15 Of The Best Things to Do in Seaside Oregon

December 8, 2021

Categories: Seaside | North Oregon Coast

Updated 09/22/2022 ~ 

Seaside is home to many great things to do. It is a small town in Oregon with a lot to offer visitors if you’re looking for a nice escape from city life. The lovely beaches, amazing views, and relaxing atmosphere make it a great destination for people looking for some peace. 

As you are planning your next vacation or weekend getaway, make sure to include Seaside on your list of destinations! Here are a few highlights of fun things to do in Seaside, Oregon:

 

1. Highway 26

Oregon's Highway 26 is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Heading west towards Tillamook or east toward Portland, you can see various sights on your way which pass through some of the most beautiful places along the Oregon coast, including Tillamook, Cannon Beach, and Manzanita. Seaside is a great stop on this road trip. The main strip is so enticing that you'll probably want to spend most of your time there—but here are some out-of-the-way things to do if you're looking for something more adventurous: go tide pooling or take a hike.

Remember: this is a busy highway with slow-moving traffic, so stay alert. Also, don't miss the chance to stop at Multnomah Falls while driving through it near Bridal Veil, Oregon.

 

2. Sand Lake Recreation Area 

The Sand Lake Recreation Area is located along Oregon's North Coast, near Highway 101 South of Cannon Beach. This 1,076-acre recreation area offers plenty of opportunities for family fun; there are things to enjoy while hiking or biking through dense forests and sand dunes, or you can take a dip in the ocean. The Sand Lake Recreation Area is popular with OHV riders but offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, viewing wildlife, going crabbing, and more; including off-trail vehicle use.

This recreation area has several options. You can relax at camping sites and have boat ramp access to launch smaller watercraft into Sand Lake itself, fishing spots both within the park boundaries and outside of the park boundaries.

 

3. Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is located between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Oregon, on the north shore of scenic Highway 101. The main attractions are rocky headlands and wild areas with wildlife like elk, black bears, and other animals like raccoons or squirrels. It is a stunning place to explore, with trails like Ecola Point Trail, which leads you along the coast and offers scenic views of Tillamook Head. Moreover, it offers stunning views along the coastline! Enjoy whale watching in the winter season from December to March from this place itself! Be sure to also visit Indian Beach while there, it's a beautiful, secluded area with tide pools and it's a favorite spot for surfing.

 

4.  Sunset Beach Park 

Sunset Beach is a shallow and calm beach that's great for swimming during the summer months. It's located right along Highway 101 South of Cannon Beach. This beach also has another name called Warrenton Beach, so make sure you don't get confused between both these beaches when planning your trip here!

This beach provides good opportunities for swimming during the summer months due to its calm waters, which have a mild slope at entry points, making it easy for people with different levels of experience in water sports. During winter, you can visit this beach to watch the sunset and feel the cool breeze that comes in from the Pacific Ocean!

 

5.   Oswald West, State Park

Oswald West was established as a state park back in 1930 by Oregon Legislative Assembly due to its popularity among locals and tourists alike. Oswald West State Park offers gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, and rock formations. Whale watching is popular here during the winter season, and surfers and hikers love to visit year-round. There are many recreational activities that we can do available at Oswald West State Park.

 

6.  Hug Point State Wayside

Hug Point is in an ideal location, just a short drive south of Cannon Beach. This place offers stunning views, sandy beaches, and rocky coastlines when the weather allows. You can also get your sight on exquisite animal life, like bald eagles and other such creatures. One of the most popular tourist activities here is walking along the beach towards the north cliffside, where you'll find an old car stuck at the high tide mark.

Hug Point State Recreation Site offers easy access to the beach, a peek at some interesting local history, and loads of scenic beauty. A short walkway leads from the parking lot to the beach, where you can enjoy the view and explore tide pools that lie just beyond the sand.

 

7.  Seaside Museum and Historical Society

There are many things to do in the Seaside, but some of the best include a visit to the Seaside Museum. This museum is located right on Broadway Street. It tells the history of Seaside and is filled with interesting displays. It features many exhibits like the Victorian era, Native American culture, etc. The Seaside Museum has its own research library that is open to the public. It has an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other resources related to the history of Seaside and its surroundings. The museum also has an excellent gift shop, which is a great place to buy souvenirs for your visit. If you're interested in learning more about what makes this place so great, it's worth your while to stop by the Seaside Museum while you're here!

 

8.  Seaside Aquarium

Looking for some aquatic fun in Seaside? Why not hit up the Seaside Aquarium to feed the otters, marvel at the fish, and more. Whether it's your first time or your fifth, you'll be sure to find something entertaining. You can also find educational talks about the animals at daily scheduled times or participate in an event like their annual sandcastle contest held each summer. Located downtown Seaside, north on the promenade which borders the beach.

 

9. Visit Nearby Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a small seaside community in Oregon. The city is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, amazing sunrises, and challenging surf. Here are some things to see while exploring Cannon Beach. On your way there, stop by the Tillamook Cheese Factory (now known as The Tillamook Creamery) for some free samples and a fun tour! Once you have arrived at the beach, explore Ecola State Park. This Park has everything from hiking trails to tide pools teeming with marine life. There are also various scenic viewpoints along these paths where visitors can take breathtaking photographs of the ocean below. 

 

10. Savor Seaside's Farmers Market

The Seaside Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from June through September (check the updated schedule here). This is an excellent opportunity to try some of the best local dishes made by chefs that will leave you wanting more! You can find fresh produce and tasty food items at this market. They also feature the work of local artists, including soaps, essential oil blends, jewelry, coasters, wine racks, photography, paintings, doll clothes, bags, table dressings, and other home accessories. You can also pick up flowers and crafts while enjoying live music during the summer months on Wednesdays as well!

 

11. Seaside's Boutiques

You can find unique and trendy clothing, accessories, and gifts in the many shops throughout Seaside. It is a great place to shop if you're looking for that perfect souvenir or gift to bring back home after your trip. You can find unique and trendy clothing, accessories, and gifts in the many shops located throughout Seaside. It is a great place to shop if you're looking for that perfect souvenir or gift to bring back home after your trip.

Seaside has a wide range of unique stores for every interest and budget. Shopping at the beach is fun because you can find unusual, rare, and even handmade items that you won’t find at any other place!

 

12. Seaside Promenade

Whether you’re just passing through Seaside or staying for a few days, the Historic Seaside Promenade is an absolute must. It’s 15 feet wide and paved, stretching one and a half miles from Avenue U on the south end of town to 12th Avenue on the north end.

Every day, you can find people riding their bikes, walking dogs, or just enjoying the sunshine on this famous Seaside Promenade. Along with offering gorgeous views of both mountains and beach fronts, it is also considered one of Seaside's most kid-friendly areas as well! You'll find numerous pathways leading to the beach and you can even enjoy swinging on the huge beach swing set! 

 

13.  Ride the Seaside Trolley

This trolley runs weekends through Labor Day and offers visitors easy access to all downtown areas and many popular attractions like the aquarium. It's only $1.00 to ride, which makes it an affordable way to travel around town!

 

14. Seaside's Famous Carousel

This is one of the most photographed attractions in town and was built by a local artisan back in 1910. Today you can enjoy riding on the beautifully restored horses that offer amazing views of both mountains and ocean fronts during your ride. Additionally, visitors can find many things to do here, including visiting historic sites like Fort Clatsop National Memorial.

 

15. Boat Tour of the Columbia River

The sightseeing cruises on this river are perfect for those looking to explore more than just the beach. You can learn about local history, check out some dolphins or even see Mt. St. Helens! The sightseeing tours offered here are perfect for people interested in learning more than just seaside attractions. Visitors may be able to spot sea lions and dolphins swimming alongside their boats as they journey up one of America's most historic rivers! They also offer trips that allow passengers to see Mount St. Helen up close after it erupted in 1980 due to its massive eruption.

 

Conclusion

If you are visiting the Seaside the area, this list of things to do suggestions will help you plan your trip and have a great time here. You'll also want to check out our list of places to eat. Truly you can't go wrong in choosing Seaside Oregon. If you like the ocean, the beach, hiking, fresh seafood, a small-town feel, and coastal weather, then Seaside is for you!

For your lodging needs, Beachcombers NW offers a great selection of Seaside beach houses and condos including oceanfront and pet-friendly rentals. Book your stay early and plan your vacation getaway to return to year after year.