Skip to content

Seaside History

Garden Circle Evolution

November 20, 2013 | by Nate Burke

Following the construction of the Promenade in 1921, the Turnaround became home to a garden populated with pansies and begonias that brought a lively injection of color to Seaside’s beach front landscape.  Since begonias are native to most subtropical and tropical climates, they were originally planted, grown and cared for in the greenhouses at The Tides by the Sea (the resort was originally built by Portland Mayor Charles Barker in 1928 and is still located on the south end of town near the Cove). This small garden became quite popular and was a charming addition to the charisma of the town’s epicenter.

The Turnaround garden was an appropriate precursor to the renowned pocket gardens that pepper the downtown district today. (Click here for an abridged tour of the pocket gardens with the master gardener herself – Seaside’s Pam Fleming.)  The one hundred plus miniature gardens can be found in front of shops, at intersections, along side streets, and in various public locations.  Of course nowadays you’ll find the Lewis & Clark “End of the Trail” statue in the center of the old pansy garden at the Turnaround.  Tall, bronze, and unquestionably heroic, the statue necessitated a redesign of the garden circle to provide for walking space.  However, you can still observe some inspired landscaping (including flowers) at this location while you join Lewis and Clark in gazing out over the Pacific Ocean.

and so much more!

Clamming in Seaside: Then & Now

A brief look at clamming in Seaside and Tillamook Head and a comparison of how they

Summer’s Great, but There’s Nothing Else like Winter in Seaside

When you imagine a classic beach town, you probably picture something similar to Seaside, Oregon. Our town of 6,700 sits less than...

Grant’s Getaways: Paddling the Neawanna in Seaside

If our summer heat wave is getting the best of you – sapping your energy and leaving you feeling generally uncomfortable, perhap...

Waving the Flag in the Early 1900s

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

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...

Mushroom Foraging Near Seaside

Oregon’s North Coast is a popular spot for treasure hunters. While some people might look for pirate treasure though, the on...

Epic Mountain Biking Trails at Klootchy Creek

Updated 2022 Seaside’s natural landscapes are settings for all kinds of two-wheeled adventures, including challenging rides on l...

Family Reunion

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

Crabbing at the 12th Avenue Bridge

The inside scoop on catching your dinner in Seaside.

For a Taste of Oregon’s Beautiful North Coast, Visit Seaside

Seaside has been a vacation destination for nearly as long as Oregon has been a state.

Our timeless ocean

Enjoying the ocean can be a timeless endeavor.

Your Guide to the Perfect Summer Getaway in Seaside

Summertime means it’s time to load the kids and pups into the car for a long weekend or weeklong vacation in Oregon’s original...

Wave Energy

Wave energy refers to energy generated from the power of waves near their surface. There are different types of devices designed to convert wave energy, but the ones that seems to be most in use at the moment as researchers continue to investigate this source of renewable energy are buoys. Columbia Power Technologies, an Oregon-based alternative energy company, recently launched a prototype wave energy buoy in the gentle waters of the Puget Sound as it races to be one of the first suppliers of wave-generated energy.

Surrey in Seaside
How to Bike Seaside

Our author takes a look at the various ways to bike in and around Seaside, Oregon.

Digging for the Bounty!

Razor clamming on Oregon

7 places to maximize indoor fun in Seaside, Oregon

How to vacation in Seaside, Oregon when the weather is cool and wet; hint: food, culture and fun....

Antiquing in Seaside

Antique shopping in Seaside, Oregon