The Salinas Welcome Center sits right in the gateway to Monterey Bay and Steinbeck Country, staffed with travel concierges who actually know the region and can point you toward places you’ll want to visit. If you’re traveling with a dog and need help planning your route through the area, this is a solid stop.

Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome inside the center itself, which matters when you’re trying to grab maps and chat with staff without leaving your dog tied outside. There’s an area nearby where your dog can stretch their legs and get a quick walk or run in, especially useful if you’ve been driving. The center also stocks dog treats, a nice touch if your dog gets antsy during travel.

The staff can guide you to actual destinations worth the drive. You’ll get recommendations on where to eat in the historic downtown, nearby winery tasting rooms in South Monterey County and Carmel Valley, and day trips to places like Pinnacles National Monument, the missions at San Juan Bautista or Soledad, and Monterey Bay beaches. They have free maps and brochures organized by what you’re interested in—whether that’s hiking, agriculture history, wine, or the Monterey Jazz Festival if you’re timing your visit around that.

Salinas itself has more than 50 beaches within reasonable driving distance, over 60 parks, and access to Big Sur’s giant redwoods. You could also ask the staff about the less-obvious stops: the National Steinbeck Center if literary history interests you, or which of the seasonal festivals—the Artichoke Festival, Garlic Festival, Strawberry Festival—might align with your trip.

The center’s open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so it’s easy to swing by early in your visit when you still have time to act on recommendations. Grab a map of the local area parks and ask the concierges which ones have good dog access before you head out exploring.