Skip to content

Seaside History

View from the Pacific Pier

October 16, 2013 | by Nate Burke

The Pacific Pier stretched out from the Hotel Moore north of the Turnaround in Seaside from 1904 to 1914. Or rather, this is where the future Turnaround would eventually be built. As you can see from this photo, back in 1906 Seaside’s oceanfront looked more like a Wild West theme park than the quaint resort town we know today. In 1906, the Oregon Coast was the Wild West. Or at the very least, it was one of the furthest outskirts on the edge of the continental US.

You can distinctly see the looming tree line right at the edge of the coast. The tree line today is about one mile away at the base of the coast range, so you can observe how little Seaside had been developed at this point. The beginnings of the old wooden Boardwalk flank the beach. The photo is shot from the west end of the Pacific Pier and reveals the popularity of this recreational wharf. Fishing, strolling, watching the sunsets, the Pier was a major attraction and public gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The wooden structure of the Pacific Pier endured from 1904 to 1914. However, during this ten year stretch it was constantly being pounded by stormy high surf, and was finally hammered into oblivion by a winter storm in 1914.

and so much more!

Times of Change…

Seasons of change in nature and life.

Learn More
Plan Your Seaside Vacation

Whether you’re in search of a luxurious weekend getaway, an outdoor family adventure or a fun getaway with your pup, Seaside has...

Learn More
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...

Learn More
Beach Blanket Bingo

Going back to the early 1960s, we look at beach culture.

Learn More
How to Have Fun in the Sand in Seaside

Seaside’s soft, wide and sometimes sun-kissed beaches make for the perfect family-friendly vacation. With miles of sand and welc...

Learn More
Episode Four: the Seaside Museum & Butterfield Cottage

Audio walking tour of the Seaside Museum & Butterfield Cottage

Learn More
Grab a Great Cup of Coffee or Roast Your Own Beans

Want your favorite coffee drink for free? Easy! Help us keep the beach clean and your coffee is on us. Foggy days on the beach, ev...

Learn More
The Tale of the Driftwood Forts

As driftwood forts become more rare along the Oregon Coast, the memories hold strong.

Learn More
Iconic Seaside in Stereo

by Joshua Heineman Director of Tourism Marketing This is something of a detective story. To fully appreciate it, you first need to...

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
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
The Spirits of Seaside Inside

Above photo: An old fashioned cask of beer in the historic Seaside Brewery by Jon Rahl, Seaside Visitors Bureau. Seaside has a lot...

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
Holiday Traditions

Recalling Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions on Oregon

Learn More
The Columbia River Maritime Museum: On the Water’s Edge

A visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria.

Learn More
Biking the N. Coast Mountain Range

Opportunities endless when hopping on two wheels to navigate Seaside area

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
Driving the Oregon Coast Highway

Unique views are plentiful along all 363 miles

Learn More