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51°
Author: Shellie Bailey-Shah
Published February 21, 2018
Last Updated February 21, 2018
Estimated Read Time • 2 minutes
No one owns the Oregon Coast — it belongs to everyone. Thanks to 1967’s landmark Beach Bill, Oregon has some of the most protected coastline in the country, where public beach access is guaranteed. We take our beaches seriously. And it doesn’t matter to us that some beach days may require hiking boots instead of sandals or a polar fleece instead of a bikini. Here’s how to love every minute of your time on Seaside’s beaches.
First, gear up — beach chairs, towels, pails, shovels and a pop-up tent to protect against any wind or rain as a bonus. If you forget anything for the kids, just swing by Under the Big Top Toy Shop inside the Seaside Carousel Mall. Bring a cooler and pack it with lunch. I suggest stopping at Tsunami Sandwich Company on Broadway Street, where you can order the to-die-for pastrami sandwich and a bottle of Oregon-made Hot Lips fruit soda.
Now claim your spot on Seaside’s wide stretch of sandy shore. If you need to be near public restrooms, you’ll want to stick to the area around the Turnaround on Broadway Street. Have the kids grab shovels and buckets and get to work on those sandcastles. Whether you decide to actually go swimming will depend on your tolerance for cold water. Even in the summer, ocean temperatures don’t get higher than the mid-60s and more typically hover around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a surfing lesson from Oregon Surf Adventures — thick wet suits will keep you warm.
If you’re near the water’s edge, especially with young children, be careful of sneaker waves — sudden, unpredictable surges of water that can pull you out to sea. As a rule, never turn your back on the ocean. And don’t allow your kids to climb on logs, as they can unexpectedly roll over onto a child. Watch for any special signs posted along the beach, which may, for example, alert you to unusual currents. Finally, when you leave the beach, take everything with you, including trash. We follow the “leave no trace” rules here.
If you really want to earn a gold star, visit Seaside in March or September for one of SOLVE’s beach cleanup days. The local group host smaller cleanups the first Saturday of every month. You’ll be joining the scores of Oregonians who volunteer to protect one of our state’s most treasured resources.
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Good times are meant to be shared. Same for good trip ideas.
Whether you’re coming with good friends, your four-legged friend, family, or your chosen family, we can’t wait for you to spend your well-deserved vacation time in Seaside.