With its long stretches of inviting sand and gorgeous coastal sunsets, Seaside provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day or all year round. Splurge on oceanside hotels and fine restaurants featuring Oregon seafood, wine and cheese, or hop on a bicycle built for two. Here are just a few ways to whisk away your sweetheart to Seaside.
Say Yes to Cozy Stays
Getting away from it all is sometimes all you need to kick-start a romantic weekend, but finding a lovely place to stay is certainly a bonus. Fortunately, Seaside has plenty of options, from ocean-facing resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Victorian elegance meets homey comforts at the Gilbert Inn, housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion. The inn is just a block away from the shore, making it an ideal base for proving to your sweetie that you do, indeed, enjoy long walks on the beach. With at least 24 hours’ advance notice, you can add a “Romance Package” to your reservation that includes a fresh bouquet, sparkling apple cider and one of the world’s most coveted aphrodisiacs — chocolate.
If you’d prefer to fall asleep to the gentle lullaby of the ocean’s roar, Seaside Oceanfront Inn is the place to go. This boutique inn right by the shore offers elegant, contemporary rooms decked out in plush furnishings. Some rooms have jetted tubs, fireplaces or both, and many have full or partial views of the Pacific. Splurge for one of the spacious top-floor suites for the best views in the house.
Tables for Two
Nothing sets the mood for romance like a good meal, and adding a few glasses of wine to the mix never hurts, either. While Seaside has plenty of casual spots where you can fill up on everything from fish ’n’ chips to bread bowls overflowing with tasty clam chowder, the city also has its fair share of spots that are perfect for a fancy date night. Nonni’s Italian Bistro is a local favorite, with an expansive menu of Northern Italian fare and an Old World wine list to match. Try the spaghetti and meatballs, a local favorite.
One of the newer entrants to the Seaside culinary scene, Chēz is an upscale casual lunch spot offering a case of excellent cheese and charcuterie by day and a wine bar by night. Come at dinnertime for a glass or two of wine paired with excellent soups, sandwiches or oysters on the half shell, or stop for lunch or picnic fixings. If you don’t have a blanket and a picnic basket, you can rent one of their picnic kits for a leisurely outdoor meal — the shop makes it easy with a wide selection of charcuterie and Oregon wines.
In the mood for something that’s almost as sweet as true love? Make your way to The Cookie Jar, a family-owned venture serving up loads of freshly baked treats. While you can never go wrong with classics such as chocolate chip cookies, they also offer an ever-changing menu of weekly specials and seasonally inspired goodies.
More Ways to Enjoy Each Other’s Company
There’s plenty to keep couples busy in Seaside, rain or shine. If you’re in the mood to relax, book yourself a massage or facial (or both) at Seaside Massage & Spa. The Couples Ocean Escape experience is a particularly good option if you want to relax in the same room, and includes special touches such as hot towels and aromatherapy enhancements.
Perhaps the most romantic experience you’ll find in Seaside is completely free, courtesy of Mother Earth. Head to the Promenade to watch the sunset, or drive a few miles south of town to Ecola State Park for particularly epic views. Both are also great spots for checking out Seaside’s mammoth king tides, which peak in the winter.
For a whimsical date, channel your inner child with a ride aboard the Seaside Carousel. Follow it up with a trip to Seaside Candyman for some saltwater taffy — choose from 172 flavors. Alternatively, head to Wheel Fun Rentals to pick up a tandem bike. Don’t be afraid to break out into a serenade along the lines of “You’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two.”
