Location: Soledad
Top Things to do in Soledad
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10 Things to Do in Soledad That You Shouldn't Miss
Soledad is a city in Monterey County, California, United States. Soledad is located 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Salinas, at an elevation of 190 feet (58 m). The population was 25,738 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Soledad
1. Pinnacles National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
This natural site has spire-like rock formations reaching 1,200 feet high.
Reviewed By Judith D - Berkeley, California
So many years have gone by since I visited Pinnacles (it was a national monument then, not a NP), experiencing it recently seemed as if for the first time. Our group of six from the Bay Area stopped in a few places to bird and were not disappointed. A California Condor came over the ridge near the main visitor center. We found a Red-shouldered Hawk on a nest. After driving to the end of the road, we hiked the Condor Gulch Trail. Four condors came down the canyon, giving us great views. We stopped elsewhere for a picnic lunch and, guess what--saw yet another condor, though at some distance. The landscape is beautiful, the rock formations fascinating. I am sorry that we did not have two days there.
2. Hahn Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By HikingLee - San Jose, California
If you want to experience what Napa wineries were 50 years ago, I recommend visiting Hahn in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
You will find friendly, knowledgeable people who are interested in helping you learn about their wines, no crowds and phenomenal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Oh, and what ever you do don't miss the Lucienne Hook Pinot Noir...
Their deck is where you want to have lunch (be sure to bring it with you from La Plaza Bakery in Soledad). The wine is enhanced with the view of the Salinas Valley and Pinnacles National Monument and while enjoying lunch don't be surprised if you are visit by one of their pets.
Over the years, I have added many, many Hahn wines to my cellar and enjoyed them with family and friends.
3. Bear Gulch Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Challenging, popular hiking trail located in the Pinnacles National Monument.
Reviewed By sutrotower - California
If you are short on time and can do nothing else here, do this! Bring strong flashlights. It feels like an adventure, we felt like we were Indiana Jones exploring the caves. We had it to ourselves and I enjoyed that. Walking is easy, but there are a few tight squeezes, but I never felt claustrophobic getting through them.
4. Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Walker S - San Diego, California
Set among the farm fields along the Salinas River this small mission founded in 1791 has been restored. The original mission ruins are in back as an archaeological dig. The chapel sanctuary is the smallest of all 21 mission but rich in faith. It is nestled in the heart of the wine country known as the Santa Lucia Highlands and there are three wineries within two miles of the mission. Los Padres National Forest is to the south of the mission and the Pinnacles National Monument is to the east. Monterey Bay is fifty minutes to the northwest. The grounds and gift shop are staffed by volunteers and a caretaker lives on site. Over 1,000 visitors a month stop by the gift shop for a self-guided tour.
The front of the sanctuary has "Our Lady of Sorrows" as the focus, a remarkable depiction of Mary the mother of Jesus dressed in black. Seeing that alone is worth the visit. Stop by and give a generous donation to help maintain the historic California mission.
5. Balconies Cliffs Trails
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Stephanie J - San Jose, California
This hike has quite a bit of variety. Going out on the Balconies Cliffs Trail, there are beautiful views of the rock formations. Coming back through the cave was very interesting, especially looking up at all the boulders that have fallen down to make the caves themselves. Although the cave isn't that long, there is a section where a flashlight is essential. Overall the loop is a relatively easy hike, but it can be hot - bring lots of water! Really, lots of water! The elevation estimates in various guidebooks are a little misleading. Going out the Balconies Cliffs side of the loop, the trail head is at 1380 ft, but you get up to almost 1500 ft before going down to 1240. Coming back through the cave brings you back to 1380. Going out Balconies Cliffs and back up through the cave seems to be the recommended direction. (I'd much rather scramble up rocks than down!) There is some climbing up/down rocks in the cave, but not too much, so overall I do think this is an easy/moderate hike with a little tiny bit of strenuous thrown in in the cave.
6. Wrath Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Gary M - CA
Wrath is recommended by other wineries pretty consistently. Other wineries recommendations are always a good sign. The building is modern and nicely decorated and the outside patio garden area is very pleasant.
Some good wines, in particular their pinots. If you like something buy it. The wines are low volume productions and only available at the tastings rooms.
7. Puma Road Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Gary M - CA
We visited this winery several months ago and the staff was great. The server was training her niece(?) who was learning as she poured. Both of them (sorry I forgot the names) were very personable and fun to talk to.
The tasting room is in a fairly new warehouse type building with a nice view across the fields and valley to the east.
Puma Road has some nice Pinot Noirs and we also liked their Malbec and Triumvirate blend. We're partial to reds. This is probably one of the better wineries along the River Road area of Monterey County.
8. Smith & Hook Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By syrahgirl
We were on business in Soledad this past Sat. and I looked at the TA mobile app for things to do in this area. This winery came up and we headed over there for a little wine tasting before lunch in Carmel Valley at Corkscrew Cafe. The tasting room is spacious and beautiful but the attraction here is the gorgeous deck area overlooking the vineyards and farmlands. We relaxed out on the patio with several different wines and enjoyed them all. Their Signature wine is the Cabernet Sauvignon which we purchased. They also offered a white Pinot Noir which was refreshing and different.
The staff is very friendly and helpful and your tasting fee is waived with a purchase. This place is a bit off the beaten path but once you get there, you are in for a real treat. :)
9. Paraiso Vineyards by Smith Family Wines
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Paraiso Vineyards is a family owned and managed by three generations of the Smith family. Sustainably farmed, this estate winery in the Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the pioneering wine-grape growers. We are the first in the region to be SIP Certified Sustainable. While the focus is on estate Pinot Noir, Paraiso also produces small lots of multiple varietals. Additionally, the Paraiso gift boutique offers a unique collection of home decor, and the scenic grounds are the perfect setting for picnic private parties.
Reviewed By cookbookguy - Scottsdale, Arizona
I just love this place. The Tasting room Mascot greets you in the parking lot! The view from here is amazing, I enjoyed the Balcony too. The Santa Lucia Highlands are a little off the beat and path--- the great part is you have this place to yourself during the week days. The wines here are excellent. The Pinots have a nice fruity taste with just a touch of earthy flavor, the Riesling is made in a dry style suitable for having with Seafood or your favorite Asian Food but the show stopper was the Port. I wish I had bought more of the Port. It tasted more like a traditional port from Portugal. My wife loves this wine.....
10. Chalone Vineyard and Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By tourster - California
So those reviews from a few years ago are outdated at this point and there's now a lovely tasting room overlooking the vineyards available at Chalone Vineyards. Apparently it's been there for a couple years now. Don't be scared away.
On our drive up from the South, we were looking for a winery a bit off the beaten path and are so glad we found Chalone (and didn't trust the outdated TripAdvisor reviews). Their tasting room is a bit off from 101 (about 15-20 min detour) but well worth the picturesque drive. Coming from SF, we haven't explored central coast wineries at all but we're impressed with what we found. So glad we finally explored this area.
The folks in the tasting room (Angelina and Jesus) were incredibly friendly and the wines were delicious. They have quite the offering with white and red varietals. Their Pinot Blanc and Chenin Blanc were very drinkable and unique -- we brought home a Chenin Blanc with us. But their reds were the real stars with full bodied Pinot Noirs and delicious Grenache and Syrah offerings. Their 2007 Pinot Noir was superb, as was the 2013. If we had more space in our wine fridge, we easily would've brought back more. Definitely make this a stop if you're passing by.
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