Though Seaside is fantastic all times of the year, the city quiets down after the busy summer season. After Labor Day in early September, visitors can find many delights, from uncrowded beaches to restaurants with your pick of seats. Vacationers will also find off-season bargains in lodging as well, so it’s a good time to come for bargain hunters. Here’s how to stretch your dollar on a fall getaway in Seaside.
Save on Peaceful Fall Stays
Many of Seaside’s hotels switch to off-season rates after Labor Day, so be sure to check all your options. Within walking distance to Avenue U eateries on the south end of town, Motel 6 and Quality Inn have clean, convenient rooms. Motel 6 also offers a senior discount, while Quality Inn has a free waffle breakfast. On the west side of Highway 101, the cute City Centre Motel and Coast River Inn, both owned by OYO Hotels, offer comfy beds on a budget. The latter also has free beach cruisers for guests.
If you’re looking to meet other travelers, the Seaside Lodge & International Hostel sits next to the Necanicum River and attracts surfers, bicyclists and backpackers from all over the globe. Rent kayaks, prepare meals in the communal kitchen and hang out by the fire pit before retreating to your private room or bed in the shared dorms.
Have an RV? Head to North Seaside’s Thousand Trails RV and Camping Resort. With over 260 hook-up sites, pickleball courts, an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub, you’ll feel like you splurged. Shaded tent sites and a handful of private cottages are also available.
Savor Budget-Friendly Meals
It’s easy to find tasty bites in Seaside that won’t break the bank. Start your day at the original Pig ’N Pancake on Broadway, which serves fluffy waffles with Oregon strawberry compote in a classic diner setting. If you’re looking for grab-and-go, try a hand-rolled bagel with smoked-salmon cream cheese from Bagels by the Sea.
For lunch and dinner, Relief Pitcher is a laid-back bar with half-pound burgers and an albacore tuna Reuben sandwich that will easily feed two; add the house-made coleslaw on the side. Family-owned The Stand is a local favorite for carnitas tacos and spicy vegan burritos. Come hungry to Iggy’s because the daily happy-hour menu lets you nosh for less. Thai-food fans can hit up Yellow Curry Cozy Thai for authentic curries and noodle dishes at reasonable prices.
For takeout, Angelina’s Pizzeria has a Seaside Cowboy pizza loaded with pulled pork and huge calzones that won’t bust your wallet, and the albacore fish-and-chips at the Grizzly Tuna food cart come with a free treat for pups, if you ask. If you’d rather picnic or barbecue, fresh and house-canned fish at Bell Buoy market or supplies at Grocery Outlet on the south side of town should fit the bill. The latter may also stock firewood or charcoal as well as affordable meat, snacks and wine.
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Play More, Pay Less
Every bargain shopper will want to peruse the 10,000-square-foot Seaside Antique Mall, where you can score big on vintage kitchenware, vinyl and other treasures. For recently recycled finds, the new Re:Current Consignment is packed with stylish clothing picks. Of course, die-hard shoppers will want to visit the Seaside Outlets and rack up the bargains from brands like Nike and Pendleton.
For low-cost fun on the town, just hit Broadway. The Carousel Mall is a Seaside go-to; browse the gifty boutiques, grab a Wave Runner blended coffee at Caffe Latte and ride the classic carousel. A couple blocks west, rides on the Tilt-A-Whirl and bumper cars are $5 a pop; grab a hand-dipped Pronto Pup and some house-made fudge from Schwietert’s Cones & Candy, and you’ve got lunch. Seaside Cinema also offers discount matinee pricing before 5 p.m. Popcorn for dinner, anyone?
Once you’ve checked into your hotel and sorted meals, outdoor lovers can have a blast in Seaside without spending another dime. Strolling on the dog-friendly beach or 1.5-mile Prom won’t cost you a thing; bring a kite and feel like a kid again. Walk in history’s footsteps at the Turnaround and Lewis & Clark Salt Works. Or hike the Tillamook Head Trail and Saddle Mountain; spot bald eagles in the Necanicum Estuary; check out the colorful rocks on Painted Rock Beach; and then grab a Sleepy Monk coffee from Divine Grounds and park at The Cove to watch the surfers brave the waves.
Sometimes the best things in life are indeed free — or at least a bargain — in Seaside.
