Don’t get us wrong: Plenty of beach lovers come to Seaside in the cooler, drizzlier months to enjoy the great outdoors. That’s because fall and winter days mean variety — a misty morning often gives way to a cloud-speckled blue afternoon. But sometimes the drizzle sticks around. And when you want a break from overcast skies, take heart. These fun indoors experiences have got you covered — literally.
1. Take a spin
Built on the site of the 1920s Bungalow Dance Hall, the Seaside Carousel Mall (300 Broadway St.) has welcomed visitors for more than two decades. A spin on the old-fashioned carousel is a must. Your kids (and you!) can choose from 17 different animals. This writer’s personal favorite: the pig.
2. Spend some change
Chances are you’ll spend more than the pocket change you walk in with. Funland Arcade (201 Broadway St.) features bumper cars, air hockey and pinball, plus all the classic arcade games you love. It’s also home to one of the last-remaining Fascination parlors in America. What’s Fascination, you ask? Think skee ball meets bingo where you earn tickets for prizes. Why’d it ever go out of fashion? Don’t ask us — it’s still one of the hottest games in town.
3. Snap Instagram-worthy photos
Seaside Inverted Experience (111 Broadway St.) is a quirky, little spot where you can take one-of-kind photos with your phone or camera using inverted props. For example, you might get your friends together to snap a picture that makes it look like you’re all blowing away (horizontally!) on the Seaside coast.
4. Satisfy your sweet tooth
There’s no shortage of tantalizing treats in Seaside. Seaside Candyman (21 N. Columbia St.), Phillips Candies (217 Broadway St.) and Bruce’s Candy Kitchen (1111 N. Roosevelt Dr.) can hook you up with classic saltwater taffy, fudge and chocolates. Dig donuts? Head to Dundee’s Donuts (418 Broadway St.). If you crave county fair-inspired fare, try the hot elephant ears at We’re All Ears (200 Broadway St.). And let’s admit it, no matter how cold it gets, we’re always up for gelato and ice cream: Don’t miss Sea Star Gelato (8 N. Columbia St.), Schwieterts Cones & Candy (406 Broadway) and Flashback Malt Shoppe (318 Broadway St.). Find more sweet treats here.
5. Feed new friends
Seaside Aquarium (200 N. Promenade) is one of the oldest privately owned aquariums on the West Coast. It’s small, but the many tanks display more than 100 colorful species of marine life. Young kids will enjoy feeding the large family of seals. And the touch tank lets them actually touch creatures native to the Oregon Coast — think sea anemones, sea urchins and starfish.
6. Delve into history
For more than a century and a half, Seaside has had a reputation as Oregon’s premier beach resort. But its history stretches back even farther. You can’t miss the statue of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and their four-legged friend at the beachside Turnaround — Seaside is the officially designated end of that famous expedition. To get the inside scoop, head to the Seaside Historical Society Museum (570 Necanicum Dr.), where you’ll learn more about the Corps of Discovery that brought these famous explorers to the Oregon Coast.
