Just like the windswept Oregon coastline itself, Seaside is ever-changing. While embracing traditional attractions like the Promenade and the vintage Fascination game parlor, the town has welcomed several new attractions since your last visit. Here are six new ways to experience Seaside.
1. Tag your friends and family
Located inside the downtown Seaside Carousel Mall, Seaside Laser Tag & Arcade (300 Broadway) is a family-friendly option, especially on a rainy day. You and up to 19 other people can battle it out in a two-story laser tag arena, complete with fog machine. Game sessions range from $11 to $18 per person. Afterwards, the fun continues in the arcade with more than 30 popular games including Pac-Man and Space Invader Frenzy. You and your kids can earn tickets and then redeem them for prizes.
2. Shop local
Voyages Toys (18 N. Holladay Dr.) has opened its second location along the Oregon Coast – this time, in the Gilbert District of Seaside. Owners Jeremy and Sally Clifford are passionate about encouraging outdoor play and face-to-face interaction through tabletop games. They also love comic books and have a designated comics section in the store. Ask them about their best-selling, pop culture mystery boxes when you stop by.
3. Stop for a quick pick-me-up
You don’t have to drive to Cannon Beach to get your Sleepy Monk coffee anymore. Rise & Grind PNW (1575 S Roosevelt Dr./Highway 101) is a roadside, drive-thru stand serving up Sleepy Monk coffees, lattes, smoothies and fresh juices on the south side of Seaside. For something different, try the turmeric honey latte. And don’t forget to grab some fresh, locally-baked scones, hand pies and cookies while you’re at it.
4. Thai me up
Located right next to Rise & Grind PNW, you’ll find one of Seaside’s newest eateries, Thai Me Up Seaside (1575 S Roosevelt Dr./Highway 101). This authentic and affordable Thai food is not to be missed. And the picture menu here takes the mystery out of ordering – soups, salads, curries and noodle dishes. The house specialty is the chicken wings, served eight different ways. Whatever you order, make sure to leave room for the mango coconut sticky rice for dessert!
5. Visit an old favorite
With seven other locations along the Oregon Coast from Florence to Astoria, Mo’s chowder has finally come to downtown Seaside. Opened this spring, Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (30 N. Promenade) occupies the first floor of the Shilo Inn overlooking the Promenade and the Pacific just off the Turnaround. Look for it to be a hot spot this summer.
6. Grab a beer and a movie
Originally opened in 1940 but then closed in 1989, Times Theatre & Public House is Seaside’s “comeback kid.” The theater has re-invented itself – now showing second-run movies and serving up a pub menu of Midwestern comfort foods. But the big draw is the Sisu beer, brewed onsite.
