Visitor & Relocation Information

King City is located in the Salinas Valley between the Santa Lucia and Gabilan Mountain Ranges. It is a beautiful area with a rich agricultural history, incorporated in 1911. King City is the “Gateway to Monterey County”.

With a gentle climate and varied topography, King City and Southern Monterey County offer year-round recreation. The area is home to Los Padres National Forest, spectacular Pinnacles National Park, San Antonio Lake, Arroyo Seco River and San Lorenzo Regional Park.

Local Attractions:

Local Business | Service Providers | Clubs | Organizations | Restaurants | Motels | Shops | Movie Theater | Parks | Hospital | Airport | Golf Course | Racquet Ball & Tennis Courts | Swimming Pool & Waterslide | Baseball & Soccer Fields | Skate Park | Salinas Valley Fairgrounds | San Lorenzo County Park | Monterey County Agricultural Rural Life Museum | Irrigation Museum |San Antonio & Nacimiento Lakes | Mission San Antonio | Pinnacles National Park | Los Padres National Forest | Redwings Horse Sanctuary | Wine Tasting

History

The City of King derived it’s name from pioneer Charles H. King who was born in New York State on May 3, 1844. In 1884 he purchased 13,000 acres of a Spanish land grant and founded the King Ranch. Charles King introduced the wheat crop to the Salinas Valley. His crops succeeded beyond the expectations of the other settlers in the area, causing the railroads to take note. Southern Pacific Railroad lines to the station called “King’s Station” were completed in July of 1886. In 1901, the Civic Improvement Club was organized for the purpose of improving the town and planting trees. This club was the parent of the present Chamber of Commerce, founded in August 1911, the same year the town was incorporated and named the City of King or King City. King City is located on Highway 101, as well as the main line of Southern Pacific Railroad. It is 155 miles south of San Francisco, 277 miles north of Los Angeles and 47 miles south of Salinas – the County seat. The elevation is 330 feet and the climate is mild with an average rainfall of 10 inches.