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We’d argue Seaside is the things-to-see and things-to-do capital of the entire Oregon Coast! Best of all, it’s walkable. Or bike-able. Heck, some people even kayak around. Whatever you choose, we promise you’ll have tons of fun.
Top 15 Things To Do in Seaside
Walk the Prom
Seaside’s 1.5-mile oceanfront Promenade and its famous automobile Turnaround at the beach are among Oregon’s most famous landmarks. Dating from 1921, the Prom is the perfect place for a morning jog, a casual walk, a bicycle ride or just enjoying Seaside’s best people-watching. Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, beachgrass-covered dunes and the rainforest-covered Tillamook Head as you stroll past oceanfront homes and resorts.
Trace the footsteps of famed explorers Lewis and Clark with a visit to their reconstructed salt-making camp or visit a family favorite, the Seaside Aquarium, a classic coastal attraction here for more than 80 years. The Turnaround and the Prom both offer convenient oceanfront access and views for strollers and wheelchairs.Learn more about walking the Prom and other on-foot adventures at our Hiking page.
Feed the Seals
Seaside’s seals have been entertaining visitors for more than 80 years at the Seaside Aquarium. Each of the seals has developed its own splashy or noisy routine to encourage you to toss a bit of chopped fish its direction. The aquarium also features live displays of Northwest marine life and a hands-on discovery center for kids.
While the Aquarium has been located on Seaside’s Promenade since 1937, the building dates from 1914 and previously was another of the city’s major attractions, an indoor saltwater pool known as a natatorium. Outside of the aquarium, you can view the 35-foot skeleton of a Gray Whale.
To learn seals names, hours of operations and admission details, visit the Seaside Aquarium’s website.
Ride the Carousel
Just two blocks from the beach, the Seaside Carousel (inside the Carousel Mall) has been the town’s most colorful attraction for over 25 years. Seaside’s carousel features 24 full-sized carousel animals, reproductions of originals at the San Francisco Carousel Museum. Ride a traditional pony or select something a bit more whimsical like the huge rabbit, the pink ostrich, the reindeer, a cat with a fish or a seahorse, of course!
Read the fascinating history of the Carousel’s location here, and see some great old historical photos. For more information on shopping at the Carousel Mall and throughout Seaside, visit our detailed Shopping page.
Go on a Shopping Spree
With no sales tax, your visit to Seaside is the perfect opportunity to take a little of the Coast home with you. A walk through downtown will tempt you with dozens of specialty shops, galleries and boutiques with a distinctly coastal flair. At the center of downtown is the Seaside Carousel Mall with shops offering apparel, imports, collectibles, gifts, jewelry and candy, all surrounding an old-fashioned carousel.
Discover the upscale home decorating boutiques, apparel stores, art galleries and antique mall in the Historic Gilbert District east of the Necanicum River. Gilbert District shops feature the early architecture of Seaside, including the city’s oldest buildings framing the intersection at Broadway and Holladay.
On 101, just a half mile from downtown is the Seaside Factory Outlet Center with dozens of outlet stores and great bargains on name brand items. For more, visit our Shopping page.
Watch for Wildlife
Go birdwatching, photograph a herd of elk, or watch migrating Gray Whales. The Oregon Coast offers great wildlife watching year round. Many varieties of migrating shorebirds and sea birds are regular visitors. Watch for eagles on the Necanicum estuary, where more than 20 acres of green space just north of downtown Seaside offer public access and great birdwatching.
Learn more about some of the incredible birding locations at our Birding page.
Paddle for Pleasure
Seaside’s waterways provide scenic avenues for kayaks, canoes and paddle boats to explore Seaside from a unique perspective. Rent a boat, or launch your own at the Necanicum River dock near the convention center for a memorable river experience. The Neawanna dock at Broadway Park is also a great way to spend a couple of hours. Guided trips are also available. Inquire at the Seaside Visitors Center for details.
For more detailed information on the waterways of Seaside, visit our Kayaking page.
Tour on Two Wheels
Bike the local trails or tour the scenic coast. The region offers bike trails for everyone from the leisurely sightseer to the serious biker. Ride along the 1.5-mile Seaside Prom or bike the many area trails including a 42-mile loop offering a strenuous and challenging ride. Bicycle lanes on Highway 101 make it easy to tour the coast by bike. Bring your own bike or rent one from a local merchant.
For more detailed information on the biking trails of Seaside, visit our Biking page.
Hit the Trail
Hikers can explore the lush Northwest rainforest just minutes from Seaside. The Tillamook Head National Recreation Trail follows the western edge of the headland, through thick coastal forest to Ecola State Park. The region offers other world class hikes nearby, including the Fort to Sea Trail from Fort Clatsop, Saddle Mountain in the Coast Range and Oswald West State Park south of Seaside.
For more detailed information on the hiking trails of Seaside, visit our Hiking page.
Ride the Wild Surf
Seaside offers some of the Northwest’s best surfing conditions. Local surf shops provide lessons, gear rentals and sales for anyone interested in surfing, skim boarding or kite boarding, as well as advice on the best spots for your skill level.
For more detailed information on surfing in Seaside, visit our Surfing page.
Explore History
Seaside features several attractions and landmarks related to America’s most famous explorers, Lewis and Clark, who visited the area over 200 years ago. The Lewis and Clark statue at the center of Seaside’s automobile Turnaround commemorates their historic journey.
The Salt Works, located on Lewis and Clark Way between Beach Drive and the Prom, marks the believed location of the explorers’ salt-making camp from 1806. Hike the Tillamook Head trail to retrace the route the explorers took to find a beached whale. For more on the expedition, visit the Seaside Museum or make a day trip to the Fort Clatsop Interpretive Center, the site of the expedition’s 1806 winter camp.
Tee It Up
If golfing is your game, you’ll find several golf courses in the Seaside area. The Seaside Golf Club is located along the Necanicum River in south Seaside. Just north of Seaside is Gearhart Golf Links, the oldest course in Oregon, and The Highlands at Gearhart, an executive-style course that’s sculpted out of a hillside overlooking the beach.
For more detailed information on the golf courses of Seaside, visit our Golf page.
Discover Tilly’s Tales
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, also known in local lore as Terrible Tilly, sits atop a rock formation a mile west of Tillamook Head and is visible from much of Seaside’s beachfront and Prom. Rumored to be haunted, Tilly was first lit in 1881 and shone for 77 years.
To get a closer view of Tilly, visit our Hiking page. For more on the history of this lighthouse and other Seaside facts, consider a trip to the Seaside Historical Society Museum and Butterfield Cottage.
Attend an Event
Tour a classic car show, participate in a beach run, or attend a downtown art or wine walk. Catch the action at the 39th annual Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament, the largest amateur event in the country with over 800 teams and nearly 200 courts. See our Seaside Oregon Calendar of Events for full details on all upcoming events. Something is always happening here in Seaside!
Taste the Bounty
Foodies will delight as local chefs celebrate the bounty of local and seasonal ingredients with artfully prepared dishes. Sample Pacific seafood, find the best clam chowder in the world, slice into a juicy grilled steak. Savor locally smoked salmon and indulge in a sweet dessert with Oregon berries.
Whatever your taste, find more detailed information on the restaurants of Seaside by visiting our Eat page or by ordering your FREE Visitor Guide.
Kick It at the Park
Skateboarders can carve, ollie, kickflip and grind in the state-of-the-art facility at the Seaside Skate and Ride in Broadway Park, next to Sunset Pool. The park is open from dawn to 10pm without fee or age limit. Allowable wheels are skateboards, inline skates, scooters, wheelchairs and BMX without pegs. Helmets are required.
One of the newest additions to Seaside’s recreation scene is a Pump Track, located at Cartwright Park (1942 S Franklin St). For a complete list of all Seaside City Parks, click here.