Updated: April 11, 2024
Seaside is Oregon’s beach playground and has been a classic vacation spot for couples and families for decades. Best known for its beachfront promenade, Seaside is a walkable town with most of the action centered around bustling Broadway Street.
Activities and attractions near Seaside include bumper cars and arcade games, souvenir shops, ice cream, saltwater taffy and fresh seafood restaurants. Read on for more fun things to do in Seaside, Oregon on a beach getaway.
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Contents
- Where is Seaside, Oregon?
- Transportation to Seaside
- About Seaside
- Things to Do and Attractions Near Seaside, Oregon
- Places to Stay in Seaside
Hotels
Vacation Rentals
Campgrounds and RV Parks - Restaurants and Dining in Seaside
- Weather in Seaside, Oregon
- Tide Charts for Seaside, Oregon
- Annual Events and Festivals in Seaside
Where is Seaside, Oregon?
Seaside is located on the northern Oregon Coast in Clatsop County, about a 1.5-hour drive from Portland (80 miles). The most common route is via highway 26 west to highway 101 north. It’s an easy and popular weekend getaway or day trip from Portland.
Transportation to Seaside, Oregon
Driving is the easiest and fastest way to get to Seaside but there are car-free ways to travel. For air, bus, train and car rental information, see Transportation to the Oregon Coast.
🚗 Search for rental cars in Portland, Oregon and find the best deals on cars at RentalCars.com. Rental cars are usually picked up and dropped off at Portland International Airport (PDX).
About Seaside, Oregon
Seaside was originally inhabited by the Clatsop tribe. In 1806, members of the Lewis and Clark expedition set up a salt works in the area and the region slowly grew to become an incorporated city in 1899.
It became a popular resort town in the 1920s and today, Seaside has a population of about 6,500 residents.
Top Things to Do and Attractions Near Seaside, Oregon
Walk the Seaside Promenade
The Seaside promenade is an oceanfront walkway and turnaround at the beach originally built in the 1920s. “The prom” is the spot for long walks, bike rides, beachfront vacation homes and people-watching.
You’ll see views of Tillamook Head to the south and pass by the classic Seaside Aquarium, one of the oldest in the U.S.
Broadway Street dead-ends at the turnaround, also the end of the Lewis and Clark trail marked by a large statue. Cars have been cruising this strip for years and it continues to be a popular spot for Spring Break, 4th of July and summer weekends.
Games, Rides and Amusements in Seaside
Enjoy a round of mini-golf or go-kart racing with family and friends at Captain Kid Amusement Park. If you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day in Seaside with the kids, stop in at Funland for bumper car rides and arcade games or the Seaside Carousel Mall for food, shopping, games and a classic carousel ride.
For more thrills, the High Life Adventure Park Aerial Challenge Course is an outdoor structure with a variety of obstacles high above ground.
Pedal or Paddle Around Seaside
If the weather cooperates, Seaside is a fun town to explore by bike or other pedal-powered vehicle. Wheel Fun Rentals has several locations in town and rents bikes, cruisers and other 4-wheeled options for groups. They also rent the swan boats, paddle boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Quatat Park on the Necanicum River.
Hiking at Ecola State Park
Spend the day exploring Ecola State Park, one of the best hiking areas near Seaside. There are some truly amazing ocean viewpoints from this park.
See rock formations, bald eagles, whales, and on a clear day, you can see the Tillamook Lighthouse, or “Terrible Tilly” out on its lonely rock in the middle of the sea. A local herd of Roosevelt Elk likes to graze in the meadows and sometimes they even walk on the beach.
For hikers, there are many miles of trails including the Tillamook Head Trail, an 8-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail and a 2.5-mile historical Clatsop Loop Trail that William Clark once traveled.
You can also hike to Crescent Beach or Indian Beach from this park. Check trail conditions and read trip reports beforehand and please use caution as trails can be washed out or closed due to storms and landslides.
🥾 For more day hiking options for all levels, see our list of the best hiking trails on the Oregon Coast.
4th of July Festivities in Seaside, Oregon
Seaside is an especially popular beach for watching 4th of July fireworks, so expect big crowds on the holiday. Festivities begin at dusk, or generally around 10 p.m. Park further away and walk or bike in to avoid the exit rush.
🎆 Oregonians love to celebrate July 4th at the beach! See our annual events page for more 4th of July celebrations on the Oregon Coast from north to south.
More Things to Do:
- Explore the nearby town of Astoria or the popular town of Cannon Beach
- Book a guided tour on the Oregon Coast and see the sights with a local expert
Search for your travel dates to see the latest room rates in Seaside and book in advance for the best options. Hotels in Seaside do sell out, especially during weekends and in summer.
Campgrounds and RV Parks Near Seaside, Oregon
There aren’t too many options for camping on the coast near Seaside. Though there are a few city RV parks, we haven’t actually stayed at any of them yet. One time we tried, and it rained so hard it flooded the park and we had to leave (not their fault)! Wright’s for Camping, about 15 minutes south of Seaside, is highly recommended by reviewers.
We usually prefer to camp at Oregon State Park campgrounds, most of which have tent campsites, RV campsites with hookups, yurts and cabins available for rent.
🌲 For more on camping in the region, see our guide to State Park campgrounds on the Oregon Coast.
🚐 There are several privately owned RV parks and campgrounds along the Oregon Coast off Highway 101. Services and facilities can vary widely, so be sure to check reviews on Google Maps or use a trusted trip-planning app like RV Life to read unbiased reviews of campgrounds by other RVers. Try it free!
Restaurants and Dining in Seaside, Oregon
You’ll find many restaurants in Seaside along Broadway Street and off Highway 101.
For breakfast in Seaside, we usually head to the Osprey Cafe, a small spot off the beaten path on the south end of town. Go early for the shortest wait times, it does get crowded.
Nonni’s Italian Bistro in Seaside is loved for its fresh and flavorful Italian favorites.
Grab a pint at Seaside Brewing Company, located at the corner of Broadway and 101. They serve locally brewed craft beers and really tasty BBQ pub fare in the old city jailhouse building. Outdoor patio seating is available.
On the way to or from Seaside on Highway 26, stop at Camp 18 for an essential Pacific Northwest-style breakfast or hearty meal fit for a logger.
🍴 Browse more of the best restaurants on the Oregon Coast.
🍺 See our full list of Oregon Coast breweries.
Weather in Seaside, Oregon
The weather in Seaside is generally cool (50s-60s F) and damp with frequent rain throughout the year, with the exception of July and August. Temperatures rarely get too hot in summer with highs in the 60s-70s. Lows dip down into the 30s in winter but snow is rare. Spring and Autumn are a mix of sunny and rainy days.
🤷♀️ Wondering what to pack for the Oregon Coast? The beaches are usually breezy and cool. It’s a good idea to wear layers and bring rain gear. See our guide on what to wear to the Oregon Coast for a free downloadable packing list and more details.
Tide Charts for Seaside and the Oregon Coast
There are two low tides and two high tides every day on Oregon’s coast. Low tide is a good time for beachcombing, tide pools, cave exploration and clamming.
For your safety, be aware of the tide schedule before boating or heading out to more remote beaches. However, Seaside’s main beach is very wide with plenty of space for walking.
🌊 Check tide tables or ask at state park offices, local visitor information centers and many stores and hotels for a free tide table booklet.
Find the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast near Seaside.
Annual Events and Festivals in Seaside, Oregon
Looking for more fun things to do in Seaside? Here’s a list of major events to help you plan your trip.
March – Seaside Jazz & Blues Festival
July – 4th of July Parade and Fireworks in Seaside, Oregon
August – Seaside Oregon Beach Volleyball Tournament, Hood to Coast Relay Finish Line in Seaside
September – Seaside SandFest, Wheels and Waves Car Show Seaside, Oregon
See City of Seaside, Oregon Visitors Bureau for more local events.
👉 See more major annual events in other towns on the Oregon Coast.
Taking a road trip? From Seaside, drive 30 minutes north to Astoria, or 15 minutes south to Cannon Beach to continue exploring Oregon Coast towns.
