The best things to do in Salinas

“Kick your week into gear with Salinas Rodeo, serving real deal PRCA action in our backyard, from bull riding and barrel racing to saddle bronc and freestyle bullfights that make your coffee feel weak. Plus parades, Cowboy Poetry, the Midway, and the Crown Royal Saloon keep the hometown vibes strong.”

From the Salinas newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Built by Jack Fleming back in 1957, Salinas Fairways Golf Course is a championship 18 that locals love for smooth greens, an honest test, and easy practice time on the range and putting green. Grab a post-round bite at Cotton’s Café and pick up tips from their PGA instruction crew.”

From the Salinas newsletter, September 15, 2026

“San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range for tune-ups. Play a round, take a lesson if your slice needs therapy, then refuel on the patio at Muni Bar & Grill...”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus hands-on education programs that turn curiosity into giggles. Low-stress, high-smile San Jose staple when you need an easy kid win this week.”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Golfland San Jose is the low-lift pick-me-up for any weeknight, serving award-winning mini golf backed by over 70 years of family-fun know-how. Round up the crew, trade playful trash talk, and chase that deeply satisfying plunk when your last putt disappears.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Whether you're grooving pre-round or escaping the fog, Sandbaggers Golf Spot pairs Foresight Sports simulators with a roomy putting green and league vibes that actually feel friendly.”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 14, 2026

“California Theatre blends 1927 movie-palace opulence with modern production tech, so shows actually look and sound sharp. It regularly hosts Opera San Jose, Symphony San Jose and more, and you can even rent it for weddings or special events when you want your big night to feel cinematic.”

From the Santa Clara newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.”

“Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.”

“Whether your short game needs love or you just want to linger over a meal with a view, Boulder Ridge Golf Club delivers. Pristine 18-hole course, San Jose’s sun-soaked hills, an outdoor dining patio, and a spacious pavilion for reconnecting with the crew make it an easy local escape.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Dial in your swing at Santa Teresa Golf Club on the driving range, then sneak in the 9-hole Short Course or book a lesson if the slice is winning. Solid instruction, a friendly vibe, and an on-site bar and grill mean you can make a proper afternoon of it.”

From the Gilroy newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“West Wind Capitol Drive-In keeps the retro magic alive with first-run movies on a giant outdoor screen, with audio coming through your car’s FM radio. Load up the crew, snag popcorn from the concession stand, crack the windows, and call it the easiest weeknight plan you’ll actually look forward to.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Dial in your swing at the golf academy, play nine or the full 27, then park it on the patio for post-round bites. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club nails the local trifecta of practice, play, and hangout, with a handy pro shop, making it an easy nearby go-to when the golf itch hits.”

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is a friendly, playable track with quick online check-in, lessons that actually help, and even Foot Golf when you want to mix it up. Solid for juniors and league players too, plus tournaments and camps keep the calendar interesting for your crew.”

From the Ceres newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Round1 Bowling & Arcade is the all-ages spot for chasing high scores, rolling strikes, belting off-key bangers, and grabbing a drink while friends battle it out at billiards. Easy choice for parties or those nights when you need a quick plan that actually gets everyone off the couch.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, September 3, 2026

“CineLux Almaden Café & Lounge is Willow Glen’s easy choice when you want luxury seating, a full café pouring beer, wine, and cocktails, plus actually good burgers and sliders. They mix big releases with indies, so it’s a legit date night or low-key Tuesday unwind without leaving the neighborhood.”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Los Lagos Golf Course serves up an 18-hole layout, a legit driving range for dialing in, lessons when the slice shows up, a well-stocked pro shop, and a restaurant to debrief. Bonus, it is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, so your birdies come with actual birds.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Known as America’s Best Rose Garden, Municipal Rose Garden packs thousands of roses across five and a half acres, with nearly 200 varieties around a central fountain and rolling lawns. Perfect for a quick reset, slow walks, and photo ops when you need easy beauty close to home.”

From the Santa Clara newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Urban Putt San Jose turns date night into sci-fi fun with an 18-hole, San Jose-inspired course starring a crashed UFO and other delightfully weird obstacles. Stick around for shareable bites, pizzas by San Jose chef Chad Ferry, and inventive cocktails you can take onto the course for maximum putt joy.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 18, 2026

“If you're ready to level up your weekly rounds, Almaden Golf & Country Club is a private, member-owned spot in Almaden Valley with an 18-hole championship course framed by the Santa Cruz Mountains. Clubhouse energy, tennis, a swimming pavilion, a fitness center, and a pro shop keep the good rounds rolling.”

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 14, 2026