Attractions and Places To See around Seaside - Top 20

The area around Seaside offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find several routes for cycling, hiking, and running. For cycling, explore routes like the "Fishermans Wharf – Monterey State Beach loop" or more challenging options around Fort Ord. Hikers can enjoy easy trails such as the "Fort Ord Trail 51 and Trail 52 Loop" or scenic walks along "Cannery Row". Running enthusiasts have routes like the "Monterey Bay Coastal Trail – Monterey State Beach loop". For more details on these and other routes, visit the respective komoot guides: Cycling around Seaside, Easy hikes around Seaside, and Running Trails around Seaside.

Yes, many attractions around Seaside are suitable for families. You can visit Fishermans Wharf, which offers shopping, dining, and opportunities for whale watching. The picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also family-friendly with its unique architecture and art galleries. Additionally, the scenic 17-mile Drive provides stunning coastal views that can be enjoyed by all ages, and Cannery Row, Monterey, with its shops and restaurants, is another great option for families.

The Seaside area is rich in history. You can visit Fishermans Wharf, a historic area with former landing docks now converted into a vibrant tourist attraction. Carmel-by-the-Sea, a town known for its unique traditions and historical charm, is also nearby. Don't miss Monterey State Historic Park, home to California's first historic landmark, the Custom House. Another significant historical area is Cannery Row, Monterey, which preserves the legacy of the sardine canning industry.

For breathtaking views, the 17-mile Drive is a must-see. This world-famous route winds along the Monterey Peninsula, offering access to iconic coastal landscapes, including wind-swept cypress trees and dramatic cliffs. It's suitable for both cars (with a small fee) and cyclists (free entry). You'll also find scenic viewpoints along Carmel-by-the-Sea and Fishermans Wharf, which offer views of the Pacific Ocean and sailboats.

Near the attractions, you can find several popular walking and hiking trails. The 17-mile Drive, while a scenic drive, is also popular for cycling and walking, offering a mix of mild climbs and downhills. For easy hikes, consider routes like the "Fort Ord Trail 51 and Trail 52 Loop" or the "Cannery Row – Cannery Row, Monterey loop". These trails provide opportunities to explore the coastal environment. More details can be found in the Easy hikes around Seaside guide.

Visitors particularly enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Fishermans Wharf. It's appreciated for its conversion of historic landing docks into a lively shopping and dining destination. Many also love it as a great spot to watch seals and sailboats, and it serves as a popular departure point for whale watching tours.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is cherished for its picturesque charm, featuring beautiful wooden houses and numerous art galleries. It's known for its unique local traditions, such as the absence of mailboxes and street lights in some areas, contributing to its fairytale-like ambiance. Visitors often enjoy walking around and admiring the distinct, often artistically designed, architecture.

Absolutely. Fishermans Wharf is a prime location for both shopping and dining, with many options converted from former landing docks. Cannery Row, Monterey, also offers a wide array of shops and restaurants, having transformed from its historical sardine factory past into a bustling tourist district. Carmel-by-the-Sea is another excellent spot with its art galleries and local eateries.

Monterey State Historic Park is historically significant as it houses the Custom House, built around 1821 by the Mexican government. This building is recognized as California's first historic landmark and oldest public building. It's also the site where the first American flag was raised on July 7, 1846, declaring California a part of the United States, making it a National Historic Landmark.

Yes, there are several coastal trails perfect for running. The "Monterey Bay Coastal Trail – Monterey State Beach loop" is a popular moderate-difficulty option. Other running routes include the "Fort Ord Dunes State Park loop" and the "Roberts Lake – Monterey State Beach loop". These trails offer scenic views and a great way to experience the coastline. You can find more detailed information in the Running Trails around Seaside guide.

Along the 17-mile Drive, you can expect to see some of California’s most iconic coastal landscapes. This includes dramatic cliffs, wind-swept cypress trees, and beautiful beaches. The route also offers views of historic mansions and manicured golf courses, blending natural beauty with human-made elegance.