Before your trip to Seaside, it’s helpful to understand all the ways in which you can enjoy your time in the Pacific Northwest’s original beach town. Here’s a quick guide to the different areas of town and what you can do in each of them. From shopping and dining to cycling and hiking, this overview will help you plan your perfect Seaside getaway. Be sure to stop in to the friendly Seaside Welcome Center — located on the corner of Highway 101 and Broadway — if you have any questions or need help with accessible adventures.

Experience Downtown Seaside

The heart of Seaside is its bustling, welcoming downtown area. The main drag, Broadway, connects with Highway 101 on the east end and features a turnaround at the Pacific Ocean to the west. The entire stretch is walkable, and once you hit the beach, you’ll find a historic icon, the paved 1.5-mile Promenade — known by locals as the Prom — which runs along the grassy dunes and beach, connecting the south end of town with the north. 

In the Lower Broadway district, which is closest to the beach, you’ll find loads of kid-centric attractions like the colorful carousel in Seaside Carousel Mall, classic rides like bumper cars and a Tilt-A-Whirl, the enormous Funland Arcade, Seaside Laser Tag & Arcade and, of course, the beach. The kiddos will also love the many ice cream and saltwater-taffy shops, as well as the Pronto Pup stand with its special corndogs.

Walking east on Broadway, you’ll soon cross the bridge across the Necanicum River and be in the four-block historic Gilbert District in what’s known as Upper Broadway. In addition to admiring the oldest buildings in town, you’ll find this area is full of local boutiques. Visit Beach Books for a bestseller, find your pup a toy at Beach Puppy, and get yourself a chic rain jacket at C&R Mercantile. Art enthusiasts can peruse Fairweather House & Gallery, and antique lovers can hunt for treasures in the sprawling Seaside Antique Mall.

Surf and Hike in South Seaside

Portland travelers will likely arrive in Seaside from the south part of town — here, inland Highway 26 meets coastal Highway 101 after crossing through the Coast Range.

This tucked-away area is bounded by the forested Tillamook Head to the very south and Seaside’s 2.7-mile stretch of beach to the north, making it a great launching point for outdoor adventures. Park at The Cove to watch the cold-water surfers shredding the waves. Walk down to the sand and look at the colorful rocks at Painted Rock Beach. For hiking, Tillamook Head Trailhead is the access point for a moderately difficult, 12.5-mile trail that rewards you with panoramic ocean views, including a bird’s-eye look at Terrible Tilly, the storied Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.  

Kayak or Kick Back in North Seaside

Similar to South Seaside, the north end of town is quieter and within walking distance to restaurants, natural attractions and the beach. To help you explore the peaceful neighborhood streets, or if you want to pedal along the Prom to nearby downtown, Prom Bike Shop will set you up with bikes for your crew. 

Scope out the area’s local crabbing scene at the 12th Avenue Bridge. Glance north off the bridge and you’ll be looking at the majestic Necanicum Estuary, where you can spot bald eagles diving for coho salmon and anglers trying to catch dinner. Take binoculars to bird-watch at Necanicum Estuary Natural History Park, or rent a kayak at Wheel Fun Rentals at Quatat Park and explore the estuary at high tide.

Dive into Seaside’s past at the Seaside Historical Society Museum or watch the kids feed the seals at the Seaside Aquarium. In the mood for shopping? Seaside Outlets has deals on everything from Pendleton blankets to Eddie Bauer jackets.

No matter where you go on your Seaside trip or what you want to do, everything in town is easy to navigate and welcoming. For those with accessibility needs, check out Seaside’s Accessibility Verified page on the online platform Wheel the World, which describes attractions, lodgings, restaurants and more, so everyone can join the fun.