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Seaside

Seaside History

   Seaside was founded by Dr. John Roberts, a New York-born physician who moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1887. Roberts bought  $5,000 worth of ranch land that he hoped to develop into a community similar to the neighboring town of Pacific Grove. He subdivided 150 acres into lots that he sold for $25 each, and soon the town of Seaside was born.
   Roberts opened the Seaside Post Office in 1890 and served as postmaster for 42 years. He was instrumental in bringing roads to the region, including scenic Highway 1, which runs nearly the entire length of the California coast. When the road was completed in 1937, it brought more residents -- and tourists -- to Seaside and other cities along the Monterey Peninsula.
   In 1917, Gigling Reservation opened just north of Seaside. This cavalry post grew into a large military facility that became a major training post during World War II. Renamed Fort Ord, the facility was once home to 25,000 soldiers and civilian workers. It closed in 1994, and part of the base is now home to the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay. The rest of the land will be developed as a state park (Fort Ord Dunes State Park) and as a site for affordable housing.
   Seaside was incorporated in 1954. Today the city is known as a family-oriented town that offers community activities nearly every weekend.

Activities

   Seaside is home to many restaurants, shops and art galleries. Monterey is less than three miles south, offering a wide selection of stores and eateries.
   The city has 16 parks offering a variety of recreational trails, athletic fields and wildlife habitats. Across from Seaside City Hall, you'll find 60-acre Laguna Grande Regional Park. The restored wetland park is home to a 12-acre lake and has a bike path, nature trail, playground and picnic facilities.
   Monterey State Beach offers fishing, surfing, kayaking and kite-flying, There are three separate beaches at the scenic locale, which is located between Monterey and Seaside. Snorkeling, scuba diving and tidepool exploring are also available at this popular spot.
   The smaller Seaside State Beach is a perfect place for sunbathing and beachcombing. Although the water is rough, the dunes offer a nice sandy getaway.
   Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course, located at the former Fort Ord, was once enjoyed only by military personnel. Today, the two 18-hole courses are open to the public, offering great views of Monterey Bay and the surrounding landscape.
   Annual events include the Seaside Jazz and Art Show, the Easter Egg Hunt, Cinco de Mayo, and the popular Hot Cars Cool Nites auto show.

Seaside Fast Facts

   Location: Seaside is located on Monterey Bay, about 70 miles south of San Jose
  *Total area: 8.96 square miles (8.83 square miles land area; 0.13 square miles water area)
  *Population: 31,696
  *Housing units: 11,005
   Average annual rainfall: 20.35 inches
   Average temperatures: 62ºF in summer, 51ºF in winter
*Information provided by 2000 Census

Schools

   There are eight public schools in Seaside: five elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools.
   California State University, Monterey Bay is located in the north part of the city.

Beaches

   Seaside State Beach has long stretches of sand and scenic dunes. The water is rough, but you can take a walk, sunbathe, fly a kite or explore the native plants that are located along the dunes.
   Monterey State Beach has three separate beaches, offering a variety of activities, from surfing and snorkeling to fishing and kayaking.
   After the closure of Fort Ord, the land was set aside for future development. Fort Ord Dunes State Park contains 886 acres with four miles of beachfront that one day will open to the public.

Maps of Seaside

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