Seaside Oregon's Guide | Eat – Shop – Play – News & More
WHAT TO DO
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We’d argue Seaside is the things-to-see and things-to-do capital of the Oregon Coast. Best of all, it’s walkable. Or bike-able. Heck, some people even kayak around. You do you. Click below for tips on enjoying some of the activities Seaside has to offer.
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ATTRACTIONS
BIKING
BIRDING
FLIGHT
GOLF
HIKING
KAYAKING
SHOPPING
SURFING
Top 15 Things To Do in Seaside
RIDE THE WILD SURF
Seaside offers some of the Northwest’s best surfing conditions. Local surf shops provide lessons, gear rentals and sales for anyone interested in surfing, skim boarding or kite boarding, as well as advice on the best spots for your skill level.
For more detailed information on surfing in Seaside, visit our Surfing page.
Feed the Seals
Seaside’s seals have been entertaining visitors for more than 80 years at the Seaside Aquarium. Each of the seals has developed its own splashy or noisy routine to encourage you to toss a bit of chopped fish its direction. The aquarium also features live displays of Northwest marine life and a hands-on discovery center for kids.
While the Aquarium has been located on Seaside’s Promenade since 1937, the building dates from 1914 and previously was another of the city’s major attractions, an indoor saltwater pool known as a natatorium. Outside of the aquarium, you can view the 35-foot skeleton of a Gray Whale.
To learn seals names, hours of operations and admission details, visit the Seaside Aquarium’s website.
Walk the Prom
Seaside’s 1.5-mile oceanfront Promenade and its famous automobile Turnaround at the beach are among Oregon’s most famous landmarks. Dating from 1921, the Prom is the perfect place for a morning jog, a casual walk, a bicycle ride or just enjoying Seaside’s best people-watching. Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, beachgrass-covered dunes and the rainforest-covered Tillamook Head as you stroll past oceanfront homes and resorts.
Trace the footsteps of famed explorers Lewis and Clark with a visit to their reconstructed salt-making camp or visit a family favorite, the Seaside Aquarium, a classic coastal attraction here for more than 80 years. The Turnaround and the Prom both offer convenient oceanfront access and views for strollers and wheelchairs.Learn more about walking the Prom and other on-foot adventures at our Hiking page.
Watch for Wildlife
Go birdwatching, photograph a herd of elk, or watch migrating Gray Whales. The Oregon Coast offers great wildlife watching year round. Many varieties of migrating shorebirds and sea birds are regular visitors. Watch for eagles on the Necanicum estuary, where more than 20 acres of green space just north of downtown Seaside offer public access and great birdwatching.
Learn more about some of the incredible birding locations at our Birding page.
Ride the Carousel
Just two blocks from the beach, the Seaside Carousel (inside the Carousel Mall) has been the town’s most colorful attraction for over 25 years. Seaside’s carousel features 24 full-sized carousel animals, reproductions of originals at the San Francisco Carousel Museum. Ride a traditional pony or select something a bit more whimsical like the huge rabbit, the pink ostrich, the reindeer, a cat with a fish or a seahorse, of course!
Read the fascinating history of the Carousel’s location here, and see some great old historical photos. For more information on shopping at the Carousel Mall and throughout Seaside, visit our detailed Shopping page.
