The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Seaside
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1,839
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Family friendly hiking trails around Seaside offer diverse landscapes, from expansive sandy beaches to lush temperate rainforests and dramatic headlands overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The region is characterized by its coastal scenery, including sea stacks and secluded coves, alongside dense forests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Rivers and estuaries like the Necanicum provide additional natural features, supporting varied wildlife. This varied terrain ensures a range of hiking experiences suitable for families.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Seaside
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a 7.6 miles (12.2 km) trail that takes 3 hours 7 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers views along the coastline.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Watkins Road – Fort Ord ⛰️🚵 MTB trailhead loop from California State University Monterey Bay, a moderate 5.4 miles (8.6 km) path. This trail features varied terrain, including sections through natural areas.
- Local hikers also love the Monterey Beach – View of Monterey Harbor loop from Sand City, a 6.9 miles (11.1 km) trail leading through coastal areas with harbor views, often completed in about 2 hours 50 minutes.
- Hiking around Seaside is defined by coastal paths, dense forests, and prominent headlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from relaxed strolls to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Seaside are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 1,600 hikers have used komoot to explore Seaside's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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12.2km
03:07
50m
40m
If you're looking for an accessible coastal walk with continuous ocean views, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail delivers. This 7.6-mile (12.2 km) moderate hike follows a paved path along the former Southern Pacific Railroad, offering stunning vistas of sandy beaches and dramatic dunes. You'll pass iconic spots like Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, with plenty of chances to spot sea otters and seals, especially in the celebrated section between Pacific Grove and Fisherman's Wharf.
This trail is incredibly convenient, connecting many of Monterey's top attractions directly. Parking is available at various points along the route, but popular areas can fill up quickly, so an early start is often a good idea. The trail is open year-round, but for the most pleasant experience and to avoid the biggest crowds, consider visiting during the spring or fall.
What makes this trail truly special is its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, tracing the path of an old railway line. It provides a fantastic way to explore Monterey's vibrant culture and natural environment, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and even the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking an easy hike in Monterey Bay with high scenic payoff.
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11.1km
02:50
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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hikers
2.78km
00:43
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A lovely wharf you should see
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Nice flat run on footpath to aquarium.
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Kalisa Moore, known as the “Queen of Cannery Row,” was born in Latvia and came to America after World War II. She bridged the eras, opening her fine dining restaurant when most canneries had already closed. Over the years, “Kalisa’s” evolved into a bohemian coffeehouse where artists, writers and poets “hung out.” Her weekend cabaret was filled with musicians, dancers and the occasional celebrity from the Monterey Jazz Festival. As time went on and Cannery Row was reborn, Kalisa became a major factor in preserving memories of Steinbeck’s era and promoted tourism and commerce as president of the Cannery Row Foundation. For fifty years, she was a friend to the famous and a mother to the needy with a local following that knew and loved her. Kalisa's La Ida Cafe was a very special time and place, and Kalisa will always be remembered as the "Queen of Cannery Row."
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Cannery Row, the waterfront district that boomed in the 1850s - For thousands of years it was home to the Ohlone, Esselen and Salinas tribes, and in the 19th century immigrants from Europe and Asia settled here to fish the waters, especially for sardines. Thanks to the canneries that resulted, Monterey became known as the "Sardine Capital of the World." John Steinbeck, born and raised in nearby Salinas, immortalized this era in his 1945 novel Cannery Row, and the name stuck.
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Bruce Ariss Way is a narrow alley, the pedestrian-only continuation of Irving Avenue between Wave Street and Cannery Row. What was once an unofficial walkway between the residential area of the row, across the railroad tracks, and the waterfront canneries has been converted into a small park. In the early 1990s, the City of Monterey relocated three worker's shacks from 866 Wave Street to this site and opened them to the public. They are interpreted as being occupied by a Japanese, a Filipino, and a Spanish family, respectively, alluding to the cultural mix that characterized cosmopolitan Cannery Row and representing the living conditions of workers between the 1920s and 1950s. There were many shacks like this in the neighborhood in the early 20th century, but these are the only remaining remnants of this housing type on Cannery Row.
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Nice, small (and free!) museum just before Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Nice exhibition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Seaside?
There are nearly 100 family-friendly hiking trails around Seaside, with the vast majority (over 75) being easy to moderate, making them suitable for various ages and abilities. You'll find a great selection of routes to explore with your family.
What kind of landscapes can we expect on family hikes near Seaside?
Seaside offers a diverse range of landscapes perfect for family adventures. You can expect stunning coastal views, expansive sandy beaches, and lush temperate rainforests dominated by Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees. Some trails also lead to prominent headlands offering breathtaking ocean vistas.
Are there any easy coastal walks suitable for families with young children or strollers?
Yes, for a relaxed experience, the Seaside Promenade, often called "The Prom," is a 1.5-mile oceanfront path perfect for walking, jogging, or biking with strollers. For a slightly longer coastal experience, consider the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which offers beautiful seaside views.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Seaside?
The family-friendly trails around Seaside are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the beautiful coastal scenery, the variety of easy-to-moderate paths, and the opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Are there any historical sites or interesting landmarks to see along the trails?
Yes, the region is rich in history and natural landmarks. You can explore areas like Monterey State Historic Park or the historic Cannery Row. For natural beauty, viewpoints like Point Joe Vista Point and Pescadero Point offer spectacular ocean views.
Can we find trails that offer both forest and ocean views?
Absolutely. Many trails in the Seaside area, particularly those in Ecola State Park and leading to Tillamook Head, wind through lush Sitka spruce forests before opening up to dramatic ocean vistas and views of sea stacks. The Monterey Beach – View of Monterey Harbor loop also combines coastal scenery with broader views.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, there are several circular routes that are great for families. For example, the Watkins Road – Fort Ord MTB trailhead loop offers a moderate circular hike through varied terrain. Many trails within Ecola State Park also feature loop options, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps.
What is the best time of year for family hiking in Seaside?
The best time for family hiking in Seaside is generally spring through early fall. During these months, the weather is milder, and trails are typically in good condition. Spring brings wildflowers, while summer offers warmer temperatures for beach activities after a hike. Always be prepared for coastal weather, which can change quickly.
Are there opportunities to see wildlife on these family-friendly trails?
Yes, the Seaside area is rich in wildlife. On coastal trails, you might spot seabirds, including puffins during nesting season, and marine life in tide pools. Forested trails offer chances to see deer, elk, and various bird species. The Necanicum Estuary is particularly known for birdwatching, with great blue herons and osprey.
Where can we find picnic areas or places to rest with views along the trails?
Many state parks and scenic viewpoints along the coast offer designated picnic areas with stunning views. Ecola State Park, for instance, has several spots perfect for a family picnic overlooking the Pacific. The Seaside Promenade also has benches and open spaces where you can relax and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Are there any trails that are particularly good for spotting unique natural features?
Yes, the region is known for its unique natural features. You can find dramatic sea stacks along the coastline, such as Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach. The Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point offer a distinctive natural spectacle, and the Lone Cypress Viewpoint showcases an iconic tree against a stunning backdrop.
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