The business community consists mainly of small family-owned businesses.
Seaside is home to the Bed Races, and a variety of authentic ethnic restaurants.
Motor City, the second largest auto center in the world, calls Seaside home as well as California State University at Monterey Bay. The City of Sand City also has a growing population of working artists and artisans which create unique art objects for display indoors and outdoors. Sand Dollar Plaza and Edge Water Shopping Center comprise the only regional retail center on the Monterey Peninsula. They house Costco, Office Depot, Orchard Supply Hardware, Target, Borders Books and many other popular retail outlets along with smaller stores. Sand City also boasts 1 miles of pristine coast line which includes a scenic recreation trail.