Great attraction, right size for a short or longer visit. Well organized, comfortable, and good location. Perfect if you are riding Amtrak.Staff accomodating, friendly, helpful always.

Exhibit of John Steinbecks life and a collection from his famous works.

Very interesting place and I learned a lot of new things about this author Go visit!

Great museum and I love how minor changes and new information are always offered.

Was an interesting, informative and interactive museum. And the docents added a lot of stories and color too. We enjoyed ourvisit.

Everyone who works here is very well informed and super nice. And it is nice to see the center open to the public again wed-sundays 10-5pm.

Super presentation. Highly underrated.

Amazing exhibits about each book, his history and travels. The exhibit containing the actual truck and camper used for the trip in Travels with Charley was the highlight for me.

If youre a Steinbeck fan then this really is the mother ship.There is way more to see and feel about Cannery Row here than down the road in Monetary - interesting archive material and lots of the great mans stuff, including Rocinante - the truck from Travels with Charlie.Good for kids too with lots of interaction and some dress up available too.

Very well done, the Authors life captured to perfection.

Have wanted to go for a long time. I enjoyed the little film on Steinbecks life and reading so many of his quotes and passages. Loved seeing the truck and trailer from Travels with Charley. Forced my daughter and her friend along. Although they insisted they were bored in the movie, they loved all the interactive features and I had a hard time getting them out in the end.

If you have enjoyed John Steinbecks writings you will certainly enjoy visiting National Museum Salinas California.

Great little museum for current Steinbeck fans and future ones after exposure to museum!

History of an elite writer who wrote about the plight of the working man.Wining and dining with the elite of New York. But I did learn at the Museum that it was known that contour plowing would preserve soil but was not communicated by the government to the farmers. This would have significantly helped during the dust bowl years.

Great museum, I read two books after visiyobg it.

Unique, clean and have wonderful life massages!

Two great videos about Steinbeck and agriculture around the Salinas area. A large room displaying all of his work and other nice historic information about Salinas, politics, and culture. Great content available for purchase at the gift store.

A nice examination of his life and works. Convenient paid parking.

If you love Steinbecks work, its a must-see.

Great museum! A lot of fascinating expos about Steinbeck!! Bookstore is also complete :)

Highlight of my trip! If youre a fan its a must see they save the best for last... No spoilers!

Nice enough, but tickets are way too expensive.

If you like Steinbeck, or want a little history of Central California, this is a great spot to go.

The Steinbeck Center is a place filled with historical facts and pictures pertaining to John Steinbeck, famous author. Is it a nice place to visit and is also utilized as a banquet hall for outside events. There is an area in the foyer that can be used for parties, dancing etc. and a seperate room for dining, meetings and so much more.

If youre a Steinbeck fan, you just have to like it! Who doesnt want to know more? Good educational stop, great area, made a whole day of it!

Great place to visit, especially if you are a Steinbeck fan.

A great place to visit and learn about a great American writer.

Awesome little museum for all things Steinbeck, in the cool little town of Salinas. My girlfriend took me here and got me Tortilla Flats for my B-day. I loved it. If you dont like John Steinbeck, you are neither Californian nor cool.

Lots of history on a great writer, its very interactive and educational. Learning is fun!

Good place, kind small but GOOD.

One of my favorite museums EVER!

If you know Steinbeck, youll love this place!

Somewhere near Salinas, I let her slip away … iconic town and John Steinbeck Center is a must, of course: Of Mice And Men and more …

Excellent museum if youre a steinbeck fan. If not, its still a good place to learn about California history. Good primer before going into the Monterey Bay.Visit steinbecks house afterwards,two blocks down the street and is a working lunch restaurant. Ask the staff for directions.

Great place to visit

Visited from Idaho, I am a huge Steinbeck fan and was so excited to see the exhibits, and it didnt disappoint. Even my 3 and 6 year old kids had a great time. My husband and I had a blast pouring over the used book section in the bookshop. The lady at the kiosk was incredibly friendly and informative, Im so sorry I dont remember her name, but she was wonderful. This is a wonderful center and a must see for any Steinbeck fan.

If you ever have read him or intend to, try and make it!

How can you not love Steinbeck? Exhibits are really well done.

Wasnt a planned visit but was very happy we stopped. Well put together presentations. I would recommend watching the overview video when you first visit.

Lots of great history!

Very interesting!

Fantastic for book buffs!! Movie about his life plays before u go into museum. Areas of museum each concentrate on one of his noteworthy books. Nice bookstore too. Lots of great quotes from him & his books on walls. A great place & reasonably priced!!

Fantastic set-up! There is so much to see here. You dont only learn about Steinbecks work but also his personal life and where they crossover. It has a lot of interactive parts to give an idea of what life may have been like back then. Recommended for all ages

Great place!

I just didnt have time for exploring all. this is one of the best setup museums. even if you didnt love his writings you would enjoy the background stories. parking on the street was easy for motor home..dont go in the garage!! low ceiling!!!!

I could probably post a thousand words about how great the Steinbeck Center is but if you like Steinbeck and history then this is the place to go. Is takes you through his life and times is fully Interactive it allows you to sit and watch excerpts from many of the books that were turned into movies. Im not that much of a museum fan, but thoroughly enjoyed this

Great to see physical examples of what Steinbeck described in his writing. Watch the intro video first to understand the timeline then walk the exhibit!

Deeper insight into books and works of Salinas icon John Steinbeck. Creative displays include large scale maps of the greater Salinas Valley showing where Steinbeck grew up and where these places appear in his writing, ... but also clever design work that uniquely reflect the style and setting of each piece of work.Too often falling in the media shadow of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this neighboring museum easily deserves its own trip.

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 its very existence. Its mission cannot be achieved in any other place and no other place ought to even try.

Very well done exhibits. Helpful docent. Definitely give yourself 2-3 hours. Its quite extensive. I enjoyed the installations and interactive exhibits.

The Steinbeck Center offers a complete experience in building individual and community involvement in our local and world issues. This spectrum of opportunity involves dialogue regarding: art appreciation, political historical panels, author presentations, celebrations of cultural diversity, literacy and writing advocacy and an in depth look into Steinbeck, his work and personal life. I always come away from an event at the Steinbeck Center with a richer perspective of life and a deeper respect for learning. It is not only a museum, it is a gathering place and a mecca for civil exchange of ideas AND the museum is amazing too!

As a lover of Mr. Steinbecks writings, my visit was a pilgrimage fulfilled. See this place before visiting Monterey and Cannery Row. But do enjoy the warm hospitality of Salinas, and love the world and and its inhabitants (and all creatures great and small) as Mr. S so wanted us to do.

This was a fantastic experience for me. After paying your admission fee go to the right behind the lettuce to the theater. Theres about a 15-minute movie on the life of John Steinbeck that plays on a loop.Across the lobby from the movie you enter the main part of the museum. There are displays on East of Eden, Cannery Row, The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, and Travels with Charley among others. It is a good place to spend a few hours. you get a sticker for your shirt or jacket so that you can re-enter later in the day. I would love to come to this place again.

I’ve been coming here since it first opened.

Amazing museum dedicated to the life of John Steinbeck. I learnt so much about his life, it was fantastic.

I was visiting family in San Jose when my cousin-in-law threw this out as an idea of something to do. Having grown up visiting this family somewhat regularly, its always nice to do something thats totally new to you. And I am so glad that we did. This is one of the best museums that Ive ever been to. I dont know that it would be the most interesting place for children, though there are a few interactive things to do. While I already knew that I liked Steinbeck, I didnt realize the range of topics in his work until visiting this museum. The visit sparked a desire to read much, much more of his work than I already had. I finally found the time to read East of Eden this summer; I had purchased my copy at the gift shop when I was there two years ago. Im reminded of the museum quite a bit, and its making me want to go back!

This museum does a great job of introducing the life and work of John Steinbeck, who was born and raised in Salinas. It also tells a lot about the lives of the people who have made Salinas what it is. It works for many different ages, and is really well designed for teachers who are organizing outings with their students about specific books that Steinbeck wrote and which are popular with high school and college students.

I stopped by here on a rainy Sunday morning. Driving down from the South San Francisco area for the day to do some sightseeing. The GPS directed me right tot he garage. The garage is just to the right of the building and costs about 50 cents per hour. Once in the lobby go towards the lettuce field for a 15 minutes movie that runs on a continuous loop. Then it is across the lobby and into the actual display portion of the museum. The artifacts, displays and video screens are outstanding. The video screens show movie clips or stage productions of the story that is highlighted in that area. East of Eden, Cannery Row Sea of Cortez, and Travels with Charley are just a few books of what is included in this outstanding museum.

If you are a fan of Steinbeck, or not, this is an amazing museum. We have been many times, and each time we go.....we disvover something new. Whether you agree with his politics or not, he is a man to be admired. He fought for what he believed in, and his literary interpretation of the times was authentic and true. If you have children, the hands on aspect of the museum is truly enjoyable.

If you are a fan of Steinbeck, or not, this is an amazing museum. We have been many times, and each time we go.....we disvover something new. Whether you agree with his politics or not, he is a man to be admired. He fought for what he believed in, and his literary interpretation of the times was authentic and true. If you have children, the hands on aspect of the museum is truly enjoyable.

It has everything youd expect to see. It takes you through different works hes written in a quasi-chronological order and discusses the meaning behind why he wrote it. Theres also a few displays on Salinas and the towns around California. There are good visuals and it tries to have interactive pieces, mainly for children.

It was great learning more about such an accomplished writer and what inspired his works and life. Wonderful for kids too with interactive activities and displays. Fun for all.

It is the place to go if you are interested in the books written by John Steinbeck and his life.

This was a great museum. There were so many interactive displays and different thinks to look at. It is geared toward Steinbeck fans, but those new to his work can appreciate it and gain a better understanding of his life, influences and contributions. Relatively quiet on the Saturday morning we visited.

Great history of the author

Good interpretive layout. Accessible location with convenient (paid) parking.

Great museum, covers his life and has lots of facts regarding the regional Steinbeck life. You will find something you didnt know. Will be back to visit.

This place is awesome! Anyone who has ever read Steinbeck should definitely make a trip to this museum if they have the time. There is A LOT of stuff to do here, and a lot of artifacts/history to learn about - not only for Steinbeck, but for his best friend Ed Ricketts and the general history of CA as well. I really cannot say how great this museum is compared to what most people expect - they put money into this place and it definitely shows. If you read Steinbeck or your kids read it in high school, I could not recommend it enough that you take them to this museum - they might end up liking it more than you!

Great museum that provides a lot of information on John Steinbeck and his history with the city. The museum is well designed and highly informative, with a number of interactive exhibits and artifacts from Steinbecks life.

Great selection of information and memorabilia. Loved how they broke down each of his more famous novels into separate spaces. Had a great timeline, as well. Hope to go back!

Huge surprise! What a fantastic place! Exhibits, information, bookstore, all exceptionally well presented... enjoy a local winery with views, before or after and it becomes a very special day.

It was interesting to see what drove one of the best writers of American 20 century. If only the could afford to maintain the exhibits.

Great little museum. Key captions from his many books are blown up throughout the museum alongside monitors showing clips of movie adaptations of his books. The museum has neighborhoods recreated from his books. Plenty of benches throughout to sit and immerse yourself in his world. Someone spent considerable time creating mood with lighting, sound and even a light wind. My son, who is reading Of Mice and Men in middle school, loved it.

To be reminded of Mr. Steinbecks enormous contributions to literature was a true pleasure. I have frequently admired the dedication of volunteers, docents, benefactors of varied interests in their efforts to bring history to our attention and preserve same for our future. This monument could be well served by attending to some basic requirements for exhibits of this sort. Attention to illuminating displays is critical to appreciating their subject matter. Improvements are required in this area. It should become practice to conduct walk-throughs with a cross-section of typical guests to spot shortfalls before opening such an ambitious project. Still, all your efforts are genuinely appreciated. Thank you.

This is the best museum for famous writer John Steinbeck and his books. This museum provides excellent information and display for his life and writing experiences. It was fantastic - it is definitely well worth!

Details of the life, books and movies of. John Steinbeck. Very informative.

Best place ever !! Read the books first and then come :)

You like John Steinbeck? Then this is a place you really like to see. The museum shows a perfect presentation with much to read and many exerpts from the movies.

A bite-sized bit of history that will entertain people of all ages. Its highly interactive and only takes about 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours to experience it all. Worth the entry fee and has piqued my interest in picking up Travels with Charlie as well as a few of his other works Id missed.

This is a very well done Museum. It shows how universal Steinbecks stories are. The hands on displays help to truly understand what the lives of Steinbecks characters lived through.

This center has a Steinbeck Museum in it and that is worth seeing. Especially if you are a John Steinbeck fan. I loved it. However the building itself is not appealing from the outside or in, and aside from the museum I would not go there.

Everything was lovely until I got my jeans torn by the spring in the back seat of the Steinbeck car. Be careful! Associate was notified that the back seat needs to be repaired.

Always nice to learn bout history of people born in the city were you grew up.

Great for kids too! Start with the movie about his life and then go into the museum. After that buy a book!

A very interesting museum with lots of interactive exhibits! Great for kids and adults!

Absolutely cool. Worth the stop if your passing through as we were. Some of the artifacts are just so interesting. Even better is the quality of presentation.

Really awesome food and great prices. Staying at Marriott came for lunch...we will come again.

This is an amazing exhibit, very comprehensive, informative, and tastefully put together.

Very friendly people in here the parking once i figured it out was close! I thought this place needed a better spot to be, due to the fact that most all the homeless and sex offenders and parolees are right across the street! but when you go in its very nice almost out of place.

For a small museum very well done. Many snips from the movies made about his books. Made me want to read more of his books.

Very clean and relaxed. I enjoyed myself. Im surprised because it was a small Museum and I went to sleep many times reading The Grapes of Wrath. It really helped me to understand the period of the Dust Bowl and the area.

Awesome place but I wasnt able to see the whole place.

This meusem on the life and books from John Steinbeck is so well designed it is a must visit if you are in Salinas, California.

Great little.museum, and I mean little. You will.spend maybe an hour here. Bit lots of information about Steinbeck and his house is walking distance.

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 blocks away.

This is a wonderful museum. Well worth a visit. I particularly liked that they have the camper in which he travelled with his dog.

I found this place by accident while visiting the Salinas Farmers Market. But what a treat! Very pleasant self guided tour. Not too crowded and very pleasant staff. I learned a lot about Steinbecks life and career. Highly recomended!

Nice recording of Steinbeck Of Mice And Men. Cool museum.

Great place. To reliant on film to celebrate such a great writer.

Wonderful experience. Great for young and old alike. Very interesting.