Skip to content

Seaside History

Breaking High

December 12, 2012 | by Nate Burke

Ever wish you could reach out and touch the horizon? On this stormy day, sometime in the 1930s or 1940s, the horizon decided to reach out and touch the land. Notice how the crowd has clustered on the turnaround as close to the advancing waves as possible. Like those dare-devils that rush to the front seats of a roller coaster, these folks want to experience the tempest up close and personal. It’s hard to say if these were visitors or residents, but whatever the case, it certainly looks like they’re enjoying getting chummy with a frighteningly high-tide.

As most people familiar with Seaside know, the turnaround and promenade are normally a few hundred feet from the clutches of your typical high hide. Back in the day, every now and then one could be flecked with ocean spray while walking on the prom. But as mentioned in previous posts, Seaside’s beachhead has grown and extended enormously over the years due to the South Jetty up north. Just how much has the beachhead grown? Well one shocking (and little known) indicator is that there is actually a second flight of stairs leading up to the turnaround . . . . And it’s completely buried in the sand.

and so much more!

RECAP: Chalk Art Contest on the Seaside Prom

*** Register here for our 2nd annual Chalk Art Contest July 29/30! In celebration of the Prom Centennial, the Sunset Empire Park a...

Knights of Summer: Seaside’s Lifeguarding Tradition

Seaside has had a rich lifeguard tradition for almost 100 years.

Seaside Downtown Wine Walk
Seaside’s Spring Downtown Wine Walk

A deeper look inside an annual spring event in Seaside

Tips for Whale Watching In and Around Seaside

** Story updated for 2022 ** While it’s possible to see whales all year along the Oregon Coast, visitors tend to flock to Seasid...

So Close, But a World Away

A couple explores Seaside as modern-day Lewis and Clark Adventurers

Pypo Boarding and Seaside’s Role in the Unique Pastime

You’ve probably heard of skimboarding and kiteboarding, but here’s a fun fact: both sports stem from a unique pastime called p...

Shell Road

Shell Road was the small, primitive pathway that eventually became Broadway.

Seaside Off The Beaten Path

Think you’ve experienced everything in Seaside? Think again. There are always more spots full of history, beauty and wonder to e...

Extended Stays
Warm Drinks and Cool Winter Excursions

If you think winter is the best time to visit Seaside, you’re not alone. The beaches are empty, huge waves crash against the sho...

Seaside’s Beloved Old Cypress Trees

Cypress trees are not native to the Seaside area, as they are to parts of Southwest Oregon, near the California border. Under idea...

Five Great Burgers in Seaside

Sam’s Seaside Cafe A well-executed burger shaped and grilled to perfection, layered with the proper ratios of ingredients, i...

Seaside Lifeguards: A Fond Seasonal Farewell

Can you believe it’s almost Labor Day Weekend? Don’t fret!  We’re still probably in for some dynamic weather throughout Sep...

October is a Fickle Friend in Seaside

October weather is unpredictable on Oregon's North Coast

Camping in Seaside

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner. One of my very favorite things to do during Memorial Day weekend is to go camping. I love setting up the tents, snuggling in a warm sleeping bag, sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows for s’mores, and smelling like a campfire all weekend. I love every bit of it! If you’ve never camped by the Pacific Ocean then you are missing out! You get to add the salty air, sandy beach, and all the benefits of being near Seaside to add to your camping experience.

Seaside Is Your Dog’s Best Friend

If you see a pack of corgis in adorable costumes running races, it’s just Seaside showing its love of pups. Every June hundreds ...

Crabbing at the 12th Avenue Bridge

The inside scoop on catching your dinner in Seaside.

Savor Oregon Wines at Seaside’s Tasting Rooms

In autumn, when the coastal air turns brisk and blustery, you can uncork and unwind in downtown Seaside with other wine lovers for...

Say Chēz: Destiny Deras’ New Cheese Shop and Wine Bar

“Wine and cheese are ageless companions,” says American food writer M.F.K. Fisher. With the much-anticipated opening of Chēz ...