The Salinas Valley in the Central Coast region of California lies along the Salinas River between the Gabilan Range and the Santa Lucia Range. It encompasses parts of Monterey County. Cities in the Salinas Valley include Aromas, Bradley, Castroville, Chualar, Gonzales, Greenfield, Hollister, Jolon, King City, Lockwood, Paicines, Prunedale, Salinas, San Ardo, San Lucas, Soledad and Spreckels.

Agriculture dominates the economy of the river In particular, a large majority of the salad greens consumed in the US are grown here. Strawberries, tomatoes, and artichokes (in addition to salad greens) are the dominant crops in the valley. Due to the intensity of local agriculture the area has earned itself the nickname, "America's Salad Bowl."

Valleys of California