Skip to content

Seaside History

View from the Tower

September 11, 2013 | by Nate Burke

Flashing back to the 1920s, we see another gorgeous day in Seaside looking south from the Turnaround. In August 2013, we profiled an aerial photograph that showed the Seaside beachfront and the old Hotel Seaside with its elegant crow’s nest towers. The photo to your left was taken by a photographer perched in one of those very same towers. The highest point in town, it was the perfect vantage for the classic Seaside focal points: the Turnaround (notice that this photo pre-dates the Lewis & Clark End of the Trail monument) and, of course, Tillamook Head. As you can see, the beach is much the same as it is today. Considering that in 1920 the US population was only a third of what it is today, the beachfront is considerably busy.  The fourteenth US Census, taken in 1920, determined that the American population was near 106 million around the time this photo was taken (as compared to 314 million in 2012). Much like the US population, the beach sands have also multiplied throughout the years. Can you spot the two flights of stairs leading up to the turnaround? These days, there is only one flight of stairs visible, as the second has been completely engulfed in the expanding sands. It gives an interesting look at the topographical changes over the years; but other than the shifting beach, this view from the tower is nearly identical to what you would see today.

and so much more!

Winter Eats in Seaside

With uncrowded beaches and many indoor activities during the mild winters, it’s an ideal time to explore Seaside and enjoy the n...

Exploring the North Coast Food Trail in Seaside

The North Coast Food Trail — a guide to unique, hyper-local food experiences in Seaside and many other cities from Neskowin to A...

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...

The Seaside Estuary makes an ideal spot to go bird watching along the Oregon Coast.
Where to Go Birding in Seaside

Seaside may be a small town, but it’s a big destination for birds, and as a result, birdwatchers hitting nearby spots on the Ore...

Washed Away

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

Seaside’s Classic Holiday Hits

Visitors flock to Seaside year-round to ride the historic carousel, play Skee-Ball, fly kites and browse antique shops. During the...

Locals Weigh In on the Best Ways to Visit Seaside

Building a campfire on the beach is a special tradition in Seaside. Photo: Kimson Doan Maybe you’ve visited Seaside for decades,...

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

Top Things to Do With Teens

Traveling with too-cool-for-school teens? I feel you. I have two teenagers myself. But be assured, you’ll find plenty of totally...

How to Pick the Perfect Stay in Seaside

From romantic rooms with river views to spacious vacation rentals mere steps from the beach, Seaside offers some of the best optio...

Dawn Fujiwara-Pavlik Feeds Creative Community

SEASIDE SPOTLIGHT: Our latest profile in a series focused on the behind-the-scenes movers who make Seaside the unique destination ...

The Big Storm

The Oregon Climate Service calls it the Great Coastal Gale of 2007, but here in Seaside we just call it The Big Storm.

Read These Oregon Coast Page-Turners

A good book and the beach — there may be no better combination. Opened in 2005, Beach Books is a local institution where you ca...

Clam Chowder
Must-Eat Clam Chowders in Seaside

A look at five of the more than 20 clam chowders found in Seaside, Oregon

Driving the Oregon Coast Highway

Unique views are plentiful along all 363 miles

Oregon Coast: Lodgings with a Tale to Tell

Historic coastal inn in Seaside, Oregon

Miss Oregon Parade: 1950

A brief look at the Miss Oregon Parade circa 1950.

Living with Cooler Temperatures

Analyzing the weather in Seaside