The best bakeries & sweet shops in Salinas

“Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.”

“When a birthday, baby shower, or random sugar craving hits this week, Sweet Note Cakes turns it into a gorgeous, flavor-forward centerpiece, including creations like the Floral Wreath. Founder Betsy crafts celebration cakes and sweets to order, delivering that rare combo of looks and tastes that disappear by breakfast.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Room For Dessert is a by-order Monterey bakery turning decorated sugar cookies into tiny edible art for weddings, corporate thank-yous, and just-because celebrations. Put in an order this week or snag a spot at one of their parties/workshops, then pretend you made them yourself, we won't tell.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Since 1936, Peters' Bakery has kept the South Bay sweet with its iconic Burnt Almond Cake, baked fresh using time-honored recipes. This week, snag a slice or a seasonal Strawberry Ring, plus pies, fresh doughnuts, croissants, whipped cream eclairs, cookies, and their famous fruit bars.”

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Basic shop crafting housemade baked goods, including cakepops, cookies, pastries & custom cakes.”

“French-style cafe serving pastries, macarons, tarts & cakes, plus coffee & sandwiches.”

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Flower Flour turns big days into better ones with gorgeous custom cakes for weddings and every other excuse to celebrate, plus daily wins like morning buns, almond croissants, and guava or burnt almond slices. Treat yourself this week, then start a custom cake request and make the next party easy.”

“Casual dessert destination for ice cream, chocolate products, candy, gourmet popcorn.”

“Busy bakery for custom cakes for weddings and birthdays, plus brownies and cookies.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Whether this week calls for a kid-hype rainbow layer, a sleek semi-naked berry situation, or a totally custom ice cream cake, San Jose Cakes Delighted bakes everything from scratch and nails the details. Send your idea, get a quote, then watch dessert steal the party.”

“Craving a celebration cake or a just-because treat this week? SusieCakes - Willow Glen turns out classic cakes, cupcakes, cookies and seasonal winners like Summer Strawberry Whip Cake and Key Lime Pie, and you can order online for local pickup or delivery so dessert basically delivers itself.”

“Casual space for pastries, quiches and coffee plus savory sandwiches; bakery menu.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.”

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Petite shop selling premium truffles, chews & creams, plus chocolate-covered fruits & nuts.”

“This longtime bakery & deli known for its pan dulce also offers sandwiches & Mexican pastries.”

“Lula's Chocolates is Monterey-made and family-run, turning Grandma Lula’s recipes into small-batch sea salt caramels, truffle collections, and legit toffee you’ll hide from roommates. Grab a box that rescues late-afternoon slumps, or book a cozy at-home tasting with their virtual chocolate events.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine).”

“Charming bakery offering croissants, tarts, quiches, sandwiches, and coffee.”

“Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.”

“Pandan waffles and custom cakes round out the offerings at this bakery with Vietnamese roots.”

“Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.”

“Long-running fixture for homemade caramel corn, chocolate clusters, taffy and popcorn.”

“Whimsical bakery specializing in signature creative cupcakes served in brightly colored digs.”

“Set in the restored Cooper Molera complex, this bakery & cafe serves an elevated New American menu.”

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”