Museums in Monterey County

Monterey County offers museums dedicated to nearly every aspect of its rich history including indigenous history, agriculture, natural history, maritime, art and more. Start at the California Welcome Center Salinas for our regional heritage, and to get recommendations on what to see and do today.

Want to teach the kids about how a family farm operated in the 1800s? Head to the Agricultural and Rural Life Museum. What about the Dust Bowl years? The National Steinbeck Center has an interactive exhibit that explores “The Grapes of Wrath” and the journey of poverty-stricken families to California's Central Valley during the Great Depression. How about California art? The Monterey Museum of Art features eight galleries devoted to exhibitions of American and early California painting, photography and contemporary art. Search below to find a museum to explore!