gift or enjoy a bowl of clam chowder in an area that deeply inspired Steinbeck creatively. Old Fisherman's Wharf is also home to many whale watch tours.
Bonus: River Road Wine Trail in Salinas Valley
What trip to Salinas Valley is complete without hitting the River Road Wine Trail? Enjoy this singular wine-tasting experience in the lovely surroundings that Steinbeck once called home.
Steinbeck embodies the spirit of Monterey County. It's a spirit that is humble, quintessentially American and dedicated to natural beauty. The next time you visit Monterey County, be sure to learn a thing or two about the life of John Steinbeck, a man who stands apart as a central figure in the region's — and the country's — artistic history.