Seaside Travel Guide

The city of Seaside on the Oregon coast is where the young and the young at heart meet. Whether you're into frolicking on the beach, surfing, kayaking, bird watching or just walking along its historic Promenade, this much visited tourist destination 90 minutes from Portland is the perfect spot for beach and nature lovers. But the saltwater taffy, corn dogs, penny arcades and other attractions make it a kid favorite, too. And the numerous cultural events—the Hood to Coast relay race, the Seaside Three-Course Challenge and the Lewis & Clark Salt Makers Return every August—make it a lively hub year round.

Sights

The Seaside Aquarium might look a bit unpromising from the outside but you'll be mesmerized as soon as you step inside its watery world. Octopus, eels, crabs and other marine life are its main attractions. A hands-on discovery center allows you to touch the sea creatures inside their respective tanks. At the end of Broadway, Seaside's main thoroughfare, is the Turnaround, which signals the end of the road for locals and visitors alike, as any farther would lead you into the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. In the middle of this roundabout, you see the statue of Lewis and Clark who distilled salt from the sea to preserve their meats for their journey home. The many parks around the city are great places for family picnics. Broadway Park, Quatat Park and Goodman Park have areas for skating, playing and relaxing while the Necanicum Estuary Natural History Park gives visitors a chance to view the wildlife in the area.

Restaurants

Compared to other tourist spots, there aren't that many dining places in Seaside, but that doesn't take away from the fact that the seafood, steaks and sandwiches here are truly mouth-watering. Most of the restaurants can be found along Broadway. There's also a popular homemade ice cream shop called Zingers that carries 60 flavors of ice cream. Other eateries may also be found along S. Roosevelt Drive and Holladay.     

Shopping

There are more than 100 unique boutiques, antique shops and art galleries that line Broadway. The Salmonberry Square in the Gilbert District, the Seaside Factory Outlet Center and the Seaside Carousel Mall offer a vast array of choices. These shops, all within walking distance of each other, sell all kinds of beach gear, jewelry, souvenirs and every conceivable kind of candies and sweets.

Where to Go in Seaside