Located 10 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Salinas River, Salinas is the county seat and the largest municipality of Monterey County, California. With nationally and globally attended events like The California Rodeo, California International Airshow, and the world famous Steinbeck Festival, the city is delightfully colorful as it is diversely attractive. Exploring the nearby Monterey Peninsula, the historic missions of San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Carmel and San Antonio de Padua, the world-class wineries of South Monterey County, the beauty of nearby beaches, and Pinnacles National Monument, is a ready indulgence for its bustling community and amazement to would-be visitors.
Otherwise also known as The Salad Bowl of the World, Salinas and the Salinas Valley offer a peculiar combination of climate, natural resources, and community. While founded on agriculture, not less than a hundred manufacturing companies are now based here. Forming a sustainable employment foundation for the entire valley, Salinas is home to Dole Fresh Vegetable, Household Credit Services, and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, among others.
Salinas’ earliest inhabitants were small tribes of Native Americans known as Esselen. By 200 AD they were however displaced by the Ohlone who were the inhabitants that the Spaniards came in contact with. They were left largely undisturbed during the Spanish era. It wasn’t until Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1822 that outside settlers began to arrive.
A Rodeo Landmark
Salinas is a major stop on the professional rodeo circuit having hosted the California Rodeo Salinas since 1911. It began as a Wild West Show then, now it is sanctioned by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), a North American rodeo organization. Cowboys and fans come for the traditional rodeo competitions, including bull riding. Rodeo-related events held in Salinas and Monterey include cowboy poetry, wine tasting, a carnival, barbecues and a gala cowboy ball. Throughout its history, it attracted famous cinematic cowboys like Will Rogers, who became an honorary director of the event; Gene Autry, who shot scenes for one of his early films at the California Rodeo Salinas; Richard Boone, star of Have Gun Will Travel; Amanda Blake of Gunsmoke fame; and the then young up-and-comer named Clint Eastwood.
Steinbeck Legacy
At one time, Salinas is inseparable with the name Steinbeck. Being the ancestral home of the Nobel Prize laureate and well-loved humanist John Steinbeck, who immortalized the city in his critically acclaimed and now world classic novels, the Steinbeck legacy in many ways lend soul to it. Today it is kept alive by no less than the nationally renowned National Steinbeck Center Museum. The Center is a wonderful attraction for school groups and adult tours and a unique venue for special events. Funds raised through admissions, memberships, programs, museum store sales, events and donations help support the Center, which is a non-profit institution.
Settling in Salinas
For a family considering to settle in the city, Hartnell College should be one of interest. It is one of the oldest educational institutions in California. In 1920, Salinas Junior College was founded. The school was renamed Hartnell College in 1948. The college moved to its present location at 411 Central Avenue in Salinas in 1936.
Salinas is in the center of the farmland area known as “California’s salad bowl.” Many Salinas restaurants take advantage of their proximity to the fields by prominently featuring locally grown produce. The hub of this vibrant culinary scene is in Oldtown Salinas, just a few steps away from the National Steinbeck Center Museum.
Oldtown Salinas is also the hub of the Salinas shopping scene, featuring unique boutiques and a number of art galleries. These establishments stay open late on the first Friday of every month for the Salinas First Fridays Art Walk, a celebration of the city’s up-and-coming arts scene.
Monterey County’s largest shopping center, the Northridge Mall, is also located in Salinas. Featuring over 130 shops and restaurants, as well as a 14-screen movie theater, this Salinas mall is the home of many national chains.
Salinas blends good old charm with modern amenities of today. To those who calls it home and to those who are contemplating of making it theirs, it is a wonder that simply will not fail to amaze. Who can go wrong with all that it has to offer. From food security to education to accessibility of modern amenities to availability of great outdoors, Salinas simply fulfills your idea of a good life.
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