Spreckels
Located between Salinas and Monterey on Highway 68, Spreckels was originally a company town built to support the Spreckels Sugar Plant. When it opened in 1899, it was the largest sugar beet factory in the world. Its idyllic tree-lined town entrance and preserved homes and buildings are charming, and centrally located Spreckels Memorial Park is a great spot to enjoy a picnic.
Spreckels Fourth of July
Spreckels throws a festive small-town 4th of July celebration each year at Spreckels Park. The celebration includes a 5k morning run and a one-mile children's fun run, a parade, and food and crafts booths. The run takes place at 9am every year; the parade follows.