Top 15 Things To Do in Seaside, California

Seaside sits at the doorstep of Monterey Bay, one of the richest marine ecosystems on the U.S. West Coast. Whale watching here is a tidal, seasonal theater: migrating gray whales trace the coastline in winter and spring, blue whales and humpbacks concentrate on summer’s plankton bonanzas, and orcas and other predators make surprise appearances. Whether you prefer the steady comfort of a spacious ferry, the adrenaline of a high-speed zodiac, or the quiet intimacy of shore-based optics, Seaside’s whale-watch offerings deliver close connections to marine life, the sensory drama of open water, and a coastal culture built on stewardship.

Seaside's low, sandy shoreline and the wide sweep of Monterey Bay make it an inviting spot for stand‑up paddleboarding — an approachable entry to ocean paddling with close encounters of the marine kind. From sheltered estuary loops to longer coastal runs past kelp beds and sea otter habitat, this guide focuses on where to launch, what to expect on the water, and how to plan safe, memorable SUP outings around Seaside.

Seaside's rail corridors thread the low dunes and marshes along Monterey Bay, offering short hops that feel more like moving postcards than commutes. Whether you're slipping into a window seat for a sunrise run that picks out lighthouse silhouettes or timing a midday coastal shuttle to pair with a bike ride and tidepool walk, train travel here is as much about rhythm and weather as it is about distance. This guide focuses on the experience of traveling by rail around Seaside—what to expect, how to plan, and how to turn a half-hour ride into a memorable coastal outing.

Seaside is the understated launch point for cold‑water diving in one of North America’s richest marine ecosystems. From kelp forests and rocky reefs to offshore pinnacles and seasonal encounters with whales and sharks, the scuba experience here blends raw Pacific energy with an emphasis on stewardship and technical preparation.

Set on the western edge of Monterey Bay, Seaside offers a low-key gateway to one of California’s richest coastal marine theaters. Sailing here is a study in contrast: glassy mornings give way to wind-driven afternoons, and kelp-choked shallows sit shoulder-to-shoulder with deeper blue offshore water where whales and tuna migrate. This guide focuses on how to experience the bay under sail—whether you’re learning to tack in sheltered water, booking a skippered day charter to watch whales, or planning a multi-day coastal hop along the Monterey Peninsula.

Seaside condenses an accessible stretch of California coast into compact rides that suit families, gravel seekers, and e-bike explorers alike. Paved seaside paths offer gentle mileage and sweeping bay views while Fort Ord’s reclaimed training grounds unfold a surprisingly varied network of gravel and singletrack. This guide focuses on bike tours — from short scenic loops along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail to mixed-surface excursions through dunes, wetlands, and former military terrain. Seven curated rides and routes highlight how Seaside’s flat to rolling terrain and close proximity to Monterey make it an ideal base for day rides and multi-stop coastal exploration.

Seaside sits on the edge of Monterey Bay, where a mix of sandy beaches, rocky points, estuary mouths, and one of the world’s most productive nearshore marine ecosystems creates a compact playground for anglers. From dawn surf sessions for perch and surfperch to nearshore boat trips for rockfish and lingcod, fishing here rewards curiosity and patience. This guide breaks down the best ways to fish Seaside—shore, estuary, kayak, and charter—while covering seasons, access, and the practicalities that turn a good day on the water into a great one.

Seaside sits at the quieter edge of Monterey Bay, a low-slung launchpad for short coastal crossings, sheltered estuary paddles, and wildlife-rich day trips. This guide focuses on sea kayaking from Seaside’s shorelines and nearby access points: sheltered bays, kelp-studded channels, and estuarine creeks where sea otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds are reliably on the menu for paddlers. Expect varied conditions—smooth early mornings, wind-swept afternoons, and tidal currents that shape route choices. Whether you’re learning rescues in protected surf or linking coves into a half-day loop, Seaside offers approachable paddling with world-class marine scenery.

Perched on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, Seaside is a pocket of coastal habitat where dunes, wetlands, and offshore kelp forests meet a surprisingly active marine highway. This guide zeroes in on wildlife-watching opportunities rooted in the city’s shoreline, nearby dunes and estuaries, and the rich waters of Monterey Bay. Expect easy shore viewing for seals, shorebirds and migrating whales; accessible boardwalks into marshes; and a gateway to longer marine trips and guided kayak or birding excursions. Practical seasonality, gear notes, and trip ideas are front and center so you can turn a casual seaside stroll into a meaningful wildlife encounter.

Seaside sits on the gentler edge of Monterey Bay — a pocket of coastline where marine life, wind-sculpted dunes, and kelp forests are close enough to touch from a rented skiff, kayak, or electric bowrider. This guide focuses on renting boats in and around Seaside: how to pick the right craft, where to launch, what seasons and sea states to expect, and how to combine a marine outing with coastal hikes, wildlife watching, and beachside picnics. Whether you crave a calm paddle through shallow eelgrass or a day offshore scanning for migrating whales, boating here is refreshingly accessible but shaped by local tides, a fickle marine layer, and a commitment to protecting Monterey Bay's thriving sanctuary.

Seaside’s golf scene is compact, wind-sculpted, and unapologetically coastal. The town offers a mix of municipal links, tight parkland layouts framed by dunes and Monterey cypress, and easy access to the legendary courses of the greater Monterey Peninsula. This guide focuses on the terrain, seasonal strategies, paired outdoor experiences, and practical planning tips for making the most of a golf trip centered on Seaside.

Seaside is an understated coastal gateway where low dunes, wide beaches, and a stitched network of paved trails make sightseeing effortless and tactile. Tours here emphasize the bay—its birds, seals, and seasonal whale migrations—while threading in military history at the former Fort Ord, neighborhood murals, and fast connections to Monterey's iconic attractions. Expect easy-to-moderate terrain, accessible seaside promenades, and a strong focus on eco- and bike-friendly touring that works for families, active travelers, and anyone who wants salt air without steep climbs.