TranslateOverview
Seaside is a small city on the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey County, California, sitting directly north of Monterey and bordered by the dunes and shoreline of Monterey Bay. It is one of the more ethnically and culturally diverse communities on the Peninsula, shaped significantly by its long association with the former Fort Ord U.S. Army base, which closed in 1994.
The city is often overlooked by travelers who speed straight through to Monterey or Carmel, but Seaside offers a grounded, less tourist-polished experience of the Central Coast. Its beachfront is quieter than nearby Pacific Grove or Carmel Beach, and its restaurant scene reflects its multicultural population — Filipino, Latino, Korean, and other communities all have a culinary presence here.
Seaside is practical as a base: accommodation tends to be more affordable than in Monterey proper, and nearly everything on the Peninsula is within a short drive. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Pebble Beach, and Carmel-by-the-Sea are all reachable in under 20 minutes.
Before You Go
Visas
Seaside is in the United States. Visa requirements vary by nationality — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for current entry requirements before traveling.
Weather
The Monterey Peninsula has a mild Mediterranean coastal climate, but 'mild' does not mean warm. Summer highs rarely exceed the low-to-mid 60s°F (around 17–18°C), and morning fog — locally called the 'marine layer' — is a near-daily occurrence from May through July. Pack layers regardless of the season. Rain falls mainly between November and March.
What to Pack
- A windproof, water-resistant jacket year-round
- Layers even in summer — evenings are consistently cool
- Sunscreen for fog-free afternoons, which can still produce strong UV exposure
- Comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore Cannery Row or beach paths
Health & Insurance
No special health precautions are required. Travel insurance with medical coverage is advisable for all U.S. travel, particularly given the high cost of emergency medical care.
Getting There
By Air
The closest commercial airport is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), located just a few miles from central Seaside and served by several U.S. carriers with connections to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and other hubs. San Jose International (SJC) and San Francisco International (SFO) are larger alternatives, each roughly 90 minutes to two hours away by car depending on traffic.
By Car
Seaside sits along Highway 1 and is easily reached from San Francisco via US-101 south to Highway 1, or directly down Highway 1 along the coast. A car is strongly recommended — public transit options on the Peninsula are limited, and many attractions are spread across a wide area.
By Bus
Greyhound serves Salinas, which is about 20 minutes east of Seaside. From Salinas, Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) buses connect to Seaside and the broader Peninsula. Verify current schedules and routes at mst.org.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rental car is the most practical way to get around Seaside and the wider Monterey Peninsula. Most sights, beaches, and dining are not concentrated in a walkable downtown core.
Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) operates bus routes connecting Seaside to Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Salinas. The Peninsula has a car-free recreational trail — the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail — that runs along the waterfront and is suitable for cycling and walking. Bike rentals are available in Monterey; verify current providers locally.
Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) operate in the area but coverage can be inconsistent compared to larger cities. Taxis are limited — booking in advance is advisable if you need guaranteed transport.
Things to See & Do
Seaside Beach & Coastal Trail
Seaside's stretch of Monterey Bay beach is less crowded than the more famous sections to the south. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail passes through the area, offering a flat, scenic route for walking or cycling along the bay.
Fort Ord National Monument
The former Fort Ord military base is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management as a national monument with an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. The terrain is sand dunes, chaparral, and oak woodland — distinctive and often overlooked. Check blm.gov for trail information and any current access notes.
Day Trips on the Peninsula
Seaside's central location makes it an ideal base for Peninsula highlights:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey) — one of the leading aquariums in the United States
- Cannery Row (Monterey) — the historic sardine cannery district, now shops and restaurants
- 17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach) — a scenic toll road through coastal cypress groves and iconic golf courses; verify current toll at the gate
- Carmel-by-the-Sea — a small, picturesque village known for galleries, boutiques, and Carmel Beach
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve — exceptional tidepools, sea otters, and coastal scenery south of Carmel
Golf
The Monterey Peninsula is internationally recognized for golf. Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill are among the most famous courses; they are resort courses with premium green fees — verify current rates directly with the venues.
Food & Drink
Seaside's dining scene is more workaday and multicultural than that of neighboring Monterey or Carmel, and this is genuinely a good thing for travelers seeking local flavor at realistic prices.
What to Expect
The city has a strong Filipino-American community, and several Filipino restaurants and bakeries operate here — worth seeking out if you are unfamiliar with the cuisine. Mexican taquerias, Korean barbecue spots, and casual American diners round out the options. Fine dining is minimal within Seaside itself; for upscale meals, Monterey's Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf areas are nearby.
Seafood
You are on Monterey Bay — clam chowder, Dungeness crab (in season, roughly November through June), and locally caught fish appear on menus across the Peninsula. Farmers' markets in the region also offer fresh local produce; verify current schedules locally.
Practical Notes
California restaurants include a full service charge or gratuity is not standard — tipping 18–22% for table service is customary. Tap water is safe to drink.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Money
ATMs are widely available. Major credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Some smaller restaurants and markets may be cash-preferred — it is worth carrying some cash.
Connectivity
Cell coverage is good throughout Seaside and most of the Peninsula, though it can drop in some remote sections of Fort Ord trails. Free Wi-Fi is available at many cafes and in public library branches.
Useful Contacts
- Monterey-Salinas Transit: mst.org (verify current schedules)
- Fort Ord National Monument: blm.gov (search Fort Ord)
- City of Seaside official site: ci.seaside.ca.us (verify URL before travel)
Safety
Seaside is a generally safe destination. As with any city, use standard urban awareness — be mindful of your belongings, avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles, and stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas at night.
The Fort Ord National Monument contains unexploded ordnance (UXO) remnants from its military past. Stay on marked trails at all times and do not handle any suspicious metal objects. The BLM and signage in the monument make this clear on-site.
Ocean conditions along Monterey Bay can be hazardous — rip currents, cold water (typically 50–55°F / 10–13°C year-round), and wave surge are real risks. Swimming is not recommended at most Peninsula beaches unless you are experienced with cold Pacific surf. Always check conditions before entering the water.
