Top 15 Things To Do in Seaside, California
Seaside sits on the blunt, salt-sweet edge of Monterey Bay, where winds sweep kelp beds and the horizon often holds a whale blow. It’s a place to swap pavement for paddle, trading morning surf for afternoon SUP, and to splice a coastal bike tour with a sunset sailing or whale watch. This guide maps the 15 clearest ways to move through salt and sky here—water activities like surf, SUP, kayak, and scuba; boat-based options from whale watch to private boat rental and sailing; plus shore-forward picks like fishing, a scenic train hop, and short bike tours that stitch seaside neighborhoods to the dunes.
Top 15 Things To Do in Seaside
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Seaside Belongs on Your Coastal Adventure List
From the ride of the morning tide to the hush of evening gulls, Seaside is an economy of experiences condensed into a short coastline. The town’s real currency is water: surf zones that welcome both novices and local regulars, sheltered coves for SUP and kayak, and the broad avenue of Monterey Bay—one of North America’s richest marine ecosystems—where whale watch and wildlife trips thread through feeding grounds. Fort Ord’s dunes offer a contrasting terrestrial playground: wind-sculpted ridgelines for quick hikes and dirt-road bike tours that feel miles from the highway though the city is minutes away.
Practicality anchors the poetry here. Outfitters in the area make boat tours, fishing charters, and scuba excursions accessible without a long commute, while bike rentals and guided bike tours let you stitch the shoreline to nearby seaside neighborhoods and Cannery Row. The workaday logistics—easy parking near major put-ins, multiple launch points for kayaks and SUP, and a handful of dependable surf breaks—mean you can plan a balanced day: morning surf, midday boat tour or scuba, and an evening cast off the pier or a short coastal walk at sunset. Seasonal events and migrations add texture: whale-watching peaks when the bay fills with gray and humpback whales; spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the calmest water for new paddlers.
For travelers who want to mix low-effort pleasure with serious outings, Seaside answers. Beginner paddlers and families find calm, protected inlets; intermediate adventurers can bank time on open-water paddles, shore dives, and guided fishing trips; advanced travelers will appreciate the sea-sickness-free offshore boat rides, technical scuba sites, and the chance to string together multi-modal days—surf to a beach, hop on a beach cruiser for a coastal loop, then join a sunset sailing. Practical, compact, and marine-rich, Seaside is both an anchor and a launch point for anything you want to do on water or along the sand.
Access is straightforward: Monterey Regional Airport is nearby and the coastal highway network funnels day-trippers efficiently. Local shops and outfitters handle rentals, lessons, and guided outings for surf, SUP, kayak, scuba, and sailing—use them for confidence and local knowledge, especially if tide, swell, or current matter to your plan.
Pairing the active day with local flavor feels easy: fresh seafood stands a block from launch points, and coffee shops hum with surf reports and tide charts. That makes Seaside a smart base for multi-day itineraries that combine water activities and short scenic drives along the Monterey Peninsula.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Coastal California offers mild temperatures year-round. Late spring and early fall tend to produce calmer seas and clearer skies—ideal for SUP, kayak, and boat tours. Summer can be breezier and cooler near the water; foggy mornings are common. Winter brings fewer crowds and strong swell for experienced surfers, but also cooler water and variable conditions.
Peak Season
Late spring through early fall draws the most day-trippers and families—book popular boat tours and rentals in advance.
Off-Season Opportunities
Winter weekdays bring lower prices on guided scuba and whale-watch trips and fewer crowds on coastal trails; professional-guided outings remain available and can offer more personalized experiences.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, sheltered sessions ideal for newcomers: protected bays, supervised surf lessons, and calm early-morning SUP conditions.
- Group surf lesson at a protected break
- Guided SUP in a sheltered cove
- Short kayak outing along the shoreline
Intermediate
Longer, independent outings that require basic competency: open-water paddles, mid-length bike tours on coastal paths, and boat tours to wildlife hotspots.
- Open-water SUP toward nearby kelp beds
- Coastal bike tour connecting Seaside to Cannery Row
- Half-day fishing charter or guided kayak wildlife tour
Advanced
Skill-heavy, commitment-driven adventures: shore dives and offshore scuba requiring certification, big-swell surf sessions, and multi-modal days combining sailing, fishing, or technical dives.
- Certified scuba dives on offshore reefs
- Surf sessions on exposed breaks at higher swell
- Private sailing excursion with deep-water fishing
What to Bring
Essential
- Wetsuit or a splash/top layer (water temps are cool year-round)
- Daypack with wind shell and layered clothing
- Sun protection: waterproof sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle and energy snacks
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Recommended
- Rashguard or full suit for long surf or SUP sessions
- Lightweight binoculars for wildlife and whale watch spotting
- Comfortable bike shoes and a helmet for coastal rides
- Small first-aid kit and blister care
Optional
- Dive log and certification card for scuba outings
- Fishing license if you plan a shore or charter fishing trip
- Action camera with float tether
- Portable travel towel for quick dries between activities
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check tide charts, local wind reports, and operator schedules before heading out. For wildlife viewing, the early morning and late afternoon often offer the best sightings.
Book whale-watch and scuba outings a few days in advance during high season. For SUP and kayak, head out at slack tide if you prefer gentler currents. Rent a wetsuit—water temperatures hover cool even in summer—and bring layered wind protection for post-paddle chills. If you want quieter surf sessions, aim for weekday mornings and ask local surf shops about recent conditions. For bike touring, follow designated coastal paths and be prepared for gusty stretches near dunes. Respect wildlife closures and posted signs on beaches and dune areas to protect nesting birds and fragile habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes for basic activities like beach surf lessons, shore fishing, and casual bike tours. For open-water kayaking, scuba, technical surf spots, or whale-watching navigation, a guide or charter improves safety and local insight.
Is whale watching seasonal?
Whale activity varies by species: gray whales have strong migrations in winter/spring, while humpbacks and blue whales may appear in different months. Local boat operators track sightings and adjust routes accordingly.
Are rentals easy to find in town?
Yes—there are multiple outfitters offering surfboards, SUPs, kayaks, and bikes. For scuba and fishing charters, reserve ahead on weekends and holidays.