Fort Ord Dunes State Park has potential. In 2009, the federal government gave this land to the state of California. There is a nice walking platform to a lookout with great views up and down the coast. At the lookout you're surrounded by rust-colored dunes covered in coastal succulents. A series of trails give beach access to a lovely beach of clean sand backed by cliffs. Seaside is often foggy or overcast so there is a glare to the sky. This area could be nice but the main problem, which I assume is being worked on, is that there are endless rows of super spooky derelict military buildings. Driving to the lookout is like entering a horror movie. 
While you're in the area, make sure you check out stunning Monterey and its Lovers Point Park. There's a playground in Monterey that your kids will never forget called Dennis the Menace Park.

Directions

From Highway 1, follow the signs to Fort Ord Dunes State Park. There is plenty of free parking in the large parking lot, which is off Beach Range Road.

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