Top Landmarks in Seaside

Seaside — Apollo 5000 GT - Flick - Concorso Italiano 2005 — Apollo 5000 GT - Flick - Concorso Italiano 2005 — Photo: Craig Howell from San Carlos, CA, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Seaside sits along Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast, and its most notable landmarks reflect that setting: a long coastal trail, dune-backed shoreline, former military land turned public open space, and a handful of parks and recreation areas that give the city its outdoor character. Unlike denser urban destinations, Seaside's landmarks are spread across a fairly compact stretch of coastline and inland open space, which makes it possible to see several of them in a single outing. This guide covers the landmarks most commonly associated with the city, how they relate to one another geographically, and how to link them together on foot or by bike. For a broader overview of the city, start with the Seaside Travel Guide: Things to Do, Landmarks, Food, and Itineraries.

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (sometimes referred to as the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail) runs along the shoreline through Seaside, connecting it to neighboring communities including Sand City, Monterey, and Pacific Grove. The paved, multi-use path is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, and it offers ocean views for much of its length. Because it runs directly through the city, it functions as a natural spine for exploring Seaside's coastal landmarks — most other shoreline points of interest can be reached by following the trail north or south. Interpretive signage along parts of the route touches on the area's natural and maritime history, giving the trail some educational value beyond its recreational use.

Seaside — Maserati Quattroporte red - Flick - Concorso Italiano 2005 — Maserati Quattroporte red - Flick - Concorso Italiano 2005 — Photo: Craig Howell from San Carlos, CA, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Just along the coast, Fort Ord Dunes State Park occupies a former military training site that has been converted into public parkland. The park is known for its wide sandy beach, coastal dune formations, and remnants of its Army history, including old bunkers and structures visible from the trail system. It's a commonly visited spot for beach walks and photography, and the dunes themselves are considered ecologically significant, supporting native plant species adapted to the coastal environment. Because the park connects directly to the coastal recreation trail, it's easy to combine with a longer beachfront walk or ride.

Fort Ord National Monument and former Fort Ord lands

Inland from the coast, the broader footprint of the former Fort Ord Army base has been converted into a mix of public open space, including trail networks popular with hikers and mountain bikers. This former military land is one of the defining features of the Seaside area's landscape, and its transition from an active Army post to public recreation space is a well-known part of the region's recent history. Trail access points are scattered across the area, so travelers interested in this landscape should plan a route in advance rather than expecting a single defined entrance.

Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Course

Also built on former Fort Ord land, the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Course is a well-known golf facility in the Seaside area, originally developed to serve military personnel before being opened to the public. The two courses have hosted competitive events over the years and are recognized as part of the Monterey Peninsula's broader reputation as a golf destination. Even for travelers who aren't golfing, the surrounding grounds and views are part of what makes this a recognizable landmark within the city.

Laguna Grande Regional Park

Laguna Grande Regional Park centers on a small lake and offers walking paths, picnic areas, and habitat for local and migratory birds. It's a commonly visited green space for residents and travelers looking for a quieter, inland complement to the coastal attractions, and it sits close enough to central Seaside to be reached easily from other parts of the city.

California State University, Monterey Bay

Adjacent to Seaside, the California State University, Monterey Bay campus occupies part of the former Fort Ord property and is notable for repurposing historic military buildings alongside newer construction. While primarily an educational institution, the campus is often mentioned as a point of interest for its architecture and its role in the area's post-military redevelopment.

Combining the Landmarks on a Walk

Because several of Seaside's landmarks sit along or near the coastal trail, a logical route starts at the shoreline and moves along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail toward Fort Ord Dunes State Park, taking in beach and dune views along the way. From there, travelers with more time can head inland toward the former Fort Ord open space and, depending on interest, the golf course or Laguna Grande Regional Park. This rough north-to-south, coast-to-inland pattern mirrors how the Best Things To Do in Seaside guide organizes activities, and it pairs well with a structured plan like the Seaside 1-Day Itinerary or the more relaxed Seaside 3-Day Itinerary for travelers wanting to spread the landmarks across multiple days.

As with any outdoor destination, ordinary urban awareness applies — stick to marked trails, be mindful of conditions near dunes and cliffs, and check posted signage for any seasonal access changes. For details on when trail and park conditions tend to be most favorable, see Best Time to Visit Seaside. After a day spent covering these landmarks, Where to Eat in Seaside offers an overview of nearby dining options, and the Seaside FAQ addresses other common planning questions.