Skip to content

Seaside History

The War Years in Seaside

February 13, 2013 | by Nate Burke

If you happened to be sunbathing on Seaside’s beach during the summer of 1942, it wasn’t uncommon to see the massive U.S Navy blimps out patrolling the shores. If you were wading out in the shallow surf, you might find yourself suddenly in the midst of an immense shadow with the sun blocked by the passing airship. The far more immense shadow of World War II hung over the nation, and the blimp patrols were one part of daily life during wartime. The blimps launched from air stations in Tillamook and Astoria and were primarily used to patrol the north Oregon coast. Compared to airplanes, their slower, meandering speed was useful for spotting enemy submarines. Considering the shelling of Fort Stevens in June, 1942 by a Japanese submarine, it was obvious the blimp patrols were addressing an unquestionable threat that loomed over the nation as a whole.

and so much more!

The Best Part of Waking Up

Delicious breakfast dining at favorite Seaside local hot spots.

Perfect Rainy Days Are Possible in Seaside

Though we love summer’s long sunny days, something magical happens when the clouds roll off the ocean and onto Seaside’s shore...

Knights of Summer: Seaside’s Lifeguarding Tradition

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

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...

Miss Oregon Parade: 1950

A brief look at the Miss Oregon Parade circa 1950.

See What’s New in Seaside This Summer

Find more fun spots that have opened since 2021 here. When’s the last time you visited Seaside? Maybe it was last season, or las...

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.

Digging for the Bounty!

Razor clamming on Oregon

5 Ways to Social Distance in Seaside

With miles of wide sandy beach and clean sea breezes sweeping along the oceanfront Promenade, Seaside is one of the best places to...

Children feed the Harbor Seals at the Seaside Aquarium in Seaside, Oregon.
How to Seaside Inside

Don’t get us wrong: Plenty of beach lovers come to Seaside in the cooler, drizzlier months to enjoy the great outdoors. That’s...

5 Places to Watch the Big Game in Seaside

If you’re interested in watching the Big Game — either the one in February for professional football, other epic sports matchu...

Seaside Lifeguards: A Fond Seasonal Farewell

Can you believe it’s almost Labor Day Weekend? Don’t fret!  We’re still probably in for some dynamic weather throughout Sep...

Terrible Tilly

A brief history of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, or better know as "Terrible Tilly"

MotorHome Magazine: Sea to River, Oregon’s Spectacular North Coast

Bobbie Hasselbring from MotorHome magazine attended a media Fam (Familiarization) Tour hosted by the City of Seaside Visitors Bure...

Holiday Traditions

Recalling Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions on Oregon

SOLV Beach Clean Up

When I look at our beaches I don’t see garbage. I see a breathtaking coastline, and I think how lucky we are to have such pristine beauty right in our own backyard. I believe most beachgoers, both locals and tourists, are conscientious about disposing their refuse properly after a day playing on the beach. So why do we have the SOLV beach cleanup twice a year?

Clamming Chronicles

History of clamming in Seaside, Oregon

An Adventure to Share

A winning family vacation in Seaside, Oregon