Seaside, CA

Seaside is a small coastal city tucked along the northern edge of the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey County, California. With a population of roughly 33,000, it has a relaxed, working-class coastal character that distinguishes it from its better-known neighbors, Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The city sits along Monterey Bay and is appreciated for its broad sandy beaches, neighborhood feel, and easy access to some of the most iconic destinations on the California coast. Seaside is approximately 115 miles south of San Francisco, reached in roughly two hours by car via US-101 and CA-156, making it a natural hub for visitors exploring the central California shoreline.

Directly adjacent to downtown Seaside lies the Fort Ord National Monument, a vast expanse of public land on the site of a former U.S. Army base. The monument features more than 80 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, set against a backdrop of rolling grasslands and oak woodlands. Because much of the land is just minutes from the city center, it draws outdoor enthusiasts who want quick access to nature without leaving the Monterey Bay area.

Just a short drive west of Seaside, the city of Monterey is home to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the most celebrated aquariums in the United States. Visitors come to see its towering kelp forest exhibit, sea otters, and rotating seasonal displays that highlight the marine life of the Pacific. The aquarium sits on Cannery Row, a waterfront district lined with shops, restaurants, and historic cannery buildings, giving the area a lively, walkable feel that complements the museum experience.

A few miles further along the coast, Asilomar State Beach offers a quieter, more natural stretch of shoreline known for its windswept dunes, tide pools, and the historic Asilomar Conference Grounds, designed by architect Julia Morgan. The surrounding Pacific Grove neighborhood adds to the appeal with its Victorian-era homes and dramatic coastal viewpoints. Together, these nearby sites give visitors a mix of educational, scenic, and outdoor experiences within a compact radius.

Seaside's blend of affordability, central location, and proximity to the Monterey Peninsula's marquee attractions makes it a particularly compelling base for short-term rental operators. Travelers who book a stay in Seaside can spend their mornings at the aquarium, their afternoons biking the Fort Ord trails, and their evenings watching the sunset over Monterey Bay, all without the premium nightly rates of staying in Carmel or downtown Monterey. For guests who want to venture farther, the gateway to Big Sur and the dramatic Highway 1 coastline is just a short drive south, while the rolling vineyards of the Carmel Valley lie just inland.