Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, the city of Seaside is where you can rejuvenate and escape the demands of daily life. This northwestern Oregon town offers the stark beauty of impressive cliffs and beaches with unique rock formations. Find an oceanfront Seaside vacation rental with views of the water, and you can enjoy breakfast on your deck accompanied by the sounds of crashing waves. Hiking, biking, golfing, and playing in the surf are just a few of the fun activities you can look forward to during your Seaside stay. Here’s a cheat sheet of the top 15 things to do in the area.
1. Take a Walk Along the Clatsop Plains
Take a walk along the Clatsop Plains that feature two beach areas, Sunset Beach and Columbia Beach. While enjoying the captivating view, you’ll find the remains of a British shipwreck, the Peter Iredale. Bring a small shovel to dig in the sand as the tide recedes, and you might find some razorback clams to make for dinner back at your vacation rental.
2. Learn More About American History at Fort Clatsop
Located in the Lewis and Clark National Park, Fort Clatsop served as the home base during the winter months of 1805 to1806 for the Corps of Discovery. After stopping at the visitors center for a map, you can wander through the two original buildings and the replica of the main fort. If you prefer, wait for one of the guided tours with a park ranger in period garb.
3. See Sea Creatures at the Seaside Aquarium
Since 1937, the Seaside Aquarium has welcomed visitors and taught them more about the life that teems underwater in the Pacific and other oceans. While touring the aquarium, notice the fine detailing of the building itself that dates back to 1927. Check out the massive aquariums that feature residents such as the sunflower star and the giant Pacific octopus.
4. Take a Ride on the Seaside Carousel
Located in the Carousel Mall and a couple of blocks from the beach, the Seaside Carousel brings out feelings of nostalgia with its vintage look. The horses feature patterns and designs from antique carousels in the San Francisco Carousel Museum. Afterwards, check out the eclectic collection of shops and have a milkshake at the old-fashioned malt shop.
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5. Take a Jog on the Seaside Promenade
Stretching for one and a half miles, the Seaside Promenade dates back to the 1920s when it was originally constructed of wood. Today, it’s paved with concrete for a smooth run or an afternoon bike ride. Enjoy the sound of surf and the breeze that ruffles your hair at the promenade’s edge. At one end of the boardwalk, view the End of the Trail statue of Lewis and Clark.
6. Spend a Day at Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area
Avoid the crowds and find plenty of room for your beach blanket at Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area. This beach offers a mile of sand for you to stretch out and build a sandcastle. If the wind is up, try flying a kite. This beach offers bathroom facilities and picnic areas.
7. Go Horseback Riding on the Beach
Oregon Beach Rides matches you up with the perfect horse for your skill level, so you get the most enjoyment out of your ride along the beach. You can opt for a guided tour with a group or rent the horses and set out on a ride with just your family or group.
8. Take a Hike in Ecola State Park
Put on your favorite hiking books and spend an afternoon hiking through Ecola State Park. Although part of the park contains sand beaches, it also features eight inland miles of the Oregon Coast Trail.
9. Do a Little Bird Watching at the Necanicum Estuary Park
Grab your binoculars before leaving your vacation rental to get an up-close look at the birds at Necanicum Estuary Park. With its mudflats and mixed salt and fresh water, this area is popular for birds seeking meals or a migrating stop in the spring and fall.
10. Learn Some Local History at the Seaside Museum and Historical Society
Located in the Butterfield Cottage, the Seaside Museum and Historical Society offers you a look at a bygone era. Take a tour of the museum and see the vintage photos, priceless artifacts, and a diorama of the town in 1899.
11. Visit the Tillamook Head Lighthouse
It takes a brief hike of about a mile to get a good look at the Tillamook Head that sits just offshore. The lighthouse dates back to January 21, 1881, when it helped warn sailors of the shoreline. Although it’s no longer in service, the lighthouse is in great condition and worth the short hike.
12. Explore the History of Logging at the Camp 18 Museum
The Camp 18 Museum is an outdoor display of logging equipment used throughout the years. See steam-powered machinery and a railroad log car used to move boards around the country in its heyday. In the small indoor area, there is a vintage photograph collection. Afterwards, have dinner at the Camp 18 restaurant.
13. Tee Off at the Seaside Golf Course
Tee off against the stark beauty of the Oregon coast when you hit the links at the Seaside Golf Course. You can play all 18 holes that offer some challenges while still being beginner friendly. The facilities include a great restaurant to celebrate your par score after your game with a top-notch meal.
14. Rent a Bike From Wheel Fun Rentals
Explore the Oregon coastline while riding a bike with a rental from Wheel Fun Rentals. You can rent a bike for a couple of hours or a few days, depending on your schedule. If you have young kids, consider renting a surrey in which four people can ride and pedal at once.
15. See the Coast With Seaside Helicopters
Check out the view of Seaside and the Oregon coast from the sky with Seaside Helicopters. This company offers several tour options and price points to accommodate your budget.
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