PLAY AT THE SEASIDE BEACH

SEASIDE OREGON BEACH

The Seaside beach lies on the edge of the Pacific Ocean about 18 miles south of where the Columbia River empties into the Pacific. The Necanicum River flows into the ocean on the northern edge of town and the popular hiking destination, Tillamook Head, towers over the ocean on the southern edge.

Build a campfire, hop in the ocean, or rent a beach bike. The possibilities in Seaside are endless. Just a few steps off of Downtown and the famous “Prom” the coastline is easily accessible for all to enjoy. Visit during the clamming season and gain access to one of the most concentrated populations of razor clams in the world. Interested in seeing other marine life? Walk north of the turnaround and the Seaside Aquarium is a few steps away. Read on for more of our favorite things to do at the beach in Seaside!

Build A Bonfire

One of our favorite summer pastimes is a bonfire with friends and family. There’s nothing better than warming up by the fire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories and laughs with those you love. Between the mighty Pacific Ocean just steps away, and some of the most amazing sunsets we’ve ever seen, you are sure to build memories that will last a lifetime. Check out our suggestions below for when building your own beach bonfire.

Check to see if there’s a burn ban in effect in Seaside!

Even if you think the weather hasn’t been “dry” or hot enough to warrant one, we always suggest checking local sources first. Wildfires are one of the biggest issues in Oregon during the summer months, and having a bonfire during a fire ban can result in large fines and other legal troubles. Remember – it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Click here to read more about local Ordinances, and get more info on recreational fires.

Implement safe beach bonfire practices!

This info can be found on the same page as the recreational fire ordinances but we’ll reiterate it here too.

Bonfires need to stay small and contained. Do NOT burn large pieces of wood or driftwood. We highly recommend digging a pit to keep your fire in.
Fires should be made in dry, open sand. The sand needs to be dry to allow the wood to burn, but you need to keep your fire in an open space. Getting too close to beach grass puts you at risk for starting a dune fire by mistake. You never know where the ash will fly!
Never leave your fire unattended. Like we said above, you never know where embers or ash will fly! The safest way to ensure your fire is not spreading is to keep a set of eyes on it at all times.
When putting your fire out use both water and sand. If you dig a small pit to keep your fire in it will be easy to kick sand over it after dousing it with fire. With that being said, try to keep your fire remnants visible as to prevent others from stepping on or tripping over your leftovers.

Rent a Beach Bike

If you’ve visited Seaside you’ve likely seen Surreys cruising around Broadway or on the side streets. These classics are fun but one of our favorite rentals are beach bikes! Stop by The Prom Bike Shop and grab a beach-friendly bike that you can cruise up and down the shoreline with. While rentals depend on the tide, time of day, etc. we highly recommend checking them out! Click here to view their rates and see their contact info. Not interested in the beach bike? Grab a Surrey, or one of their other rentals while you’re in town.

Go Razor Clam Digging

The Northwest Oregon Coast has one of the most concentrated razor clam populations in the world! While the clamming season is relatively long bans are sometimes put in place to regulate digging depending on a variety of reasons. Check the local, or state website for more info on whether or not you can go clamming before purchasing a shellfish license. Razor clams are found throughout Oregon’s beaches but over 95% of the states digging occurs on Clatsop Beaches Ranging from the Columbia River to Seaside – how lucky are we to live here?! So grab your license at a local ODFW affiliate (Bud’s Campground in Gearhart, or Trucke’s One Stop in Seaside), check the tide, and bring your clam shovel or gun and you’re ready to go.

Play in The Pacific Ocean

While there is no official stand from State or local authorities on whether or not you should swim in the ocean, we do recommend using caution when playing in the mighty Pacifics waves. While the water on West Coast shores stay cold all year round, it can be fun to dip your toes in the water on a (rare) hot day. Check out one of the local surf shops to take surf lessons, or grab a boogie board from a local rental shop. As we said before, you should always exercise caution when in, or simply around, the ocean. Sneaker waves are sudden surges of water that can take beachgoers by surprise and injure, or drag those near the shore out to the ocean. A general rule of thumb when visiting the beach is to never turn your back on the Ocean. If you do happen to get swept out with a wave, professionals recommend NOT fighting against the current and saving your energy to keep your head above water and wait until help arrives. Check out more on sneaker waves, and general beach safety here.

Beach Access For All!

Seaside is proud to be one of the few coastal towns in Oregon that provide free beach wheelchairs for the public. Those looking to rent a beach accessible wheelchair can call the Bob Chisholm Community Center at 503-738-7393 for more information or to reserve a beach wheelchair. Reservations are free and available on a first-come, first served basis for up to four hours at a time.

Other Fun Things to Do at The Beach

Build a Sandcastle.

Sandcastle building supplies can be found in multiple stores just steps off the sand on Broadway Street!

Fly a Kite.

Like Sandcastle supplies, kites can be purchased from many local shops located on Broadway Street.

Check out the local wildlife.

When the tide is low enough to check out the sandbars and search for small beach critters. You never know what you’ll find!

Search for Seashells.

Sand Dollars are abundant on our Coast, but it’s rare to find a perfectly whole one!

Hunt for Other Sea Treasures.

You never really know what will wash up on our shores. After the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2008, beachcombers have found all kinds of Japanese artifacts. Other than that, it’s not uncommon to find beach glass, glass balls, and more on our shores!

Plan a Picnic.

Grab some sandwiches from Tsunami Sandwich Shop in downtown Seaside, or pack your own food. Lay out a towel and enjoy the view! Over 21? Bring your favorite adult beverage! Seaside City Ordinances States

“Consumption of alcoholic beverages exceeding 14% alcoholic content is prohibited on the ocean shore within the city limits of Seaside except when under OLCC license and State Parks and Recreation Department permit. The consumption of all alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the ocean shore within the city limits of Seaside during Oregon schools spring break.” Find more Seaside Ordinances here.