Skip to content

Seaside History

Everything but War

October 23, 2013 | by Nate Burke

During World War II, several signs were raised around Seaside that illustrated the global conflict raging around the world.  The sign pictured here stood at the Turnaround (right in front of the Shore Coffee Shop sign by The Hotel Seaside) and pointedly states that “Seaside has EVERYTHING but war. . .”  The mileage to the major theaters of war speaks volumes about Seaside’s relative distance from the major conflicts rocking the world at the time.

Despite the 4,777 miles between Tokyo and Seaside, the distance was suddenly minimized when Fort Stevens was shelled by a Japanese submarine in 1942.  Since the beach front of Fort Stevens is only around 12 miles north, the residents of Seaside could hear the explosions and feel the ground rumble with the concussion from the bombs.

During this period of global turmoil, signs were posted all around town that required all vehicles to dim their headlights at night.  Complete blackouts were common and many Seaside residents remember the pensive dark nights.  Streetlights were covered at night to discourage air attacks; curtains in homes were sealed tight and taped around the perimeter to keep light from leaking out.  It was true that Seaside had “everything but war”, but nobody knew for how long.

and so much more!

Convention Center Adds Outdoor Mural

Seaside Oregon Civic & Convention Center adds outdoor mural

Learn More
Family Reunion

Seaside is a hot spot for family reunion get-togethers.

Learn More
Riders of the Storm

Winter weather on the Oregon Coast is the flipside to flipside to golden summers, but it can be just as beautiful.

Learn More
Flying Into the Seaside Airport

Visitors often see an aerial photo of Seaside Municipal Airport and ask, “Are you sure that’s not Hawaii?” The lush green la...

Learn More
Where to P.L.A.Y. in Seaside

The park is nestled next to Neawanna Creek where ducks float lazily by, a tree lined mountainside looming in the distance. Do a 180 and you get a great view of Tillamook Head to the south.

Learn More
King Tides on the Oregon Coast

Although the sunny days of summer are long behind us, winter brings its own special flavor to the Oregon Coast, in the form of kin...

Learn More
Seaside Elk

I was driving into Seaside, along Highway 101 South, and had just passed the Circle Creek Campsite on the left, when I noticed several cars parked off the side of the road.

Learn More
Color Now Bursting on the Coast

Pick up a colorful bouquet of summer dahlias at roadside stands along Highway 101 and other coast highways

Learn More
A Weekend of Discoveries

Last weekend I went to the Pouring at the Coast Event with my boyfriend, and had the best time! We were given souvenir glasses to use during the event (and they had rinse stations to keep your glass clean between tastings). We tried craft beers from every brewery, and I discovered I really enjoy the dark beers

Learn More
Saddle Mountain State Park Excursion

A day trip to Saddle Mountain adds diversity to Seaside as a destination vacation.

Learn More
Seaside’s Famous Feathered Citizens

First two weekends of April are filled with bird education

Learn More
The Sweet Side of Seaside

Above photo: A tray of sweets on display at A Sweet Affaire, held every February. In February, we invite you to bask in the sweet ...

Learn More
Riding the Streetcar in Seaside

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

Learn More
Find a Beach Path Less Traveled By

A Sunday stroll along the beach at 12th Avenue in Seaside, Oregon

Learn More
1859 – Oregon’s Magazine: 72 Hours In Seaside

1859 came to Seaside/Gearhart area and spent 72 hours in our fair neck of the woods. Day One they highlighted the historic Gilbert...

Learn More
Garden Circle Evolution

The evolution of Seaside's Turnaround garden circle.

Learn More
The Iron Horse Comes to Town

A look at the train that connected Seaside to Portland in 1898

Learn More
Discover Marine Wonders at Low Tide

One of the great delights when visiting Seaside — especially for families — is coming into contact with the otherworldly wonde...

Learn More