Explore Monterey | Castroville

Castroville is known as "The Artichoke Capital of the World". Castroville is noted as one of the earliest established Monterey County communities founded in 1863 by Juan Bautista Castro.

The first artichokes were grown in Castroville by Andrew J. Molera in 1922. Seventy-five percent of the US supply of artichokes is produced in Castroville.The major event in Castroville is the Artichoke Festival held in May in which the whole town participates, including a street parade. Marilyn Monroe was named the festival's Artichoke Queen in 1948 and William Hung was named the Artichoke King in 2006. The community also displays the world's largest artificial artichoke.

The Monterey Coastal Bike path connects in Castroville and runs 29 miles to the Monterey Peninsula. Other interesting facts are that John Steinbeck's story "Johnny Bear" was set in Castroville. Castoville retains its small farm town identity and has some services for the traveler such as hotels, gas and a small shopping mall.