Nestled along the Oregon coast, a charming beach town has been a favorite among visitors for over a century. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and wide range of activities, it’s the perfect destination for families and travelers alike.
You can stroll along the historic promenade, enjoy the wide, welcoming beaches, or explore the local culture. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing summer vacation or a cozy winter getaway, this coastal gem has something for everyone.
From outdoor activities like kayaking on the Necanicum River to exploring the charming downtown area, you’ll find a mix of popular tourist spots and hidden local gems that provide authentic experiences for visitors of all ages.
Discovering Seaside’s Coastal Charm
As you step into Seaside, Oregon, the charm of this coastal town immediately captivates you. Seaside’s unique position on the Oregon coast makes it an ideal base for exploring the region’s natural wonders and historical sites. With a rich history spanning over a century, the town has maintained much of its historical character while evolving to meet the needs of contemporary visitors.
The city’s compact layout allows you to explore its many attractions on foot, maximizing your time experiencing both the natural landscapes and cultural attractions. From the moment you glimpse the Pacific Ocean to the backdrop of Tillamook Head, the natural beauty surrounding Seaside creates breathtaking views in every direction.
Seaside offers a different experience with each season, from bustling summer beach activities to contemplative winter storm watching along the coast. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the town’s many attractions, Seaside is a place where memories are made.
The Historic Seaside Promenade: A Scenic Oceanfront Stroll
Visitors to Seaside can’t miss the iconic Promenade, a 1.5-mile concrete path that has been the heart of Seaside’s oceanfront experience for over a century. As you stroll along this historic boardwalk, you’ll enjoy stunning Pacific Ocean views and be perfectly positioned between the city and the sandy shore.
Exploring the 1.5-Mile Boardwalk and Pacific Ocean Views
The Seaside Promenade, affectionately known as “The Prom,” runs from Avenue U to 12th Avenue, offering beautiful ocean views throughout your walk. This fully accessible path makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the scenic views, whether you’re walking, biking, or renting a surrey.
As you make your way along the Promenade, the uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views provide a breathtaking backdrop for your stroll. With a rich history dating back to its dedication in 1921, the Promenade is more than just a walkway – it’s a cultural hub where you can watch street performers, people-watch, or simply take in the coastal atmosphere.
Attractions Along the Promenade
Along your way, you’ll discover numerous attractions, including the Seaside Aquarium, one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, and the iconic Lewis and Clark statue at the Turnaround. Many visitors make walking the Promenade part of their daily routine, with early mornings offering peaceful experiences and evenings providing spectacular sunset views over the Pacific.
The Promenade’s history and attractions make it a must-visit destination in Seaside, Oregon. Whether you’re interested in history, ocean views, or simply enjoying the local culture, the Seaside Promenade has something for everyone.
Seaside Beach: A Perfect Coastal Playground
Seaside Beach stands out as a premier coastal destination, backed by the stunning Tillamook Head. This beautiful beach offers a wide, welcoming stretch of sand perfect for a variety of activities and events throughout the year.
Sunbathing and Beach Activities
You’ll love spending time at Seaside Beach, where you can enjoy classic beach activities like building sandcastles, flying kites, or simply relaxing with a good book while soaking up the sun. The beach is ideal for families, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a day by the ocean.
Make the most of your visit by participating in fun activities like swimming, picnicking, and sandcastle building contests during the summer months.
Annual Events and Competitions
Seaside Beach transforms into an event venue hosting exciting competitions, including the famous Hood to Coast Relay finish line and the world’s largest amateur beach volleyball tournament with nearly 200 courts and 2,000 teams. These events bring an electrifying vibe to the beach, making it a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts and families alike.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Seaside Beach during the summer, with warm weather drawing crowds for various activities and events.
The Iconic Seaside Turnaround and Lewis and Clark Statue
The Seaside Turnaround, located at the end of Broadway Street, marks the symbolic end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. This iconic landmark honors the journey of Lewis and Clark, who reached the Pacific Ocean at this very spot.
The centerpiece of the Turnaround is the impressive Lewis and Clark Statue, which pays tribute to the bravery and determination of these explorers. You can admire the statue while taking in the beautiful views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
- The Seaside Turnaround commemorates the end of the historic 3,500-mile Lewis and Clark Trail.
- It’s a significant historical landmark located at the western end of Broadway Street.
- The Turnaround offers panoramic views of the coastline and easy access to the beach.
- It connects seamlessly to the Seaside Promenade, allowing for continued exploration along the oceanfront.
- This spot is a popular meeting place and photo opportunity, capturing the historical significance and natural beauty of Seaside.
Visiting the Seaside Turnaround is a great way to experience the rich history and natural attractions that Seaside has to offer. It’s a must-visit place when you’re in the area, providing a unique blend of history, beauty, and beach activities.
Downtown Seaside: Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment
The heart of Seaside’s charm lies in its downtown area, where history meets fun. Downtown Seaside is divided into two distinct areas by the Necanicum River Estuary, offering a delightful mix of historical charm and modern entertainment.
The Historic Gilbert District and Local Businesses
The Historic Gilbert District, located on the east side of the estuary, is a treasure trove of well-preserved buildings housing art galleries, boutique shops, and unique local businesses that celebrate Seaside’s rich history. As you stroll through this historic district, you’ll discover coastal shops and art galleries that showcase the area’s charm.
Broadway Street’s Family-Friendly Attractions
On the west side of the estuary, Broadway Street is the lively heart of downtown, offering family-friendly attractions like the Seaside Carousel Mall and Funland Arcade, which has been entertaining visitors since 1931. You can also experience the unique Seaside Inverted Experience for some mind-bending photos. Broadway Street is perfect for families, with a variety of dining options, including fresh seafood restaurants and casual eateries, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone.
Downtown Seaside is especially vibrant during summer evenings when shops stay open late and the streets fill with visitors enjoying the coastal atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a unique experience, delicious dining options, or simply a fun day out, Downtown Seaside has something for everyone.
Seaside Aquarium: Discovering Marine Life
With a rich history dating back to 1937, the Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, providing a unique glimpse into marine life. As a significant educational and recreational facility in Seaside, Oregon, it attracts visitors from all over, eager to explore the wonders of the Pacific Ocean.
Interactive Exhibits and Harbor Seals
The Seaside Aquarium is renowned for its interactive exhibits, particularly its harbor seals. You’ll have the opportunity to watch these marine mammals perform and even feed them. The aquarium is home to 10 harbor seals, some of which are sixth-generation, bred on-site, making it a unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Educational Programs and Touch Tanks
The aquarium offers an engaging experience through its touch tanks, where you can handle sea urchins, sea stars, and other intertidal creatures under the guidance of knowledgeable staff. Additionally, the Discovery Center is equipped with microscopes, allowing for a closer look at the intricate details of marine life, enhancing your understanding of the sea and its inhabitants.
The Seaside Aquarium features 35 glass tanks showcasing a diverse array of marine life from the Oregon Coast, providing an up-close look at the rich ecosystem just beyond Seaside’s shores. During summer months, the Beach Discovery Program extends the aquarium’s educational mission beyond its walls and onto the beach itself, offering a comprehensive experience that combines entertainment and education.
Tillamook Head Trail: Hiking Through Coastal Forests
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views, the Tillamook Head Trail is the perfect choice. Located just north of Seaside, this 6.3-mile trail winds through Ecola State Park’s lush coastal forests, offering stunning ocean views and diverse landscapes.
Trail Details and Scenic Viewpoints
The Tillamook Head Trail presents one of the most rewarding hiking adventures near Seaside. As you climb nearly 1,000 feet through diverse ecosystems, you’ll experience increasingly spectacular views with each step upward. Multiple scenic viewpoints along the way provide breathtaking panoramas of the Oregon coastline.
Key Features: 6.3 miles long, challenging climb, diverse ecosystems, scenic viewpoints
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Views
One of the trail’s highlights is the view of the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, perched dramatically on an isolated rock 1.2 miles offshore. The trail connects Seaside to Ecola State Park, where you’ll be rewarded with additional views of iconic coastal features, including Cannon Beach and the famous Haystack Rock.
Keep an eye out for migrating Gray Whales in late March, adding a wildlife viewing dimension to this already spectacular natural experience.
Water Adventures in Seaside
Get ready for an unforgettable water adventure in Seaside, Oregon, with its diverse waterways. Seaside’s coastal location is perfect for water activities, offering a range of experiences that cater to all skill levels.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding on the Necanicum River
Explore the peaceful Necanicum River and estuary by renting kayaks or paddleboards. As you paddle through the calm waters, you might spot wildlife like blue herons and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
Surfing and Boogie Boarding at The Cove
For a thrilling experience, try surfing or boogie boarding at The Cove. The smaller waves make it an ideal spot for beginners, and local surf shops offer lessons and equipment rentals to help you catch your first wave.
Seaside’s beach and ocean offer fun for all, whether you prefer a calm paddle or a surf adventure. With its diverse waterways and scenic coastline, Seaside is a top destination for water sports and activities.
Ecola State Park: Natural Beauty Near Seaside
Ecola State Park, located near Seaside, offers breathtaking coastal scenery and diverse landscapes to explore. The park encompasses nine miles of coastline, featuring dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and old-growth forests.
Key Attractions:
- Ecola Point provides panoramic vistas of the coastline, Cannon Beach, and the iconic Haystack Rock in the distance.
- The park offers diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches perfect for afternoon strolls to forested trails leading to hidden viewpoints.
- Wildlife viewing opportunities abound year-round, with possibilities to spot Roosevelt elk, deer, eagles, and even migrating whales.
The park’s beauty changes with the seasons, making it worth visiting multiple times throughout the year. While primarily a day-use area, Ecola State Park does offer some rustic camping facilities for those wanting a more immersive natural experience.
Historical Attractions: Connecting with Seaside’s Past
Seaside’s rich history is waiting to be uncovered as you explore its fascinating historical attractions. The city’s past is preserved through various landmarks and sites that showcase its significance in American history.
Lewis and Clark Salt Works
The Lewis & Clark Salt Works is a significant historical site that played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1805, the expedition team created a unique furnace system to extract salt from local ocean water, which was essential for preserving food during their journey. The original stone furnace still exists today, serving as a tangible connection to this important chapter in American exploration history.
Seaside Historical Society Museum and Butterfield Cottage
The Seaside Historical Society Museum offers a comprehensive look at the city’s history, from its earliest Native American residents to its development as a resort destination. The museum features artifacts, antique photographs, and detailed displays that help visitors understand the city’s past. Adjacent to the museum is the Butterfield Cottage, a renovated historical cottage that provides a glimpse into life in Seaside in 1912.
| Historical Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Lewis & Clark Salt Works | Original stone furnace created by the Lewis and Clark expedition |
| Seaside Historical Society Museum | Comprehensive exhibits on Seaside’s history |
| Butterfield Cottage | Renovated historical cottage showcasing life in 1912 |
Family-Friendly Activities in Seaside
Families looking for a great vacation spot will love Seaside, Oregon, with its plethora of family-friendly activities. Seaside excels as a family destination with activities designed to entertain visitors of all ages, making it a great place for creating lasting vacation memories.
Seaside Carousel Mall and Funland Arcade
The historic Seaside Carousel Mall is centered around a full-sized working carousel that has been delighting children for generations, surrounded by 20 different shops and a convenient food court. You’ll love the colorful, fun carousel experience that will surely put a smile on your kids’ faces.
Funland Arcade, operating since 1931, stands as the largest arcade on the North Oregon coast with classic games like skee ball and air hockey alongside modern video games and exciting bumper cars. It’s a fun spot for kids and adults alike.
Kid-Friendly Beaches and Parks
Families with young children particularly enjoy the kid-friendly beaches like Cannon Beach, which offers a calmer atmosphere even during busy periods and convenient access to nearby restaurants and shops. After a day at the beach, you can head to Broadway Park, which provides playground equipment, a skate park, and open spaces for children to burn off energy.
These places make Seaside a top choice for families looking for a great place to vacation together.
Outdoor Recreation: Biking and Hiking Trails
Discover the great outdoors in Seaside, Oregon, where biking and hiking trails cater to all levels of adventure seekers. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging hike, Seaside has something for everyone.
Biking the Seaside Promenade and Klootchy Creek Trails
Rent a bike and enjoy the scenic 1.5-mile Seaside Promenade, a flat, paved path that runs along the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and a relaxing ride perfect for families and casual cyclists. For a more adventurous experience, tackle the Klootchy Creek Trails, which feature 10 miles of dirt paths winding through lush coastal forests, ideal for mountain biking.
Hiking the Necanicum Estuary and Tillamook Head Trail
For a peaceful hike, visit the Necanicum Estuary, where you can observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. If you’re ready for a challenge, hike the Tillamook Head Trail, a 6.3-mile path that takes you through dense forests and ends with spectacular ocean views and a glimpse of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.
Seaside’s outdoor recreation options allow you to experience its natural beauty at your own pace, whether you prefer a leisurely ride or a heart-pumping hike. Local rental shops like Wheel Fun Rentals and Prom Bike Shop offer a range of bicycles, including unique options like surreys for a fun, family-friendly adventure.
Wildlife Viewing at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination near Seaside, Oregon. Established in 1969 and managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, this wildlife habitat and species refuge offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
The area is renowned for its abundance of local bird species, making it a popular birdwatching destination. However, the most memorable sight is the Roosevelt elk; over 200 elk call the park home from November through April. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, particularly during the winter months when large herds gather in the open meadows.
- Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area offers strategically placed viewing platforms for safe and undisturbed wildlife observation, ideal for wildlife photography.
- Birdwatchers can spot diverse avian species year-round, from common residents to seasonal migrants.
- The changing seasons bring different wildlife viewing experiences, with spring offering newborn elk calves and summer showcasing the area’s rich diversity of plant and insect life.
- Educational interpretive signs help visitors understand the ecosystem and conservation efforts.
A visit to Jewell Meadows provides a peaceful counterpoint to Seaside’s bustling attractions, allowing you to connect with nature in a pristine setting. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just looking for a serene escape, Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is a must-visit spot during your Seaside adventure.
Dining and Nightlife: Seafood, Craft Brews, and More
From seafood to craft brews, Seaside’s dining and nightlife scene has something for everyone. The town is famous for its fresh seafood, and local spots like Finns Fish House and Salmon River Smokehouse serve dishes made with local specialties.
Seafood Restaurants and Local Cuisine
Seaside’s dining scene celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Ocean with numerous seafood restaurants serving fresh catches prepared in both traditional and innovative ways. You’ll find beloved local establishments offering signature dishes that showcase regional specialties and sustainable seafood options.
Craft Breweries and Outdoor Patios
The town‘s craft beer culture thrives at places like Seaside Brewery, where you can sample unique brews while enjoying outdoor patios with fire pits and ocean views. This makes for a perfect evening out, complementing the restaurants and overall dining scene.
Seaside, Oregon: Best Things to Do – Top Picks for Every Season
Seaside, Oregon, is a year-round destination that offers a diverse range of activities and experiences tailored to every season. Whether you’re looking for vibrant summer events or cozy winter getaways, Seaside has something for everyone.
Summer Activities and Beach Events
Summer is a peak season in Seaside, with warm weather perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and participating in organized beach events like sandcastle competitions and beach volleyball tournaments. The Seaside Promenade is especially lively during summer evenings, with street performers entertaining crowds and shops staying open late to accommodate the seasonal influx of visitors. You can also enjoy a stroll along the Seaside Beach, taking in the fresh ocean air and scenic views.
| Activity | Location | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Volleyball | Seaside Beach | Summer Afternoons |
| Street Performances | Seaside Promenade | Summer Evenings |
| Sandcastle Competitions | Seaside Beach | Summer Days |
Winter and Off-Season Attractions
During the off-season, Seaside transforms into a dramatic storm-watching destination. You can witness the powerful Pacific Ocean from the comfort of oceanfront accommodations or cozy restaurants with panoramic views. On rainy or cooler days, indoor attractions like the Seaside Aquarium, Seaside Historical Society Museum, and the Seaside Inverted Experience provide entertaining alternatives to beach activities. The Seaside Aquarium is particularly noteworthy, featuring interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and harbor seals that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
As the seasons change, Seaside continues to offer a wide range of activities and experiences. From summer beach events to winter storm watching, there’s always something to do in this beautiful coastal town.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
With its central location on the Oregon coast, Seaside is perfectly positioned for day trips to nearby attractions. You can explore the surrounding area and enjoy various activities without having to change your accommodations.
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach, just 15 minutes south of Seaside, is famous for its iconic Haystack Rock, a 235-foot monolith that is a must-see attraction. You can also explore the town’s art galleries and boutique shops.
Camp18 Museum and Fort Stevens State Park
For a dose of history and outdoor adventure, head to Camp18 Museum and Fort Stevens State Park. Camp18 is a unique restaurant and museum showcasing Oregon’s logging history, with vintage machinery and wood carvings on display. Fort Stevens State Park offers tours of a Civil War-era fort, miles of hiking trails, and access to Coffenbury Lake for swimming and boating.
These day trips allow you to experience the diverse attractions of the northern Oregon coast area, from iconic landmarks to historical sites and outdoor activities, all while returning to the comfort of your Seaside accommodations.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Seaside Adventure
Nestled along the Oregon coast, Seaside is a charming coastal town that promises an unforgettable experience. With its historic walks, wide beaches, and exciting outdoor activities, Seaside offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and family-friendly atmosphere.
The iconic Seaside Promenade serves as the perfect way to orient yourself, connecting many of the town’s top attractions while providing stunning ocean views along its 1.5-mile length. You can enjoy water activities like swimming, surfing, and kayaking, or explore the nearby state parks, including Ecola State Park and Fort Stevens.
Seaside’s diverse offerings ensure that every visitor finds their own perfect coastal experience. Whether you spend your days hiking coastal trails, exploring the Seaside Aquarium, shopping downtown, or simply relaxing by the sea, you’ll find that Seaside is a treasure in the Pacific Northwest. The local people, including shopkeepers and restaurant owners, add to the town’s charm, making it a welcoming community atmosphere.
By planning your visit according to the season, you can maximize your experience. Summer brings warm beach days and lively events, while winter offers storm watching and a more contemplative coastal experience with fewer people. Whatever the time of year, Seaside is a spot that will leave you wanting to come back.
