The Seaside center point is around the area of Downtown Seaside and 1 mile north of Monterey Peninsula Airport.
Seaside is an extremely popular tourist destination in California. Depending on the time of year when you visit, you may have to contend with large crowds and expensive hotel rates. This means that choosing your travel season is the most important thing that you can do to ensure an enjoyable, affordable vacation.
The best time of year to plan a trip to Seaside is in the spring. The weather will be warm and pleasant, and because school is still in session, there will be much fewer tourists than other times of the year. Spring in Seaside also brings several popular events, including the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival in nearby Monterey and the California Roots Music and Arts Festival.
Like many vacation destinations, Seaside's busiest travel season is the summer. While temperatures are at their highest during the summer months between June and September, the ocean breeze can still make it feel a little chilly. Travelers visiting Seaside during the summer will be able to enjoy exciting annual events and festivals, including the Monterey Jazz Festival and Car Week & Concours D'Elegance. As you might expect, hotel prices will be much higher in Seaside during the summer, and room availability may be very low.
If price is your main concern when vacationing in Monterey, then you may want to delay your trip until the busy travel season is over. Between the months of October and March, crowds thin out to a large degree, lowering the prices of hotel rooms and providing better room selection. Understand, however, that temperatures can be very cool during these months, with lows in the 40s. In addition to great pricing, visiting Seaside during the off-season means being able to enjoy world-class events like the Carmel International Film Festival and the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament.
When planning your vacation, there's nothing better than finding a great deal on your hotel room. Luckily, if you're an AAA or military member thinking about visiting this community, you'll be able to stay at a high-quality hotel that offers great discounts.
If you want to stay at a high-end hotel but don't want to pay full rates, then your best option in Seaside is Monterey Tides, which offers AAA members an impressive 24 percent discount. Just over a mile from downtown Seaside, this beach hotel will offer you a fantastic stay. All rooms at this hotel include a plush mattress, a 42-inch high-definition television, and either an inland or ocean view. Amenities at this hotel include an oceanfront courtyard, a heated outdoor pool that's open year-round, and a lobby bar.
Another Seaside hotel that offers impressive discounts is the Super 8 Monterey, where AAA members can save as much as 21 percent. LCD televisions are available in the rooms at this hotel, and you'll also be able to enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi internet and free local calls. Guests of the Super 8 are provided with a free continental breakfast served daily. This discounted hotel is also a quick drive from popular destinations like the Monterey County Fairgrounds and the Monterey Pines Golf Course.
If you want to stay at a hotel that provides both comfortable amenities and affordability, then your best option is staying at a mid-range hotel. Seaside features several mid-range hotels that will provide the stay that you need and deserve.
The top option for a mid-range hotel near Seaside is the Best Western De Anza Inn. This hotel is located conveniently just outside of Seaside, and provides a variety of amenities that you're sure to enjoy during your stay. Family and studio suites are available at this hotel, as are standard rooms with one King or two Queen beds. In-room features include free high-speed internet, digital cable television, and a work desk. Hotel amenities include a year-round spa, a seasonal outdoor pool, and 24-hour coffee service.
The Ramada Limited Monterey is another of the area's best mid-range hotels. About two miles from the downtown area of Seaside, this comfortable hotel is an ideal choice for your beach vacation. Rooms feature 32-inch LCD televisions and cable programming, as well as a mini-fridge and a microwave. To make sure you have the energy you need to explore Seaside, this hotel offers a delicious deluxe continental breakfast. There is also a heated pool and a fitness center so that you can stay active while traveling.
While most people visiting Seaside simply want to relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean, other travelers may want a little more action out of their trip. If you're the type of vacationer that likes to explore and enjoy the community that they're visiting, then it's a good idea to learn about some of the most exciting activities available in Seaside.
For example, if you want to take a ride up the coast, then you need to experience the famous 17-Mile Drive. This route will take you along the Monterey Peninsula and through popular areas like Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Taking this drive and making time for stops along the way is a great way to spend the afternoon in Seaside.
If you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible on your trip, then you need to visit Fort Ord Dunes State Park. This beautiful park offers great opportunities for hiking and sightseeing, as well as a stunning view of Monterey Bay from a bluff-top platform. You could also visit Marina State Beach, which is one of the most family-friendly destinations in this area.
Below are reviews of the city of Seaside, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Beautiful area. Lovely hotel.
The ocean!
The view and the scent of the ocean in the air!
Walking distance to Monterey and Marina State Park.
Walking distance to restaurants.
Shopping center within walking distance and close to my son's residence.
I loved the clean environment, sidewalks and the courteous people. There city was great!
Food was amazing! Love the weather!
Seaside was beautiful!
Accommodating. Close to the ocean, restaurants. My husband was stationed at Fort Ord in the Vietnam era and has pleasant memories of living in Seaside.
Great little city to take some time to relax and be outdoors.