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!

A group of women prepare to learn surfing in Oswald West State Park. Photo by Justin Bailie.
New Year, New Adventures

Instead of starting the new year by committing to breaking bad habits — and then forgetting that you even made the resolution ...

Learn More
Seaside Library

A look at the humble beginnings of the Seaside Public Library

Learn More
Trying to take flight during a wind storm on the beach in Seaside, Oregon.
Tides and Tide Tables: What You Need to Know

If your winter beach vacations to date have required sunscreen, then you clearly have not experienced a magical Seaside day in Jan...

Learn More
Pokémon Go: All You Need To Know in Seaside

Pokémon is a cultural phenomenon around the world. With adorable creatures, battle mechanics, an opportunity for healthy explorat...

Learn More
Seaside Skatepark

The Seaside Skatepark (also called the PTR “Hometown Park”) has a unique history. It was opened in June of 2007, and was built by Placed to Ride. The owner of Placed to Ride, Stefan Hauser, lives here in Seaside.

Learn More
A Dog’s Guide to Seaside

Where else in the United States will you find such a welcoming expansive beach, where Fido can run into the tides, kick up some sa...

Learn More
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.

Learn More
How To Surf Seaside

Surfing in Oregon? Yes! The North Coast has some of the best breaks in the Pacific Northwest. And yes, the ocean is a bit nippy, b...

Learn 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...

Learn More
Fun Street Foods in Seaside

With its compact streets and plenty to explore downtown, Seaside is the perfect place for walking or rolling along in just about a...

Learn More
Making Seaside Beautiful: Gardens

Seeking help on starting a garden plot sent me in search of Pam Fleming, whose reputation as a resource on Seaside’s Gardens was a bit understated as I was to discover. I met her at the Grand Opening of Back Alley Gardens (find by walking through Natural Nook Florists 734 Broadway).

Learn More
I’ll See You at the Nat

A brief look at Seaside history of Natatoriums

Learn More
Fun on the Way to Seaside

You wrap up work on Friday, load your kids into the car and make a beeline for Seaside. We certainly share your enthusiasm, but th...

Learn More
Enjoying the Breaks in Weather

Seaside and Oregon Coast offer unique setting for the rising and setting of the sun.

Learn More
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...

Learn More
Fruits of Your Labor

Picking blackberries on the Oregon Coast, local coastal berries

Learn More
Hiking Saddle Mountain is one of our four favorite hikes around Seaside.
4 Favorite Hikes Around Town

The sheer variety of trails in and around Seasie Oregon means you have plenty of hiking options, from kid-friendly strolls on the Prom to more strenuous climbs with stunning views.

Learn More
A Little Kid on a Big Beach

At the beach, the world feels wild and young again. This photo of an anonymous 3 year-old boy in the early 1940s is an iconic portrayal of Seaside’s treasured experience.

Learn More