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.


Juan Bautista Castro

The first artichokes were grown in Castroville by Andrew J. Molera in 1922. 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. The major event in Castroville is the Artichoke Festival held in May, and the most fun thing to do is watch the Artichoke Festival Parade that starts around 10 in the morning. The Monterey Coastal Bike path connects in Castroville and runs 29 miles to the Monterey Peninsula.