Sand Dollar Inn is three minutes from the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which makes Seaside a great starting point for a day on two wheels. Here is an easy plan that covers the wild north end of the bay and the busy Monterey waterfront.
Morning: north to Fort Ord Dunes
Pick up the trail near Monterey State Beach and head north. The path runs past the dunes to Fort Ord Dunes State Park, on what was once the Fort Ord Army base. Lock up the bikes and walk the blufftop trail or down to the beach. The park opens at 8 a.m.
Midday: back south through Seaside and Sand City
Ride back the way you came with the dunes on your right. This is a good time for a picnic at Monterey State Beach.
Afternoon: into Monterey
- Continue south past Lake El Estero to Fisherman's Wharf, about four miles from the hotel, and watch for sea lions.
- Keep going along Cannery Row to the Monterey Bay Aquarium if your legs are fresh.
Evening: home with the wind
Afternoon winds usually blow from the west, so the ride back to Seaside often comes with a tailwind. Cool off in the outdoor pool at the hotel.
Tips
- Bring a lock, water, and a windbreaker.
- Some trail sections near Fort Ord Dunes are detoured during campground work. Check California State Parks (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=580) before you go.
- Keep right and pass on the left.
Staying at Sand Dollar Inn
Sand Dollar Inn is three minutes from Monterey State Beach and the Coastal Trail, with complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, guest laundry for sandy clothes, and lobby coffee and tea. Book direct at sanddollarinnseaside.com.
Photo: NorCal2018 Fort Ord Dunes State Park Monterey Bay S0321060 by Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia, via Wikimedia Commons. Original photograph and this image adaptation licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized; website renditions may be cropped and converted in format. This license applies only to the photograph.
