Skip to content

Seaside History

“Gee, the Water’s Fine”

September 4, 2013 | by Nate Burke

Feeling melancholy? Anxiety keeping you awake? Well, perhaps you should take a cue from this photo of a happy swimmer in the 1930s. A trip to the beach and a dip in the ocean may be exactly what the doctor ordered. Recently, The Atlantic featured an article called “The Historic Healing Power of the Beach,” where the tradition of doctors prescribing an excursion to the beach is explored. Apparently, starting in the 16th century, physicians would recommend a restorative retreat to the sea for all sorts of ailments from depression to tuberculosis: “Seaside resorts offered a kind of holistic self-improvement retreat where the mind, body and soul were treated simultaneously and with equal attention. Horseback riding purged bad air, sailing calmed the nerves, dancing and dinners promoted social connections, and geologically themed beach excursions stimulated the intellect.” If you’ve been to Seaside lately, all of this sounds awfully familiar.

Even in the 16th century the doctors must have been onto something, because it was all downhill after that. Seaside resorts sprang up all over the world, and thrive to this day. Even though it seems like outdated medical advice, going to the beach to rejuvenate is far from obsolete in the eyes of modern health care. In fact, The Atlantic goes on to cite a British study on the benefits of Seaside living. Who knew vacation could be this healthy?

and so much 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
Three Broadway Spots that Span Generations

You may have visited these Seaside businesses when you were a kid, and now you’re returning with your own family. Ter Har’s bo...

Learn More
Knights of Summer: Seaside’s Lifeguarding Tradition

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

Learn More
Roaming the Sand for Treasures

The beach is often filled with unique finds, especially after a storm.

Learn More
Everything but War

An image of a classic World War II sign that point from Seaside to all of the major conflicts raging around the world

Learn More
Beach Reads for a Vicarious Escape

Chances are, you have more time to read right now than you have had in the past decade. And we all know, a good book can transport...

Learn More
Washed Away

A look at the cantilever pier in Seaside, Oregon in 1930

Learn More
How to Treasure the Beach

No one owns the Oregon Coast — it belongs to everyone. Thanks to 1967’s landmark Beach Bill, Oregon has some of the most prote...

Learn More
The Best Part of Waking Up

Delicious breakfast dining at favorite Seaside local hot spots.

Learn More
Family Reunion

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

Learn More
Seaside Art Scene

Seaside is well-known for its scenic coastline, color-drenched sunsets and abundant natural beauty, but this coastal town has an a...

Learn More
Seaside Hotelier With Heart: Masudur Khan

Masudur “Masud” Khan had an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age growing up in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh, where as an under...

Learn More
The Seaside Parade of Lights is one of many holiday festivities
Holiday Festivities in Seaside

Seaside is one of the Coast’s most beloved destinations for holiday shopping and seasonal celebrations. Plan a visit around thes...

Learn More
Oregon Coast: Lodgings with a Tale to Tell

Historic coastal inn in Seaside, Oregon

Learn More
Feel Like A Kid Again

Go ahead — take a vacation from adulthood with a trip to Seaside. We give you permission to feel like a kid again. Forgot how? H...

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
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
Feed Your Mind, Body and Soul in Seaside

Seaside is more than its well-earned reputation for fun and shopping along famed Broadway Street. It’s also home to pampering sp...

Learn More