Seaside, Oregon Travel Guide

Seaside is one of Oregon’s coastal gems and one of the oldest tourist destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Its postcards are famous for the massive rugged monoliths that jut out of the water just offshore, but there’s plenty more to do here than enjoy beaches. Living up to the Oregon norm, Seaside is a bit of a master when it comes to farm-to-table dining, and it’s also known for World War II trivia, vintage aquariums, and for hosting the largest beach volleyball tournament in the world. Just an hour and a half northwest of Portland, Seaside is a perfect little getaway for everything from family reunions to couple’s retreats.

Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon

Appreciating the outdoors is likely the number one thing to do in Seaside. Especially during low tide, the beaches are expansive stretches of sand where you can take a stroll and marvel at the beauty around you. There’s also a paved promenade where you can bike or roller skate for 1.8 miles along the water. Other than that, Seaside has a cute little shopping district with local crafts and candy, as well as a historic aquarium with seals, and touch tanks with sea anemones, sea stars and urchins. Chow down on a local crab melt and wash it down with one of Oregon’s famous artisanal beers. For all the history buffs out there, Seaside was actually the only place in the continental United States that was bombed during World War II, so you can roam the site and make it an educational trip as well.

Best Time to Visit Seaside, Oregon

Summertime in Seaside is a great time to visit. The weather is glorious, the tourist attractions are open, and the festivals are in full swing. If you can time it right, visiting during the volleyball competition offers tons of entertainment.

A Local's Guide to Seaside

The charming resort of Seaside Oregon is an idyllic place to spend a vacation. The northwestern Oregon city is small and less crowded than some big name destinations.

Surfers love the oceanfront homes of Seaside that give them 24/7 access to some of the best water in America. Elsewhere, a 1920s promenade gives visitors a peek into the history of this area and the four square mile city certainly packs a lot of character into a small space.

With eagles, gray whales and other wildlife making Seaside their home, it is definitely a place to add to any vacation wish list.

Beaches

Seaside is on the Pacific Ocean coast around 18 miles south of the Columbia River. The wide, sandy beaches are a draw for tourists and surfers who flock to the shoreline every summer.

Clatsop Spit is a great spot for picking up Pacific Razor Clams. The clams are highly sought after and bring thousands of visitors to the area every year.

Cannon Beach is just along the coast in Oregon and is close by Seaside. The long, sandy shore is a perfect place to watch the tufted puffins gather on Haystack Rock. Aside from the beach, Ecola State Park is a good place to take a walk and soak in the ocean views, coves and a lighthouse. Arcadia Beach and Hug Point are also beautiful beaches to visit for a day trip.

There are plenty of vacation homes and oceanfront condos to choose from in Seaside and because the area is so small, visitors are never more than a few minutes walk from a beach or park. Whether it's a luxury condo or budget vacation rentals, there’s plenty of choice in Seaside.

Take a look at what the homes offer – the number of rooms, WiFi, private pools or a hot tub. Guests to this part of Oregon might stay for a night or two as part of a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway or extend the break to really enjoy this small resort’s charm.

Once the right beach house in Seaside has been chosen, travelers can unpack their bags and start exploring!

Family Activities

For families, the Seaside Aquarium offers touch tanks where children can get up-close to weird and wonderful creatures including a 35ft gray whale skeleton.

In the south, Tillamook Head National Recreation Trails leads into Ecola State Park and visitors can take a look around the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. There are also several murals dotted around Seaside buildings which tell the story of the city and marine life.

As well as year-round destinations to explore, Seaside hosts several festivals and celebrations. The annual 4th of July celebration is a great time to visit. This incredible event includes a parade, outdoor concerts and one of the largest public fireworks displays on the west coast.

The Seaside Civic and Convention Center hosts the annual Miss Oregon Pageant and the state finals for Miss America. In August, the Salt Maker’s Return event runs for the whole month celebrating the history of Seaside.

Condos in Seaside

The city of Seaside is one of the largest on the Oregon coastline, and has a lot to offer visitors. One of the most unlikely tourist hotspots is the large historic shipwreck transporting visitors back in time. The town is also home to one of the world’s biggest volleyball tournaments, has a brewery that brews beer from coastal rainwaters, and has an incredible vintage aquarium, where people can feed the resident seals.

With so many unique attractions, it's no wonder the city is such a popular spot for Seaside condo rentals. From large beach side rentals, to smaller apartments in town, there is plenty to offer travelers hoping to see the sights and enjoy the waves.