One of Seaside’s greatest delights is its walkable downtown. You can take a stroll from the ocean and Promenade all the way up Broadway to enjoy bustling shops and eateries. When you hit the bridge across the Necanicum River, keep on going — you’ll find there’s even more Seaside to discover in the Upper Broadway district.
In fact, it’s one of Seaside’s most historic areas. The stretch from the Broadway Street Bridge to Highway 101 includes the historic Gilbert District, a walkable four-block area that converges at the intersection of Broadway Street and Roosevelt Drive (also known as Highway 101). Mostly built after the city’s big fire of 1912, it’s Seaside’s oldest existing commercial section. Today the colorful historic buildings house an array of locally owned art galleries, boutiques, antique stores and restaurants.
“It’s a central location, but it’s not as crowded or overwhelming as the area at the Turnaround can be,” says Ann Branson of Beach Books, which is located in the district. “Between the customers and the stores, there is a really nice neighborhood feel to the area. There’s that little bit of history to it as well. It’s definitely worth walking over or driving to this part of town.”
And once you reach Roosevelt on the east end, stop in at the Seaside Visitors Bureau — marked by the oversize Adirondack chair on its lawn — for travel maps, magazines and fun takeaways from Seaside and attractions all over Oregon.
Art, Antiques and Boutiques
With its friendly neighborhood vibe, the Gilbert District is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon browsing for everything from original art to antique keepsakes.
Northwest artists, chic furnishings and accessories with a coastal flair are the focus at Fairweather House & Gallery. You’ll be sure to find your next conversation piece at SunRose Gallery, where creatively upcycled art and jewelry meet whimsical clothing. At TigerLily Gallery & Boutique, explore original artwork by local artists and shop for antiques, handmade jewelry and gifts. Seaside’s newest gallery, Studio138, shows paintings, photographs, jewelry, pottery and sculpture by Northwest artists; it’s also a venue for live music. Mark your calendar for the monthly First Saturday Art Walk, when participating galleries in the Gilbert District are open late.
With nearly 100 vendors, Seaside Antique Mall is bursting with everything from vintage Pyrex to antique furniture, LPs, art and jewelry. Pacific Heirloom stocks vintage items with a nautical flavor, including glass floats, model boats, books and brassware.
Traveling with Fido? Find his new favorite toy or ball at Beach Puppy. Pick up a beach read or a book about regional history at Beach Books, where you’ll find an extraordinary selection of fiction, children’s literature and titles by Northwest authors.
Tom’s Fish & Chips (Photo by Joni Kabana / Travel Oregon)
Coffee, Boba and Brews
There’s no shortage of libations and good food in the Upper Broadway and Gilbert districts.
If you’re off for a morning run on the beach, refuel with a cup of fresh-roasted coffee and a bagel at Seaside Coffee House. Later in the day, revive yourself at Tea Artist and experience the artistry of Yin Na, a certified tea-art specialist from Chongqing, China. The shop has imports of the finest tea blends, or you can have fun with it and order a boba tea with sea-salt cream, guava-jasmine fruit tea or a bubble-textured waffle with ice cream.
Delicious fare and an inviting ambiance are on the menu at Nonni’s Italian Bistro. Pizza a’fetta is another Italian favorite, with high quality pizza, homemade breadsticks and salads. Want some beach classics, like a bowl of chowder or fish and chips? Head to colorful and casual Tom’s Fish & Chips. You might also be tempted by the vibrant menu at Yellow Curry Cozy Thai, a plate of street tacos from the family-owned Una Ves Mas cantina, or a fresh salmon roll or teriyaki at Tora Sushi Lounge.
For a night on the town, the district has several great options. Join friends for pints and a bite to eat at the family-friendly Seaside Brewery (housed in the former city jail), the sporty End of the Trail Public House or Capricorn Pub, each with their own vibe. Fill your growler with local brews and cider at the Whet Spot taproom and bottle shop.
