Salinas
Salinas is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County. When you envision Salinas, think green. Salinas’ economy is largely based upon agriculture. Salinas is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” and for good reason. Over 80% of the lettuce grown in the United States is grown in the Salinas Valley.

The National Steinbeck Center, located in Old Town Salinas, is one of Monterey County’s newest major attractions. The 37,000 square-foot museum is dedicated to the works of native son John Steinbeck. The museum and cultural center feature interactive exhibits, an exceptional gift shop, and a gourmet cafe. Nearby Wild Things, at Vision Quest Ranch, is home to a number of “movie star” and other exotic animals.

Seaside
Founded in 1887 and incorporated in 1954, this ten square-mile city continues to grow while holding on to the rich values upon which it was established. With a diverse population of approximately 33,300, young families and retirees are drawn to the community that provides a healthy residential mix of people.

California State University at Monterey Bay and the Monterey College of Law are located in the City of Seaside, providing students of all ages a scenic environment to pursue their educational goals. These institutions are part of a world-class educational community on the Monterey Peninsula that includes the Naval Postgraduate School, the Defense Language Institute, and the Monterey Institute of International Studies. The multitude of opportunities for higher learning create a strong economic base for the community, much-needed services for retired military, and attract a contingent of people from throughout the world.

Monterey
Monterey Bay lies to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Carmel Bay to the south. The city covers 8.62 square miles and has a population of some 30,000, which increases to nearly 70,000 during tourist seasons. Monterey’s residents are culturally diverse, with unique skills. Monterey’s recent designation as a “language capital of the world” reflects the diversity and language skills of its residents.

Founded on June 3, 1770 and incorporated on May 30, 1850. Monterey served as California’s first capital and hosted California’s first constitutional convention in the City’s historic Colton Hall, where on October 13, 1849, our state constitution was signed. In the 1930’s and 40’s, Monterey became the center of a thriving fishing industry at Cannery Row. Today a smaller commercial fishing fleet and industry continues to operate from the City’s harbor marina.

Marina
Marina is located on the beautiful Monterey Bay, six miles north of Monterey on California State Highway 1. The City encompasses 9,000 acres and extends for 5 miles along the Pacific Ocean, north from the former Fort Ord boundary to the Salinas River and inland for 4 miles along the river to the municipal airfield.

Marina at Monterey Bay is the fastest growing city on the Monterey coastline. City planners expect population growth for the next twenty years in Marina and adjacent areas to exceed 100%.  But, the city is committed to safeguarding its cozy small town character.