Nestled in the rolling hills of North Monterey County lies the unincorporated community of Prunedale. Prunedale’s exact boundaries are somewhat confusing. Except for Prunedale’s bounds with Elkhorn, an easy definition of Prunedale is: if a drop of water lands and it tend to run toward Langley Creek which flows along Highway 101, then that is Prunedale. Originally, Highway 101 ran from Salinas directly to San Juan Bautista. The road is now San Juan Grade Road.

The name Prunedale is not officially explained in any document but it is thought to have originated years ago with an attempt to establish prune tree orchards in North Monterey County. The crop was not successful but the name Prunedale remained and has come to represent a rural lifestyle envied by many.

Today Prunedale remains country friendly and convenient. Scattered thought-out Prunedale are a wide variety of Business and service industries. And with two major shopping centers, Prune Tree Center and Prunedale Shopping Center, it is never necessary to leave the community to fulfill shopping, service or medical needs. Whether pampering yourself at one of the local nail salons or enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend, Prunedale has it all.