Welcome to Salinas
Spanning the area between Monterey and east toward Salinas, is California State Route 68, also known as, the Monterey – Salinas Highway. This corridor offers many communities and developments for those looking to be close to town with space among the natural terrain of the oak-studded coastal hills. The route takes you past the Monterey Regional Airport and by the famed WeatherTech Raceway, Laguna Seca, before landing in Salinas. Laureles Grade, halfway between Monterey and Salinas, provides a convenient connection to Carmel Valley.
Communities found here include Corral De Tierra, San Benancio, Toro Park, Spreckels, and Pasadera, with its Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. An array of single family homes and estates can be found offering sweeping views of both rolling hills and the ocean beyond.
At the end of the route lies Salinas, the largest municipality in Monterey County located at the mouth of the Salinas Valley roughly eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. It has a climate more influenced by the ocean than the hot-summer interior ideal for the floral industry, grape vineyards, and vegetable growers. Salinas serves as the main business, governmental and industrial center of the region. It is known for its vibrant and large agriculture industry and being "The Salad Bowl of the World".
The Salinas City Center is the hub of the Salinas shopping scene, featuring unique boutiques and several art galleries. Salinas Valley is home to a number of vineyards and wine tasting rooms, many offering sweeping views of both the valley and the hills beyond.
Highlights:
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Part of the DeAnza Trail, a route that linked all of California's mission settlements during the Spanish colonial period
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Salinas is home to Monterey County's only Amtrak Station
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Golf Courses include, The Club at Pasadera, Corral De Tierra Country Club, and Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.
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Hometown of writer and Nobel Prize laureate John Steinbeck, who based several of his novels there.
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The National Steinbeck Center occupies a place of honor at the head of Main Street in the Salinas City Center. Steinbeck's world comes alive through multi-sensory exhibits, rare artifacts, film clips, and special exhibitions.
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Hosts California Rodeo Salinas, and the California International Airshow.
