Moonstone Hotel Properties

    2905 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA 93428, USA. 

Carmel River Inn | Monterey Hotel |

John Steinbeck

John Ernest Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California, on February 27, 1902. His mother was a teacher and his father was county treasurer.  

In 1919, John Steinbeck graduated high school and went to Stanford University. He left Stanford in 1925 to pursue a career in writing in New York. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in getting his work published in New York, so he returned to California. 

John Steinbeck’s first novel, Cup of Gold, was published in 1929.  This work was followed by The Pastures of Heaven and To a God Unknown. It was not until 1935, when Tortilla Flat was published, that John Steinbeck began to make his mark on the literary world, with classics such as The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, East of Eden, and Cannery Row. 

The house where John Steinbeck was born is now part of the National Steinbeck Center. Here you can learn about Steinbeck and his connection to the Monterey Peninsula. 

Walking tours are available in the summer. These tours concentrate on Old Town Salinas, where John Steinbeck was born, and where you can visit many of the places mentioned in his books. During the docent-led tours, readings from Steinbeck’s works and personal anecdotes are presented.  During the walking tour, you will get a sense of what the area was like when John Steinbeck was writing his novels. Much of the town remains as it was when John Steinbeck was alive. Many of the buildings in the area are listed on the National Register for Historic Places. 

Where to go – Take route 68 East from Monterey to downtown Salinas. The National Steinbeck Center is located at One Main Street. Walking tours are on a first- come, first-served basis, so call (831) 775-4721 before you go. 

What to do – Take a walking tour (the route is flat and approximately one mile in length), or learn about John Steinbeck through the exhibits at the National Steinbeck Center. 

When to go – The National Steinbeck Center is open daily 10am to 5pm. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter Day.  

Before you go – Call the National Steinbeck Center at (831) 775-4712 for news of the latest events and to confirm tour times. 

Picture courtesy of Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau