national steinbeck center

I'm not the biggest Steinbeck fan. I don't even think I've ever read one of his books. But, this place is amazing! And I realized how important he is to the literary history of our country. It was an incredible experience wandering through all of the collections about his life. Mind opening. And then we had to go to the Steinbeck House for lunch, of course. This is well worth the visit if you are ever in the Salinas/Monterey area.

John Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors, and after taking a course at Stanford, in which we read many of his books and studied his life, I knew I had to visit the Steinbeck Center. We were fortunate to visit on a weekday and it was quiet and uncrowded and you could take your time reading and enjoying each exhibit. I particularly like the recreations of some of the scenes from Cannery Row. I loved being able to see the tiny camper in which he made his way across country with his poodle in "Travels with Charley". All of Steinbeck's books are reflected in the various exhibits. There is also a separate exhibit on the agricultural history of the Salinas Valley that is well worth a visit. And just down the street, a couple of nice places to eat after you've brushed up on your Steinbeck knowledge and trivia.

A wonderful museum composed of the many chapters of John Steinbeck's life and writing. Since many of his books were influenced by Monterey and Salinas, the displays are also very interesting regarding the canneries and agricultural history of the valley. There is plenty to read and look at, including many of the colorful characters (many based on real people) of Steinbeck's books. The gift shop offers most of his books and some other fun mementos. I was surprised there were no postcards available of the actual museum.

Pretty cool place, especially if you like John Steinbeck! Go check it out. only like 10 bucks and they give his whole history and the backgrounds to all his books. Hint: His books mostly took place in Salinas and Monterey Bay... So that's really cool.

brings history to life surely a must see. This was California and now it is the Salad Bowl of the United States and even the world

This venue is not much to look at, although the historical information is of value. There are a lot of aother things in Salinas to see as well.

If you like Steinbeck's writings you will definitely love the Steinbeck Center. So much history of John Steinbeck.

They have made a very interesting and fact full hall of John Steinbeck life and works. A must stop off Hwy 101 between L.A. and San Francisco. See you at the Steinbeck Center.

Lots of good food to choose from, Servers are very nice. Saturday teas are very well done. When I want to have a nice quite lunch with friends and family Steinbeck is the place.

I think it would be a really sad day that a person who was in the Salinas area did not make plans to visit the National Steinbeck Center, for many reasons, but the most predominant reason would be that it truly will provide a perspective of the history of the Salinas area, and an interesting perspective on the life of John Steinbeck, and what drove him to write about the area.

Steinbeck has been a favorite author of mine since high school many years ago. The Steinbeck Center is a jewel. Steinbeck's life and works are very well presented through a variety of media enhanced displays and interactive exhibits.

It was very interesting place, my 4 year old really enjoyed it too especially getting on top of a plastic pony. You can go to this website: www.SFBayFun.com and save 5$ per ticket, just print out a coupon and present it Thursday-Sunday. Our tickets were 10$ per person, it is a great price and you will learn a lot about John Steinbeck. Also, there is a nice store that you can buy books and movies. Check out their 80% off section.

I have read a number of his books, but my love has taught a bunch of them as a High School English teacher. We were both enamored with the presentation of the Center and the work that the locals have put into the place. Yes, I would say that anyone that has read any of his works need to take the time to view the Center. Yes, I would go back again.

Reasonably good depiction af the life and times of John Steinbeck, with other exhibits that are of equakl interest. However, the price may be a little too high.

Not your typical museum with just artifacts in display cases. Interactive and excellent education and exposure to the man and his work. Sometimes they have special events such as period music concerts which we attended. You can eat lunch at his house just a short walk away. I had to read his works which somehow I never read in school. Serious literature but a memorable experience