Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon: The Prom, the Beach & Beyond

Seaside is the Oregon Coast's classic family beach town — walkable, lively, and built around a mile-and-a-half promenade with the Pacific on one side and ice cream and arcades on the other. Here's how to spend a few days.

Walk the Promenade and the Turnaround

The Prom runs about 1.5 miles along the beachfront and is the heart of town. It's free, flat, and gorgeous at sunset, and it connects the beach to most of Seaside's attractions. Rent a bike or a surrey if you'd rather roll than stroll. At the end of Broadway you'll hit the Turnaround, home to the Lewis and Clark statue marking the end of their westward journey.

Feed the seals at Seaside Aquarium

Right on the Prom, the Seaside Aquarium has been here since 1937, making it one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. It's small but hands-on — touch tanks, local marine life, and a resident family of harbor seals you can feed. Plan on an hour or two, and it's a perfect rainy-day stop.

Play Broadway and hit the beach

Broadway is Seaside's main drag: an old-school arcade, a carousel, candy shops, and plenty of casual eats. The beach itself is wide and gentle — great for sandcastles, kite flying, and wading. Bring a jacket; the breeze picks up in the afternoon.

Hike Tillamook Head

For bigger views, drive south to the Tillamook Head trailhead. The forested trail climbs through old-growth spruce to clifftop overlooks of the ocean and, on a clear day, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse offshore. You can hike as far as Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach.

Retrace Lewis and Clark

A few steps off the Prom is the reconstructed Lewis and Clark Salt Cairn, where the expedition boiled seawater to make salt over the winter of 1805–06. The Seaside Museum nearby fills in the rest of the town's history.

Where to stay in Seaside

The best way to experience Seaside is to stay within walking distance of the Prom and book direct — no booking fees. Browse vacation rentals in Seaside, from oceanfront condos like Seaside Beach Club Condos on the Prom to larger homes like A Prom House for the whole family. Every home is booked directly with the owner or local manager.

Planning a wider trip? See our guide to things to do on the Oregon Coast or browse all Oregon Coast vacation rentals.