Summertime means it’s time to load the kids and pups into the car for a long weekend or weeklong vacation in Oregon’s original beach resort, Seaside. Whether you’re going to hit the trails and kayak the Necanicum River or just relax on the beach, eat seafood, and browse the shops, Seaside has something for everyone. Need help choosing what to do first? Here’s a roundup of Seaside’s top summer activities. Discover your own favorites to add to the list.
Stroll Along the Prom
Walking along Seaside’s 1.5-mile, 102-year-old Promenade — the Prom — is the perfect way to take in epic views of the Pacific, the beach-grass-covered dunes and rain-forest-covered Tillamook Head. Be sure to come back to watch the sunset, build a sandcastle and campfire on the beach, and break out the marshmallows to make s’mores with the family. While you’re there, take part in Seaside’s beach cleanup coins promotion, where you can earn rewards for trash pickup.
Shop the Historic Gilbert District
The Historic Gilbert District at the intersection of Broadway and Holladay Drive is part of the Upper Broadway District, the oldest part of Seaside and a shopper’s delight. More than 30 local businesses call this district home. Take home a relaxing read from Beach Books or unique treasures from one of the stalls at the Seaside Antique Mall. Stop for a cool beverage like a happy-hour cocktail at End of the Trail Public House — or a colorful and creative boba tea at Tea Artist — when you’re done shopping.
Take a Hike
Seaside has hiking opportunities galore. For a challenging trek, try the 6.3-mile-each-way Tillamook Head Trail in South Seaside and wind through an old-growth Sitka spruce forest with peeks of the Pacific. Just make sure you have proper footwear as the trail can be slick, even in summer, and pack out your trash. An easy walk through the Necanicum Estuary in North Seaside is a great way to spot bald eagles and river otters, and the kids can hunt for sand dollars during low tide.
Klootchy Creek Trails (Photo by Jeremy Burke)
Pedal Your Heart Out
Seaside’s bike-friendly streets welcome two-wheeled, three-wheeled and even four-wheeled adventures. If you need to rent, stop by Wheel Fun Rentals or Prom Bike Shop. Two-wheeled bikes can pedal along the Prom (make sure to walk your bike near the Turnaround) or tackle the beach on the packed sand. If you rent a four-wheeled surrey, cruise around downtown to explore all the street snacks, from elephant ears to gelato, and pedal north to watch the crabbers on the 12th Avenue Bridge. If you’re a mountain biker, hit the Klootchy Creek Trails for 10 miles of groomed dirt paths, just east of Seaside.
Go on a Paddling Adventure
The waterways around Seaside offer a unique — and quiet — way to soak up the local sights and wildlife. Rent a kayak, SUP, paddleboat or even a boat shaped like a swan at the Quatat Park location of Wheel Fun Rentals, or launch your own at the Necanicum River dock. Look for blue herons and bald eagles as you paddle under bridges and explore the Necanicum estuary. Ask the rental company about private paddling trips, a fun option for groups and family reunions.
Shred on a Surfboard or Boogie Board
Summer is a great time to give surfing a try, as the waves are usually smaller than later in the year. Under certain conditions, The Cove at Seaside’s south end may offer a beginner-friendly beach break to learn in white water. The kind folks at Seaside Surf Shop and Cleanline Surf will set you up with a wetsuit, a surfboard, a boogie board or a skim board, as well as give you advice on current conditions and safety precautions. Northwest Women’s Surf Camps offers private and group lessons for all in a supportive, safe environment.
Maggie’s on the Prom (Photo by Gregor Halenda)
Enjoy an Outdoor Meal and Local Bevs
After all of your summer adventuring, grab a seat on an outdoor patio for a delicious meal and craft beverages. Seafood lovers can enjoy local razor clams and a glass of Oregon wine around an outdoor fire pit at Finns Fish House. If you’re craving a burger and a locally crafted pint, Seaside Brewery has three outdoor patios, gourmet pub fare and outstanding beers on tap. Or grab an outdoor table at Salmon River Smokehouse and savor a bowl of chowder made with their award-winning smoked salmon. For upscale dining, you can’t beat the Pacific Northwest steamer clams — or the ocean and Prom view from the patio — at Maggie’s on the Prom.
Come for the weekend or come for the week — just come have fun in Seaside this summer. And remember: Show Seaside how much you love it by leaving it better than you found it and by being patient at any busy shop or restaurant in town, especially if they’re still understaffed.
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