Salinas is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County in the U.S. state of California, and it is also known as the "Salad Bowl" of America. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 151,060. The city's development in the 19th century may have been a WASP response to the predominantly Italian fishing community of Monterey.

Salinas' economy is largely based upon agriculture. Located in one of California's richest farming regions, the area produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, including lettuce, strawberries, watermelons, broccoli, carrots, cabbages, and spinach.

Salinas was also the birthplace of writer John Steinbeck. The recently revitalized historic downtown is home to the National Steinbeck Center and the John Steinbeck Library.