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| Seaside, California | |
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Seaside Coastline
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| City | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Orange County |
Seaside is a (fictional) coastal town located in Orange County in Southern California, United States. The population was around 200,000 as of the 2020 United States census. Seaside is known for its surf culture, arts scene, and laid-back but vibrant atmosphere. It boasts long stretches of sandy beaches, a bustling pier, and a historic downtown filled with independent shops, cafés, and music venues.
Contents
History
Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area now known as Seaside was home to the Chumash people. The Chumash people thrived along the coast with fishing, canoe-building, and intricate basketry. Living in harmony with the land, the Chumash people utilized the rich marine life and temperate climate.
In the late 1700s, Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived, establishing Mission San Esteban as part of California's mission system. While the mission brought European influence, it also disrupted indigineous life, leading to cultural and population decline due to disease and forced labor.
After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the mission lands were secularized, and vast ranchos were granted to wealthy families. The Rancho del Mar (Ranch of the Sea) covered much of what would become Seaside. This rancho was primarily used for cattle ranching and trade.
Following the Mexican-American War and California's statehood in 1850, American settlers moved in, drawn by the natural beauty of the land and economic potential. This area remained largely rural, mostly comprised of small farming and fishing communities.
The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s brought development and tourism. Visitors from San Francisco and Los Angeles sought coastal retreats. A small fishing village grew around the pier. Wealthy families built seaside estates in what is now known as Pacific Bluffs.
In 1902, the town officially incorporated as Seaside, capitalizing on its reputation as a vacation destination.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 32.5 square miles (84.2 km²). 27.3 sq mi (70.7km²) of it is land and 5.2 sq mi (13.5 km²) of it (16.0%) is water. The entire city of Seaside lies in area codes 714 and 657.
Climate
Seaside has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification: Csb/Csa). Thanks to its coastal location, Seaside enjoys moderate temperatures year-round, with ocean breezes helping to keep the extreme heat at bay. In the summer, temperatures rarely exceed 78°F (26°C). In the winter, temperatures rarely fall below 45°F (7°C), even on clear nights. There are about 12-15 inches (300-380 mm) of rainfall, almost all in mid-winter. Freezing temperatures and snow are extremely rare. The area is annually affected by a marine layer caused by the cool air of the Pacific Ocean meeting warm air over the land. This results in foggy and overcast conditions in early summer ("June Gloom" and "No-Sky July").
Seaside Pier
Seaside Pier is the beating heart of the town's coastline. A historic and bustling landmark, Seaside Pier stretches approximately 1,500 feet (457 meters) into the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1905, it has been a beloved gathering place for over a century, drawing locals and tourists alike with its mix of vintage charm and modern attractions.
Seaside Pier features a boardwalk lining the entrance to the pier. The boardwalk is a lively area filled with boutique shops, street performers, classic arcade games, and food vendors. At night, string lights illuminate the area, giving it a nostalgic glow.
A beautifully restored 1920s carousel, the Seaside Carousel, is also located on Seaside Pier. One of the last of its kind on the West Coast, it features hand-carved sea creatures alongside traditional wooden horses.
Additional Seaside Pier attracions include the Tidal Tank Aquarium, Ruby's on the Water, The Surf Shack, and a fishing deck at the end of the pier.
Seaside Pier houses a small stage near the pier entrance that hosts weekend live music, seasonal festivals, and street performances, ranging from folk singers to fire dancers. Annually, Seaside Pier hosts the Seaside Surf Classic (June), the Boardwalk Film Festival (August), Harvest by the Sea (October), and Seaside Winter Lights Festival (December).
Seaside Lighthouse
Seaside Lighthouse is one of the town's most storied landmarks, symbolizing both its maritime heritage and its enduring charm.
Built in the early 20th century, around 1912, the lighthouse was constructed to guide ships safely along the treacherous coastal rocks and to serve as a critic navigational aid during a period when maritime travel was the lifeblood of coastal communities.
The lighthouse boasts a distinctive red-and-white exterior with ornate detailing that reflects classic coastal design. Its sturdy masonry structure has withstood the test of time and harsh oceanic weather. Inside, visitors can explore period furnishings and maritime artifacts that showcase the evolution of lighthouse technology, from the early oil lamps to modern electric beacons.
Today, the Seaside Lighthouse has been transformed into a maritime museum dedicated to the town's maritime history.
Adding to its mystique, local folklore suggests that on foggy nights, the ghost of a former lighthouse keeper is sometimes seen dutifully tending to the light.Infrastructure
The city operates under a council-manager system. In this form of government, elected officials — comprising a City Council made up of five members representing different districts — set policy, pass local ordinances, and establish the town's budget. From among themselves, the council selects one member to serve as mayor, a largely ceremonial role that also involves representing Seaside at official events.
Fire protection in Seaside is provided by a full-time, professional fire department — the Seaside Fire Department. Seaside's fire protection is provided by a network of five strategically located fire stations. Law enforcement is provided by the Seaside Police Department. Marine safety services iinclude a dedicated Marine Safety Unit and coordinated efforts with regional agencies.
Hospital
Seaside Medical Center is the primary healthcare facility serving Seaside and the surrounding communities. Founded over 50 years ago, the center has evolved into a modern, full-service hospital dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
In partnership with Seaside University's School of Medicine, the hospital serves as a teaching facility, fostering clinical research and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Seaside Medical Center is active in community outreach, hosting regular health fairs, free screening events, and educational workshops on coastal health issues. These educational workshops address conditions unique to the local environment such as water-related injuries and sun exposure.
Education
Public schools
Seaside is the home of Seaside University, a mid-sized and well-respected public university with a strong emphasis on marine biology, creative arts, and envrionmental science. Seaside University is home to the Seaside Oceanography Research Center, which attracts marine science students from all across the country. The university also boasts a highly regarded film studies and creative writing program, making it a destination for aspiring filmmakers and writers.
Seaside Community College provides another pathway for higher education. A two-year public community college, Seaside Community College offers associate degrees, vocational programs, and university transfer pathways.Seaside is in the Seaside Unified School District, which includes:
• Seaside Arts & Humanities Charter (SAHC)
The district includes four elementary schools and three middle schools. Seaside Unified School District has a reputation for strong academic programs, arts education, and competitive sports teams.
Private schools
• St. Augustine Academy is a K-12 Catholic prep school.
• Seaside Montessori is a K-8 Montessori school.
• The Hawthorne School is a prestigious 6-12 private school.
• Coastal Christian Academy is a K-12 non-denominational Christian school.
• Shoreline Waldorf School is a K-8 Waldorf-method school.
Public libraries
Seaside has a robust public library system consisting of a main branch and four neighborhood libraries.
Parks & Recreation
Seaside State Park
Seaside State Park is a sprawling coastal preserve that serves as one of the town's most beloved outdoor destinations. With its stunning ocean views, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities, the park attracts nature lovers, hikers, surfers, and families year-round.
Situated along the western edge of Seaside, the park encompasses nearly 200 acres of protected coastline, rolling dunes, and coastal wetlands. The park's pristine beaches stretch for miles, offering ample space for sunbathing, beachcombing, and wildlife observation. Inland, a network of scenic hiking and biking trails winds through native chaparral and coastal bluffs, providing panoramic viwes of the Pacific Ocean.
The Seaside Marine & Wildlife Center, located near the main entrance, offers educational programs about local ecology, marine life, and ongoing conservational efforts. Volunteers and park rangers lead guided nature walks, tide pool explorations, and seasonal whale-watching tours.
The park hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Seaside Coastal Clean-Up, an Earth Day initiative focused on preserving the shoreline, and the Seaside EcoFest, which features workshops, live demonstrations, and environmental awareness activities for families.
Seaside Dog Beach
Seaside Dog Beach spans approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) along the northern coastline of Seaside, making it one of the largest off-leash beaches in the area. This stretch of sand provides ample space for dogs to run, play, and swim freely. The designated off-leash area covers roughly 30 aces, including sandy shoreline, small dunes, and a shallow tidal zone perfect for splashing around.
Seaside Dog Beach features dog wash stations, waste stations, shaded rest areas, and tide pool exploration. Dogs must be well-behaved and under voice control when off-leash. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. Dogs must be leashed in parking areas and on trails leading to the beach. Aggressive dogs and excessive barking may result in removal from the off-leash area.
Seaside Dog Beach also hosts fun community events such as Pup Paddle Day, Howl-O-Ween Costume Context, and Rescue & Adoption Days.Arts and culture
The Seaside Art Collective, located in Seacliff, serves as the town's premier contemporary art space. It features exhibitions from local and regional artists.
The Silver Strand Arts District is another focal point for the creative community. This district houses small galleries, artist studios, and public murals that celebrate Seaside's coastal beauty and cultural heritage.
The Seaside Mural Walk is a popular attraction. This mural walk showcases large-scale outdoor murals depicting everything from historic maritime scenes to abstract contemporary pieces. Local artists and students often contribute to these projects, reinforcing Seaside's reputation as a town that nurtures creativity.
The Seaside Arts Festival is hosted every spring.
The Seaside Playhouse is a historic theater in downtown Seaside that serves as the town's premier performance venue. This Playhouse hosts everything from classic plays and modern dramas to musical productions and improv comedy nights. It is home to the Seaside Repertory Theatre, a professional company known for its innovative and diverse productions.
The Seacliff Pavilion is a popular outdoor venue that regularly feaures concerts from local indie bands to nationally recognized touring artists. The Summer Seaside Concert Series, held at the pavilion, draws large crowds for free performances under the stars.
Businesses
Business
See also: Seaside Businesses & Attractions
The downtown district of Seaside features a lively arts center, a vibrant shopping district with locally owned bountiques, and a diverse array of restaurants offering coastal and international cuisine.
Several hotels and resorts have been developed along the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway, providing stunning views of the coastline just southeast of Seaside Pier.
At the north end of Harbor Cove, the channels surrounding Mariner's Isle were once home to a thriving fishing fleet. Today, the Harbor Village serves as a bustling waterfront hub, hosting small businesses, seafood restaurants, and specialty shops. The village is also the departure point for Seaside's charter boat excursions, including sunset cruises and deep-sea fishing trips. Each year, it welcomes the Seaside Boat Show. On weekends, it transforms into a lively gathering spot with an organic farmers market and local artisan vendors. The area is also home to Seaside's gondola company, offering scenic rides through the harbor's winding waterways.
Neighborhoods
Seacliff
See also: Seaside Housing (Mod note: Seacliff is where our mod-run housing is and where most of our players are located!)
Seacliff is the vibrant, central neighborhood of Seaside. It is known for its breathtaking ocean views and dynamic lifestyle. While it certainly offers family-friendly amenities, its appeal reaches far beyond to draw in professionals, creatives, and trendsetters who value both upscale living and a deep connection to the coast.
Other Neighborhoods
Old Seaside
The heart of the town, Old Seaside features historic Spanish-style buildings, brick-paved streets, and a mix of indie bookstores, record shops, and old-school diners. The Seaside Pier and Boardwalk are the main attractions, with a Ferris wheel, arcade, and classic seafood joints.
Pacific Bluffs
Pacific Bluffs is an affluent, scenic cliffside neighborhood with ocean-view mansions, luxury apartments, and a country club. It is home to many retirees, successful entrepreneurs, and the town's wealthiest residents.
Bayridge
Bayridge is a welcoming, family-friendly suburb in Seaside that offers a serene, suburban atmosphere paired with top-notch educational facilities. This neighborhood is designed for those who prioritize a safe, community-oriented lifestyle with convenient access to quality schools and recreational amenities.
Silver Strand
The artsy, bohemian district of Seaside, Silver Strand is filled with vintage stores, independent coffee shops, and live music venues. Street art and murals give it a colorful, creative energy. Silver Strand provides a haven for musicians, writers, and alternative culture.
References
- Notes
- References
- A majority of this information has been adapted from Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Santa Monica, and a few other places.
