city, seat (1872) of Monterey county, western California, U.S. It lies in the Salinas Valley just east of Monterey Bay. The site, at a crossroads on El Camino Real (the old Spanish trail between San Diego and San Francisco), was settled by Elias Howe (Howe, Elias) in 1856 and became a cattle centre. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1868 stimulated agricultural development (lettuce, artichokes, broccoli, celery, strawberries, mushrooms, and sugar beets), and the city is often called the “Salad Bowl of the World.” Manufacturing is also important to the city's economy.

Salinas was the birthplace of novelist John Steinbeck (Steinbeck, John), who often referred to it in his works, especially East of Eden (1952), and who is buried there; the city's National Steinbeck Center is devoted to his life and work and sponsors an annual festival. Other popular annual events include the California Rodeo and the California International Airshow. Salinas is the seat of Hartnell (community) College (1920). Near the city are several beaches, state parks, and historic missions; Pinnacles National Monument is southeast of the city. Inc. 1874. Pop. (1990) city, 108,777; Salinas MSA, 355,660; (2000) city, 151,060; Salinas MSA, 401,762.