Summer in Seaside is glorious. In addition to the perfect weather, frothy waves and sunset beach campfires, the town’s exciting outdoor events amp up the summer fun even more. No matter what your interests are or how long you’re visiting for, you and your family can easily join in on the good times.

In July ultimate Frisbee players from across the country will flock to Seaside’s beach for the Against the Grain Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. The Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament bounces into town in August, bringing more than 40,000 volleyball players from around the world. Also in August, the legendary Hood to Coast running relay begins at Mt. Hood and crosses the finish line at the Seaside Turnaround. In September bring the kiddos to see the masterful sand sculptures at Seaside’s 4th Annual Seaside SandFest and the classic vintage cars at the Wheels and Waves Car Show.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that more people during these big events also means more congestion — and stress on wildlife and the environment. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to practice patience, minimize your impact and make sure everyone has a blast while vacationing in Seaside. Here’s how you can pay the kindness forward.

Keep Seaside Clean and Safe for All

Summer in Seaside is all about spending as much time outdoors as possible. Traffic can get a little thick during the summer months, so please also be patient with other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Always watch for long-distance cyclists — Highway 101 is a popular road trip for summer bike-packers — and families having fun on rental bikes and surreys around town. It’s always easy to ditch the car and enjoy Seaside by foot on a busy summer day, but if you’re driving, be sure to park only in designated spaces. 

Whether you’re hiking the Tillamook Head Trail to sneak a peek at the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse or hoofing it up the challenging Saddle Mountain trail, please be sure to pack out everything that you pack in. Staying on designated trails is also important, as it not only protects vulnerable plants and wildlife habitats, it keeps you safely away from dangerous sea cliffs. 

Heading out on an adventure with Fido? Oregon’s beaches and most trails welcome well-behaved pups, but please carry a leash and use it whenever necessary. Wildlife habitats around tide pools and in the Necanicum Estuary are especially sensitive, and keeping your dog leashed is key to protecting them. Also note that dogs must be leashed in state parks. 

Treasure the Beach for Summers to Come

Following Leave No Trace principles is the easiest way to respect Seaside’s coastal environment during your summer getaway. If you’d like to make a bigger splash, join dozens of other volunteers the first Saturday of each month during Seaside’s Treasure the Beach Cleanup. Meet in front of the Seaside Aquarium starting at 9 a.m., where you’ll receive free trash bags and gloves, and then comb the beach, picking up microplastics and other refuse. As a thank you, you’ll score Beach Cleanup Coins that you and the kids can redeem at local coffee shops, Funland Arcade and other cool places. 

After a fun day of hiking, biking, beachcombing or splashing in the waves, nothing beats gathering around a beach campfire for s’mores at sunset. Please ensure that you build your beach fire with wood purchased from one of the many places that sell it in Seaside — not with beach driftwood — and build it on dry sand, far away from beach grass. Pour water around the base of the pit to safely extinguish the embers, and dispose of garbage in one of the public trash bins located along the Prom when it’s time to leave.

Respect Seaside’s Coastal Wildlife

From tiny tide pool urchins to the endangered snowy plover and North American river otters, wildlife is everywhere in Seaside — and you can do your part to protect it.

Be mindful of habitats if you’re searching for sea creatures at low tide along the beach or on the rocks at the Cove — that means touching sea critters gently and resisting the urge to move them or take them home with you. Seals and sea lions love sunbathing on Seaside’s wide-open beach and exposed rocks, as well. Whether you see a solo seal pup on the beach or a herd of sea lions surfing the waves, give them plenty of space — and never try taking selfies with them. 

Seaside is also a haven for birders looking to spot bald eagles, western grebes, puffins and other feathered friends. Necanicum Estuary and Broadway Park are top birding locations, but no matter where you’re looking, please stay a good distance away from birds, keep your dogs on a leash and don’t disturb wildlife habitats.