Skip to content

Seaside Stories

Riding the Streetcar in Seaside

August 26, 2012 | by Nate Burke

Last weekend I had the pleasure of riding the Seaside Streetcar around town. It was a pristine coastal afternoon and I found myself equipped with some free time and a bag of saltwater taffy. The Seaside Streetcar is a classic vintage open air design with shiny brass railings and wooden benches with wrought iron legs. It’s definitely an experience of riding in style. The circular route around town passes all of the major areas and Seaside attractions including the Aquarium, Convention Center, Turnaround, Lewis & Clark Salt Cairn, and the Cove.
There is something peaceful about being able to sit back, relax in the fresh breeze, and watch the town roll by. The Streetcar has a special kind of pageantry about it that attracts stares, smiles, and friendly waves. Cruising down 12th avenue, we hit the bridge and the crabbers were out in full force. The driver gave an encouraging “honk” and all the crabbers and bystanders turned and waved as we passed by.
It was an especially active day downtown on Broadway. But from the elevated seats of the Streetcar, it was the perfect vantage point for excellent people watching. The Streetcar driver is a first-rate resource for historical information and comments on local sites as well.
It’s a great way to travel around town for a tour of the local sights and also a highly practical form of transportation to your favorite Seaside destination. The Streetcar will be running on weekends through Labor Day and costs just $1.00. For a time table and list of stops, go to the Sunset Empire Transportation District website at ridethebus.org.

Leave a Reply

and so much more!

Beach Blanket Bingo

Going back to the early 1960s, we look at beach culture.

Learn More
We’re Getting Crabby on the Coast

Dungeness crab season on the Oregon coast

Learn More
Pokémon Go: All You Need To Know in Seaside

Pokémon is a cultural phenomenon around the world. With adorable creatures, battle mechanics, an opportunity for healthy explorat...

Learn More
The Daddy Train

The Seaside train depot was the major transportation hub before 1938.

Learn More
Episode Six: Phillips Candies

Take a walk down memory lane and discover one of Seaside's oldest establishments: the famous Phillips Candies on Broadway.

Learn More
All About Storm Watching in Seaside

Having grown up in Seaside, Keith Chandler knows and appreciates the beauty and the power of watching storms and high tides on the...

Learn More
Seaside Golf Club

A look at the history of the Seaside Golf Club.

Learn More
Wave Meets Wall

Back in 1925, the waves would encroach on Seaside's Turnaround with a dramartic ferocity

Learn More
Garden Circle Evolution

The evolution of Seaside's Turnaround garden circle.

Learn More
Top Selfie Spots in Seaside

What’s a stay at the Coast without a selfie or two? Whether you’re posing with your family on the beach, with your sweetie at ...

Learn More
Keeping Watch on Our Waters

Washington lighthouses, just an hour's drive from Seaside, are historic wonders

Learn More
Driving the Oregon Coast Highway

Unique views are plentiful along all 363 miles

Learn More
Seaside Inside: The Historical Edition

Above photo: A group plays the historic arcade game, Fascination at Funland Arcade in downtown Seaside, Oregon. Seaside is a popul...

Learn More
Say Chēz: Destiny Deras’ New Cheese Shop and Wine Bar

“Wine and cheese are ageless companions,” says American food writer M.F.K. Fisher. With the much-anticipated opening of Chēz ...

Learn More
Stop and Smell the Roses

Spending a little time with Seaside's pocket gardens

Learn More
Episode Four: the Seaside Museum & Butterfield Cottage

Audio walking tour of the Seaside Museum & Butterfield Cottage

Learn More
Episode Three: the Seaside Aquarium

Take the audio walking tour of Seaside

Learn More