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!

Only in Seaside

While you’ll find gorgeous beaches and beautiful views in Seaside, just like many places on the Oregon Coast, it’s also a coas...

Seaside Holiday Spirit

Seaside holiday spirit is more than evident around town beginning in early November. Ushered in by lights and decorations going up...

Where to Find Your Seaside Centennial Keepsakes

While you’re walking around in Seaside looking to beat the heat, you might start with a super-tall, non-alcoholic frozen refresh...

The Art of the Stroll: Celebrate Seaside’s Prom Centennial

When’s the last time you strolled the Prom? It’s a tradition synonymous with Seaside, thanks to the 1.5- mile paved, accessibl...

Let’s Fly a Kite

On the beach at Seaside is perfect for this. There are no overhead wires and the beach has few up or down wind drafts from the winds which move across the ocean. This makes kite flying easier and explains why kites are a common part of the Seaside landscape. Kite flying is for dry days as wet kite lines can act as a conductor for static electricity and lightning in a storm.

The Whole Clam Family

Family clamming on Seaside's beach is a tradition that literaly goes back thousands of years.

“Fascinated” on Broadway

Fascination has been a staple in Seaside, Oregon since the 1950s.

A Family-Friendly, Car-Free Weekend in Seaside

When skies are blue and the weather’s warm, families flock to Seaside. If you’re looking to avoid traffic or search for a park...

Stop and Smell the Roses

Spending a little time with Seaside's pocket gardens

Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament
World’s Largest Beach Volleyball Tournament

Come August, the “digs” along Seaside’s beach have nothing to do with razor clams. For the 36th year, Seaside will host the ...

Knights of Summer: Seaside’s Lifeguarding Tradition

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

Riding the Streetcar in Seaside

Riding the streetcar in Seaside is a fun and affordable way to see the town.

Gone Fishin’

You know you’re in Seaside when . . . this sentence can be completed in numerous ways. Today I’ll finish it with: . . . you see a guy walking down the road in tall rubber boots, fishing pole in one hand, long silvery fish dangling from the other.

Waving the Flag in the Early 1900s

Take a look at a vintage float from the early 1900s Seaside parade.

Seaside Inside: The Historical Edition

Above photo: A group plays the historic arcade game, Fascination at Funland Arcade in downtown Seaside, Oregon. Seaside is a popul...

Seaside Inside for Kids

Seaside is known for a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy during most of the year and it’s not uncommon to have a 60-plu...

Exploring the North Coast Food Trail in Seaside

The North Coast Food Trail — a guide to unique, hyper-local food experiences in Seaside and many other cities from Neskowin to A...

Holidays in Seaside

Some say Seaside, Oregon, shines brightest in winter — warm chowder, cheerful shops, blustery walks on the beach, all without th...