The Salinas Valley - Monterey, California

The Salinas Valley can be reached by travelling Highway 68 east from Monterey Peninsula.  En route,
visitors pass the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, home to not only its famous international race track, but also for a 500 acre camping park.

The Salinas Valley, a major farming region, produces much of the wonderful fresh products enjoyed in Monterey County restaurants. Salinas, the birthplace of John Steinbeck, is also the home to John
Steinbecks's Library and annually hosts the California Rodeo in July, the Steinbeck Festival in August and the California International Air Show in October.

Highway 101 cuts through the southeast portion of Monterey County, the birthplace of the region's
wine-making industry.  It was in what is now the town of Soledad, almost 200 years ago, that
Franciscianfrairs planted the first crop of wine grapes.  Today, 34,000 acres in Monterey County are planted in vineyards.   Several vineyards located in and around Soledad.  Gonzales and Greenfield welcome guests to their tasting, rooms and other winery tours. 

Ten miles east of Soledad is Pinnacles National Monument.  Thirty miles of trails lead through chapparel to the spired pinnacles, created by an ancient volcano.

For complete visitor information, contact the Monterey County Visitors and Convention Bureau at
(408) 649 1770 or stop by the Monterey Visitors Cenrer at 401 El Camino El Estero in Monterey.