Salinas /səˈliːnəs/ is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County, California. Salinas is located just outside the southern portion of the greater Bay Area and 10 miles (16 km) east-southeast of the mouth of the Salinas River, at an elevation of about 52 feet (16 m) above sea level. The population was 155,662 as of 2013. The city is located at the mouth of the Salinas Valley roughly eight miles from the Pacific Ocean and has a coastal climate. The city consists mostly of late 20th century single family homes and low-level apartments, ranging from modest bungalows to spacious luxury homes, and serves as the main business, governmental and industrial center of the region. The marine climate is ideal for the floral industry, grape vineyards, and vegetable growers. Salinas is known for its vibrant and large agriculture industry and as the hometown of writer and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate John Steinbeck, who based several of his novels there.

Cashing in on the city’s title as the ‘Salad Bowl of the World’ is the burgeoning Salinas tourism. This quaint little town, where agriculture is the main occupation reminisces about how good things in life are so basic. If you are planning to visit Salinas, you will have an array of accommodations to choose from. A picturesque blend of 20th century luxury homes and modest bungalows flank the streets of Salinas. Not surprisingly, the laureate John Steinbeck lived here.

On the attractions front, the National Steinbeck Center is of prime importance. It is a fabulous display of the laureate’s work and life in this city. The Harvey Baker House, which is considered to be the oldest standing structure of the city has interesting tours to undertake. The railroad museum of Monterey and Salinas Valley RR that features the model of “Salinas Valley circa 1950” and other rail equipment’s is a must-visit too.