Seaside is a city in Oregon, United States, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The name of this city is derived from a historic summer resort built in the 1870s by Ben Holladay. The city has an oceanic climate that receives rainy winters and mid-to-cool summers, the typical Pacific Northwest climate. Seaside is one of the most picturesque cities along the Oregon Coast. It has attracted tourists for over a century now. Packed with great restaurants, vast stretches of sandy beaches, vintage shops, quirky museums, and countless attractions, a visit to Seaside is always an adventure. Wondering where to start from and what to do in Seaside, Oregon? Here are some of the best things to do in Seaside, Oregon, during your next visit.
20 things to do in Seaside, Oregon, during your next trip
1. Seaside Promenade
Also known as the Prom, the Seaside Promenade is one of the best attractions in the city. A 1.5 mile-long boardwalk run alongside the Pacific Ocean separates the city from the sandy shore. It was built from wood in the late 1920s and has now been paved over in concrete. The pavement makes the Prom a more durable and convenient route for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians. Visiting the Seaside Promenade is a great way to start or end the day. You can witness the sandy dunes of the beach and the historical buildings and quaint cottage architecture.
2. Seaside Aquarium
One of the best Seaside, Oregon attractions is the Seaside Aquarium, established in 1937. It is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. It provides incredible, interactive experiences where visitors can touch live sea creatures. Moreover, you can also see microorganisms through microscopes. Still, the highlight of this aquarium is the friendly family of harbor seals. These fun-loving seals are always willing to put on a show and do some tricks for visitors of all ages. The aquarium is open every day of the week barring significant holidays.
3. Camp 18 Museum
An exciting thing to do in Seaside, Oregon, is to visit the Camp 18 Museum, which records the history of logging in Oregon, collected by its founder Gordon Smith. The museum has informative displays that show the purpose of each piece of equipment and document the impact the industry had on the state. There is also an extensive vintage photograph collection from the 19th century. Moreover, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the Camp 18 Restaurant, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rustic log cabin.
4. Fort Stevens State Park
Built-in 1863, Fort Stevens State Park occupies the north-westernmost tip of Oregon. It is one of the largest public campgrounds in the USA and was established near the end of the American Civil War. It offers historical sites and stunning scenery and is a popular place to go camping. The most prominent man-made attractions in the Park are the shipwreck that lies on the beach and the primary military defense system of Columbia. 6 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bicycle trails, freshwater lake swimming, and more fun things to do in Seaside, there is something for everyone at the Fort Stevens State Park.
5. Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge
The list of what to do in Seaside, Oregon, has something for the animal lovers as well. Visit the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. It includes various wildlife habitats, from forested swamps and marshes to upland pasture and tidal sand flats. This is a home to snakes, ducks, gulls, raptors, songbirds, and many other species, including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. This wildlife refuge is a popular place for boating, hiking, paddling, and wildlife observation in Seaside!
6. Necanicum Estuary Park
Looking forward to witnessing some natural beauty? Go to Necanicum Estuary Park, where the Necanicum, Neawanna, and Neacoxie rivers meet. Birdwatchers and outdoor lovers can stroll along the grassy marshes and look out for lovely creatures of the estuary. On the west side of the estuary, various family-friendly attractions and restaurants appeal to tourists to visit this section of Downtown Seaside, Oregon.
7. Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area
The Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area is along the coast of Seaside, Oregon. There, it meets the Pacific Ocean and creates a tranquil oasis. This area is less crowded than the other beaches nearby, making it a great spot to enjoy the calm away from the crowds. The perfect place to have a cocktail or go for a romantic swim as you enjoy the mild waves and warm, salty air. Amenities such as picnic areas and bathrooms are also available here.
8. Clatsop County Historical Society
If you’re a history buff visiting Seaside, don’t miss to visit the Clatsop County Historical Society. The Historical Society is dedicated to preserving history, events, news, activities, and more in Seaside, Oregon. The society owns four venues – The Queen Anne-style Flavel House, Heritage Museum, Oregon Film Museum, and Uppertown Firefighters Museum. Each of them is different in terms of its styles and uses.
9. Clatsop Plains
Clatsop Plain is not dry land. The area is named after the native American tribe who lived in the region in the 18th and early 19th centuries. It includes beaches and the inland regions. In addition, this is also the place from where Oregon harvests most of its razor clams. Clatsop Plains are a popular sightseeing destination due to their wide, expansive view and eroded sand and rock formations. This is also home to rare and exotic species such as the silverspot butterfly and more in Oregon.
10. Ecola State Park
One of the interesting Seaside, Oregon activities is to stop by the Ecola State Park. The Park has both sandy beach areas and inland hiking trails. It is full of entertainment; you can witness the beautiful landscapes teeming with greenery at the Park and relax by the sea while exploring the tide pools at the beach area.
11. Lewis & Clark Salt Works
The Lewis & Clark Salt Works is a unique furnace system that created salt by extracting it from local ocean water back in 1805, during the winter months. The stone furnace system is a reminder of the hard times faced by the voyagers of the Pacific Ocean. Back then, salt was the key for preserving and seasoning food and could make a difference in life and death. This is one unique destination that you won’t forget soon.
12. Seaside Carousel Mall
You can’t miss the Seaside Carousel Mall. This is one of the best things to do in Seaside, Oregon, as it is a family-friendly shopping center with many small vendors. Children of all age groups can indulge in activities of the mall, such as traditional horses, ostrich, pigs, or other creatures spinning around on the carousel platform. The mall also features fun shops like an old photo booth and a classic malt shop. In addition, it has a dozen restaurants in seaside and will provide you with an experience that will surely put a smile on your face.
13. Tillamook Head
Tillamook Head is a natural rock formation located five miles away from Seaside, Oregon. This has an attractive appearance and a mind-blowing view. The place was named after the Tillamook, a Salishan-speaking tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the coast in the 19th century. There’s plenty to do around Tillamook, such as hiking the trails and accessing the bluff itself. Captain Clark described this place as the ‘grandest and most pleasing prospect’ he had ever seen, so don’t miss it!
14. Turnaround at Seaside
No visit to Seaside is complete without a visit to the Turnaround. This is a commemorative statue that celebrates the Lewis and Clark expedition. It helps put the historical importance and culture of Seaside into better context. The best part about visiting the Turnaround is that you don’t have to pay anything to be here.
15. Seaside Inverted Experience
Going to Inverted Experience is a fantastic thing to do in Seaside, Oregon. You can make unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever. This is a unique photo studio where you can have a click on a series of crazy upside-down photos. The studio consists of eight photosets, utterly different from one another. The perfect family activity!
16. Seaside Golf Course
What’s better than a beautifully manicured golf course with views of the sea. It is a public golf course with nine holes that provide favorable conditions for vacationers to have fun. After your game, you can also enjoy some drinks and food at the historic Par-Tee Room clubhouse restaurant. This eatery is open for breakfast and lunch.
17. Fort Clatsop
Fort Clatsop was used as an encampment site during the winters of 1805. It includes two main structures, a visitors’ center and a replica of the fort itself. The center has an area that describes the past, and it also has an exhibit hall. But that’s not it, the site also plays educational films, and it has an antique gift shop for you to take away some sweet memories with you. In addition, people can explore the monument on a self-guided audio tour or hike or take a trip with one of the on-staff rangers, who often dress up in period costumes.
18. Oswald West State Park
The Oswald West State Park includes approximately 2,500 acres of sandy beaches and lush temperate rainforest. It is a popular place for exploring nature taking in the beautiful Pacific coast. The Park incorporates Short Sand Beach and Smugglers Cove, favorites of surfers and people who want to enjoy the beach away from the crowds. Apart from the clean sandy beaches, the area also provides breathtaking views of rocky cliffs and thick green forests.
19. High Life Adventure Park
High-Life Adventure Park gives you a thrilling and challenging adventure experience like none other. It offers hours of good, clean fun for adventure lovers, and you can choose your difficulty level. It also gives you the option of gradually improving your confidence and working your way up through the ranks. The Park offers activities suitable for all ages. There is a group of helpful staff on hand to assist beginners. The Park features 30 platforms 20 or 40 feet above the ground, and there are more than 50 obstacles to test you. It is an excellent experience for kids’ birthday parties, family getaways, and corporate team-building events.
20. Saddle Mountain Trail
Nothing can beat the experience of hiking along the spectacular Saddle Mountain Trail. The Saddle Mountain Trail is located to the east of Seaside. It takes you through the sublime scenery and nature before coming to a magnificent viewpoint. It is approximately 3,300 feet above sea level and stretches almost three miles in length. You can also witness the pretty wildflowers and verdant woods as you go higher. If you love adventure, the Saddle Mountain Trail is a must-do!
These are just some of the most fun things to do in Seaside, Oregon. Whether you’re passing through on your way or settling down for an extended vacation, you won’t fall short of opportunities for eating, drinking, shopping, touring, adventuring, and will never be confused about what to do in Seaside, Oregon.
Seaside, Oregon, is a picturesque resort town that is become a well-known destination for tourists visiting the Oregon Coast. Its unique historical significance draws tourists from all over the world. There are a variety of activities for all age groups to do in the city, and one will never get bored during their visit to Oregon. History, adventure, food, wildlife, and more, you name it, and they have it.
Seaside is well known for several attractions and landmarks linked to the most famous explorers of America, Lewis and Clark. They visited the place about 200 years ago. Some of the best things to do in Seaside, Oregon, are walking the Prom, feeding the seals, riding the carousel, watching wildlife, hitting the trail, riding the wild surf, exploring the history, and more.
Seaside, Oregon, is an excellent place for swimming as the city is surrounded by lakes, rivers, beaches, and streams. The beach area in Seaside is perfect for a family fun time and provides a fantastic swimming experience. But remember, the ocean can be tricky and dangerous at times, even for seasoned swimmers. So, make sure that you don’t go swimming alone and judge your ability to participate in water activities depending on your swimming skills. Never dive in water of unknown depth and never drive while intoxicated. Also, dive at the right timing, just before the wave breaks.
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