Remote Surveillance Trailer in Salinas, CA

SALINAS, Calif. —

Newly hatched Peregrine falcons are now calling downtown Salinas their new home after the first pair of falcons hatched Monday afternoon.

The parents, Alice and Sal, named after their location on Alisal St., were first spotted in the downtown area back in 2021 when volunteers and the Predatory Bird Research Group at U-C Santa Cruz discovered an unhatched egg.

In hopes of keeping the falcons coming back to their familiar spot, the falcons were provided a nesting box fit for incubating fertilized eggs. This allowed for a few successful egg hatches, but for the first time, the falcons' newest hatching has been all caught on live camera.

"So far everybody loves it. I think it's the best thing in the world. Everybody is really excited to see it. The bird, the bird people love it. I guess this link has already gone out in the wild where some of the schools in Santa Cruz are already looking at this camera live for their classrooms," Greg Hamer, volunteer for the Peregrine Falcon camera said.

The footage can be found on YouTube under ‘Salinas Falcon Cam’. Footage shows when the Falcons laid a clutch of four eggs a month ago, with the first pair “pipping, “also known as hatching, on Monday. The third falcon can be seen making its first appearance early Tuesday morning, while the parents are still waiting for the fourth and final egg to hatch.

Researchers say this camera allows for a more intimate sighting of wildlife, which allows the community to learn more about the species and to connect with animals living among them.

They also want the public to know that fledgling season will happen soon, so if you see any of the banded offspring on the ground, give Salinas Animal Control or the Bird Research Group at U-C Santa Cruz a call.

The parents Alice and Sal, pay homage to their location on Alisal St.

Peregrine falcons are known to be the fastest animal in the world. Previously endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act in 1971, conservation and recovery efforts helped remove the species from the Federal list in 1999 and the California list in 2009.

So, to catch sight of this species on camera or in person is an exciting sight to see.

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Salinas, California, has the perfect blend of agriculture and literary history. It is the hometown of Nobel-Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. The National Steinbeck Center features many exhibits, artifacts and film clips looking back into Steinbeck's life. In addition, only two blocks away is The Steinbeck House, where John Steinbeck was born. It is now a restaurant and gift shop that visitors can enjoy. Beyond its literary legacy, Salinas is nestled in the heart of the Salinas Valley, known as the "Salad Bowl of the World" for its rich agricultural production. The valley’s fertile soil produces a significant portion of the nation's fruits and vegetables.

Downtown Salinas is a growing hub for local businesses, restaurants, and popular attractions. It’s the perfect place to explore murals painted by local artists and experience the vibrant energy this area offers.

The California Welcome Center Salinas is located at the historic Southern Pacific Freight Depot in the Intermodal Transit Center of Downtown Salinas. It is a regional heritage center that provides detailed information on places to eat and stay and houses a variety of artifacts and collector's items that highlight the history of the Central Coast.

Stay

Salinas offers a variety of comfortable and convenient places to stay, whether it's for business, leisure, or a weekend getaway. From cozy, independently owned inns to well-known hotel chains, there are accommodations to fit every need. Many local hotels provide easy access to downtown, so there are plenty of opportunities to discover the gems downtown has to offer. For those seeking a more unique experience, there are also charming bed and breakfasts, such as Vision Quest Ranch at the Monterey Zoo. At Vision Quest Ranch, guests have the opportunity to stay in an authentic African-style bungalow just yards away from roaring lions and tigers. It is a unique experience that cannot be missed! See more options and find the perfect place to stay here.

Eat

Salinas offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries serving farm-to-table dishes to upscale restaurants showcasing international cuisine. Whether it's for fresh seafood, authentic Mexican fare, or innovative fusion cuisine, the local restaurants in Salinas cater to all tastes.

Villa Azteca is located in downtown Salinas and offers traditional Mexican food with a twist. This restaurant has made waves for its lively atmosphere and delicious dishes like the lobster enchiladas bathed in a creamy swash blossom sauce or their fish tacos.

Alvarado on Main is another great restaurant to check out. There are 48 taps featuring beers from all three of Alvarado Street's breweries and delicious pub fare using local ingredients. Looking for more breweries? Check out La Cantina Brewing Company, one of Salinas' newest breweries, offering craft beer inspired by its Mexican roots or Brew-N-Krew Ale House, a women-owned brewery serving beer in a lively atmosphere.

Looking for fresh sushi and authentic Japanese food? Check out KoKoRo Japanese Restaurant and try sashimi, hand rolls, noodles and more.

A must-visit spot is El Charrito. Established in 1981, first starting as a grocery store, it has evolved into a popular burrito spot known for its hand-stretched flour tortillas made fresh in-house daily.

There is a lot more food to explore in Salinas. Check out the full list of places to try here.

Explore

Wine tasting in Salinas Valley is a must! Along River Road, the Monterey Wine Trail offers stunning views while sipping on award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other local varietals.

The giant farmers standing 20 feet high in the fields off Highway 68 mark the entrance to The Farm – a great escape hatch for families. Crafted by local artist John Cerney, these larger-than-life statues of packers, trimmers and irrigators are a tribute to the hard-working men and women of The Farm. Here you can stroll the working farm that unfolds with rows of lettuces, strawberries, tomatoes and flowers. For a hands-on experience, book a custom tour which includes one-on-one time with a farmer and visit various parts of the vegetable faming operation while taking part in the daily routine of a real farmer. On your way out, don't forget to stop by the bakery to pick up some delicious pies!

Traveling down to South County, there is more to explore. Such as the Agricultural and Rural Life Museum in King City's San Lorenzo Park. This is a great activity to do with the family to discover artifacts and stories from the late 1800s through World War II. There are seven buildings within the museum: the Exhibit Barn, Olson Blacksmith Shop, Tractor and Harvester Shed, the History of Irrigation Museum, the Historic Spreckels House, La Gloria Schoolhouse and the King City Train Depot. There is plenty of history to explore here!

For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, visit Pinnacles National Park. The park is famous for its striking rock formations, towering spires, and dramatic cliffs, offering stunning hiking opportunities with panoramic views. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs, and even venture through cool caves. Pinnacles is also a top destination for birdwatching, particularly for spotting California condors soaring overhead!

Looking for more outdoor recreation and relaxation? Lake San Antonio is a serene oasis perfect for that! Surrounded by rolling hills and lush landscapes, the lake offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Its clear waters and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for camping, picnicking and hiking along the scenic shoreline.

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Highest-rated pizza restaurants in the Salinas area by diners

Pizza is one of those universal languages that Americans just get. Even if the styles are vastly different based on the region—like a thin wide slice from New York, a thick rectangular cut with crispy edges from Detroit, or deep cheesy pie in a pan from Chicago—many can agree that the combination of chewy dough, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese is a true American classic.

The growing number of pizza joints is proof enough: More than 74,000 pizza restaurants were logged in the United States in 2024, up just under 1% over the last five years. Yet, with so many options to choose from, how is a pizza connoisseur supposed to know the best place to grab a slice?

There's a lot of competition out there to become the best pizza place in town, especially with people who have a lot of opinions. The aesthetic is always important to consider; maybe customers prefer a classic greasy joint with checkered tablecloths and shakers of Parmesan and red pepper flakes to douse their slice, or perhaps something artisanal with wood-fired pies served with a thoughtfully curated wine menu. Then there's the pizza itself. Is the restaurant using high-quality ingredients? Does the taste make you want to keep eating more and more?

It may seem like a lot of meticulous details, but given that Americans could eat up to 180 slices of pizza in a year, it only makes sense that all of these details are considered when choosing a go-to local spot. Thankfully, there's enough data out there to steer customers in the right direction instead of having to do the research themselves.

Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated pizza shops in the Salinas area based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "pizza" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Salinas were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.

Get ready to find the perfect place for your next slice!

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How gas prices have changed in Salinas in the last week

Gasoline prices have increased by just a few cents compared to this time last month, but the cost to fill up the tank has declined by nearly 40 cents per gallon since last year. The national average fuel price is about $3.16, with Lubbock, Texas, seeing the cheapest metro-area prices at $2.62 and Lihue, Hawaii, with the most expensive at $5.12.

After a monthlong pause on tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, the Trump administration proceeded at the beginning of March to impose 25% tariffs on the two neighboring nations, including a limited 10% tariff on Canadian energy. However, on March 6, the president announced a pause on tariffs until April 2.

GasBuddy projects states in the Northeast could see the most significant spike in fuel prices as a result of potential tariffs, possibly by 20 to 40 cents per gallon, as this region relies heavily on Canada's New Brunswick refinery.

Meanwhile, by April, gas prices may decrease as a result of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' plans to boost crude production. This increased output, however, is just one of several factors influencing prices in the month ahead.

"While OPEC has signaled its intent to stabilize the market, policy decisions from the White House could introduce further uncertainty, making it difficult to predict where prices will head next," GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said in a statement this month. "However, nearly every year sees a seasonal spring increase, which could eventually push prices higher ahead of summer."

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Salinas, CA metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of March 27.

Salinas by the numbers- Gas current price: $4.85--- California average: $4.67- Week change: +$0.02 (+0.4%)- Year change: -$0.27 (-5.3%)- Historical expensive gas price: $6.60 (6/14/22)

- Diesel current price: $5.29- Week change: +$0.01 (+0.2%)- Year change: -$0.32 (-5.7%)- Historical expensive diesel price: $7.27 (6/17/22)

Metros with the most expensive gas#1. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.12#2. Santa Rosa, CA: $4.92#3. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: $4.90

Metros with the least expensive gas#1. Lubbock, TX: $2.62#2. Laredo, TX: $2.64#3. Gadsden, AL: $2.65

This story features writing by Tim Bruns and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.

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What is the best internet provider in Salinas, California?

CNET’s broadband experts have done the research and testing to find the top internet providers in Salinas, California. As of right now, AT&T Fiber is the best internet service provider in Salinas. It’s the only fiber provider in the city -- which means it’s the only one with symmetrical upload and download speeds. Plans start at $55 a month for 300Mbps and go up to $245 for 5,000Mbps. The only downside is availability: Federal Communications Commission data shows that just one in five homes in the city have access to fiber.

If you’re looking for the lowest prices, Xfinity is the cheapest internet provider in Salinas. Plans start at an unbelievably low $20 a month, but that’s slightly misleading -- prices increase significantly after a year or two on all plans. Wireless internet from T-Mobile and Verizon is also available in parts of Salinas, but it doesn’t offer the same top speeds as Xfinity or AT&T Fiber, and it's more prone to network congestion.

Best internet in Salinas, California

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in Salinas

The best internet deals and top promotions in Salinas depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.

Salinas internet providers, such as Xfinity and Verizon 5G Home Internet, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, including AT&T Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round.

For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What’s a good internet speed?

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Salinas

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Internet providers in Salinas FAQs

What is the best internet service provider in Salinas?

AT&T Fiber is the best internet service provider in Salinas, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds, free equipment and unlimited data.