Getting there: Salinas is just over two hours from San Francisco along the Pacific coastal route; picturesque stops include Pescadero, Santa Cruz and Shark Fin Cove. Salinas is a 30-minute drive from Monterey. Car hire is available at San Francisco International Airport.

Staying there: Arbor Inn in Monterey has rooms from $80. arborinnmonterey.com

Touring there: The Steinbeck House Restaurant serves lunch Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11.30am to 2pm. High teas are held every second Saturday and in summer, house tours are held on Sundays. Tickets cost $16 (check website for times). The National Steinbeck Centre is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Tickets cost $24. steinbeckhouse.com; steinbeck.org

Explore more: seemonterey.com