Hwy 68 Corridor

Located just east of the vaunted Monterey Peninsula is one of California's true hidden gems— the Highway 68 Corridor. While it doesn't generate the same acclaim and attention as its oceanside neighbor, the communities along Highway 68 offer a luxury lifestyle with few equals.

Stretching for 20 gorgeous miles from U.S. 101 in the heart of Salinas until its terminus at the equally celebrated California 1, the designated scenic highway runs along with a number of Monterey County's most sought-after enclaves—Corral de Tierra, Pasadera, and Monterra. Safe, family-oriented areas, each with its own hometown feel, roughly 20,000 residents call this meandering expanse of Monterey home.

• Bucolic, outdoor lifestyle in an incredible location with near-perfect year-round climate
• Outstanding location next to seaside Monterey Peninsula and Silicon Valley 90 minutes to the north
• Homesites offering ocean, valley, and golf course views (in some cases, all three)
• An endless array of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails and prestigious golf courses
  
  

More akin to a far-off holiday hideaway, the corridor's lifestyle is nothing short of spectacular. Whether it’s a primary residence away from it all or a second or third vacation retreat, the Highway 68 Corridor proffers a rural, uncomplicated lifestyle free of any pretense or unnecessary commotion.

Remote seclusion, however, doesn't mean a shortage of housing choices. Beautiful hillside living in multi-million dollar homes is par for the course. Mediterranean and Spanish Revival homes are the predominant styles, but those who prefer the venerable California Craftsman or opulent ranch-style abodes will find plenty to love. Want rustic cabin living or sleek modern builds? Both are also part of the real estate scene here.

As you might expect from a region along a scenic, 20-mile long route, the Highway 68 dining scene is an eclectic mix of flavors. Near the Monterey Regional Airport, where Highway 68 splits heading into the Peninsula, is Tarpy's Roadhouse, a classic American steakhouse in an intimate, rustic setting.

A few steps away is the wonderful Stone Creek Kitchen, a distinctive farm-to-table establishment that invites patrons to eat, drink, cook, and stock up on kitchen staples. Equal parts deli, wine shop, kitchen store, and cooking school, if you have a culinary need, Stone Creek can fill it.

At the midway point of Highway 68, between Monterey Peninsula and Salinas, are the literal roadside haunts of Toro Place Cafe and Castle Rock Coffee & Mercantile. The former is a genuine catch-all diner serving everything from omelets to burgers to taco salads. The latter is the corridor's premier coffee shop.

Further east and tucked away in a small, nondescript shopping center amid placid rolling hills is Angelina's Pizzeria, arguably Monterey County's best pizza place.

One of the most surprising and welcome aspects of the Highway 68 Corridor is the sheer number of things to do. Indeed, the amount of available activities here rivals that of anywhere else in the state—especially if you love the outdoors.

For those fond of hiking, biking, and equestrian, Fort Ord National Monument has over 85 picturesque miles of trails. The 4,700-acre Toro Park features another 20 miles of trails as well as sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. For a slightly different experience, the wild animal sanctuary Monterey Zoo is worth a visit, as well as the Laguna Seca Raceway, host of IndyCar racing, classic car shows, and scenic campgrounds.

Of course, Monterey Peninsula to the west is synonymous with world-class seaside golf. Venture inland, and you'll discover layouts that are equally as spectacular as those along the cliffs of the Pacific. Corral de Tierra Country Club is a classic 18-hole golf course set amongst the stunning foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The Club at Pasadera features Monterey's only Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Hidden away behind the exclusive Monterra Ranch enclave is the Tehama Golf Club, which has majestic views of Carmel Valley and Monterey Bay.

The Highway 68 Corridor is home to a number of excellent schools. Some of its most-celebrated educational institutions include:

• Toro Park Elementary School, K-3
• Washington Union Elementary School, 4-5
• San Benancio Middle School, 6-8