Top Seaside Oregon Tourist Attractions You Can’t Miss

The Historic Seaside Promenade: Gateway to Seaside Oregon Tourist Attractions

The Seaside Promenade, affectionately known as “The Prom” by locals, has been the heart of Seaside's charm for over a century. This 1.5-mile paved walkway runs parallel to the beach, offering stunning ocean views and easy access to many of the city's most popular attractions.

What Makes The Prom Special

Built in 1921, the Promenade has become an Oregon Coast landmark that connects visitors to both the natural beauty of the coastline and the vibrant energy of the town. The flat, accessible pathway makes it perfect for walking, jogging, or biking while taking in panoramic ocean views.

Best Times to Visit

Early mornings offer the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds and spectacular sunrise views. Sunset walks provide romantic scenery as the sun dips below the Pacific horizon. During summer evenings, the Promenade comes alive with visitors enjoying the illuminated pathway and ocean breeze.

The Turnaround at Seaside

Located at the western end of Broadway Street, the Turnaround serves as both a practical traffic circle and a symbolic heart of Seaside. This iconic roundabout features a statue commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition, marking the end of their historic 3,500-mile journey.

The Turnaround at Seaside with Lewis and Clark statue and ocean view

The Turnaround provides one of the best photo opportunities in Seaside, with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. It's also a convenient access point to the beach, with stairs leading directly to the sand. During summer months, street performers and vendors often gather here, creating a festive atmosphere.

Seaside Beach: The Crown Jewel

The expansive sandy beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular Seaside Oregon tourist attractions, drawing visitors year-round. With miles of flat, wide shoreline, there's always plenty of space for everyone to enjoy their own piece of paradise.

Beach Activities for Everyone

Seaside Beach offers endless recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Build elaborate sandcastles, fly colorful kites in the consistent coastal breeze, or simply relax and soak up the sun. The beach is also home to several annual events, including the world's largest amateur volleyball tournament each August.

For those seeking a more secluded beach experience, simply walk north or south from the main access points to find quieter stretches of sand, especially during busy summer months.

Seaside Aquarium: A Historic Marine Experience

Operating since 1937, the Seaside Aquarium holds the distinction of being one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. This family-friendly attraction offers an intimate look at the marine life of the Pacific Northwest in a charming, historic setting.

Interactive Marine Experiences

Unlike larger aquariums, Seaside's facility offers unique hands-on experiences that delight visitors of all ages. The touch tanks allow guests to interact with sea anemones, starfish, and other tide pool creatures. The most popular attraction, however, is the harbor seal exhibit, where visitors can purchase fish to feed these charismatic marine mammals – a tradition that dates back more than 80 years.

Located just north of the Turnaround on the Promenade, the aquarium is easily accessible and affordable, with family packages available. It's open daily year-round, except for major holidays.

Downtown Seaside: Shopping and Entertainment

Broadway Street forms the commercial heart of Seaside, offering a delightful mix of souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, and family entertainment options. This vibrant district connects the Necanicum River to the Turnaround and beach, making it a natural thoroughfare for visitors.

Family Fun and Arcade Games

Funland Arcade, operating since the 1930s, stands as the largest arcade on the North Oregon Coast. Inside, you'll find a nostalgic collection of games including skee ball, bumper cars, pinball machines, and modern video games. Kids can earn tickets redeemable for prizes, making it a favorite rainy-day activity.

Carousel Mall and Shopping

The Seaside Carousel Mall features a beautiful hand-carved carousel surrounded by specialty shops. Take a spin on this historic ride before exploring the unique stores offering everything from beach apparel to handcrafted souvenirs. For more shopping options, the Seaside Outlet Mall north of downtown provides brand-name shopping at discount prices.

Hiking Tillamook Head: Seaside's Natural Wonder

Rising dramatically from the coastline just south of Seaside, Tillamook Head offers one of the most rewarding hiking experiences on the Oregon coast. This impressive headland, part of Ecola State Park, provides breathtaking views that Lewis and Clark once described as “the grandest and most pleasing prospects which my eyes ever surveyed.”

Trail Information

The Tillamook Head Trail spans approximately 4 miles one-way and climbs about 1,000 feet in elevation. While moderately challenging, the well-maintained path rewards hikers with stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forest, and on clear days, views of the historic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse offshore.

Access the trailhead from Sunset Boulevard in Seaside, either by car, a beach walk, or using the Seaside Streetcar during summer months. For those seeking an overnight adventure, a free backpacker's campsite awaits at the summit – one of the most unique camping experiences on the Oregon coast.

Lewis and Clark Salt Works: Historical Seaside Oregon Tourist Attractions

Step back in time at the Lewis and Clark Salt Works, a fascinating historical site that commemorates an essential aspect of the Corps of Discovery's winter stay on the Oregon coast in 1805-1806. Located near the southern end of the Promenade, this reconstructed site shows where expedition members boiled seawater to produce salt for preserving food and adding flavor to their meals.

The site features interpretive displays explaining the salt-making process and its importance to the expedition's survival. While small in size, the Salt Works provides a tangible connection to this pivotal moment in American exploration history and makes for a quick yet educational stop during your Seaside visit.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Seaside's calendar brims with exciting events throughout the year, many centered around its beautiful beach and vibrant downtown. Timing your visit to coincide with one of these festivals can add an extra dimension to your Seaside experience.

Summer Highlights

Summer brings Seaside's most popular events, including the world-famous beach volleyball tournament in August that attracts over 1,000 teams. The Hood to Coast Relay, America's largest running relay race, culminates at Seaside Beach with a massive finish line celebration. Fourth of July features spectacular fireworks over the ocean and an old-fashioned social organized by the Historical Society.

Year-Round Celebrations

Even in the off-season, Seaside offers plenty of festive activities. Fall brings the Pouring at the Coast craft beer festival, while winter features holiday lighting celebrations and the Seaside Muscle and Chrome Car Show. Spring welcomes the Seaside Kite Festival, where colorful creations fill the sky above the beach.

Best Hotels in Seaside

Comfort meets coastal charm in Seaside’s top accommodations, many of which are steps away from the beach or nestled along the tranquil Necanicum River. Whether you're seeking ocean views, cozy fireplaces, or family-friendly suites, there's something for every style of traveler.

The Seaside Oceanfront Inn

A classic beachfront stay with sweeping views of the Pacific. This intimate inn offers rooms with fireplaces, balconies, and direct access to the Promenade—perfect for sunrise strolls and quiet evenings by the sea.

Inn at the Prom

Inn At the Prom

Just steps from the beach, this boutique hotel blends modern style with homey touches. Rooms feature kitchenettes, spa tubs, and fireplaces—ideal for couples looking to unwind in comfort.

Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring

While Seaside offers plenty to keep visitors entertained, several remarkable attractions lie just a short drive away. These nearby destinations make perfect day trips during your Seaside vacation.

Ecola State Park

Just south of Seaside, Ecola State Park offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in Oregon. The park features several hiking trails, picnic areas, and viewpoints overlooking Cannon Beach and its famous Haystack Rock. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot Roosevelt elk grazing in meadows or migrating gray whales offshore during peak seasons.

Cannon Beach

This charming coastal town, just 15 minutes south of Seaside, is renowned for its iconic Haystack Rock rising 235 feet from the shoreline. The rock and surrounding tide pools create a natural aquarium where visitors can observe colorful sea stars, anemones, and nesting seabirds. The town itself offers upscale galleries, boutiques, and dining options.

Fort Stevens State Park

North of Seaside, this 4,300-acre park offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. History buffs will appreciate the military museum and concrete battery that once guarded the Columbia River. The park's most photographed feature is the wreck of the Peter Iredale, a steel sailing vessel that ran aground in 1906 and whose skeleton remains visible on the beach.

Pro Tips for Visiting Seaside Oregon Tourist Attractions

Plan Your Perfect Seaside Getaway

From its historic Promenade to its expansive beach, from family-friendly attractions to natural wonders, Seaside offers a perfect coastal escape for visitors of all ages. The diverse range of Seaside Oregon tourist attractions ensures that whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, history, or family fun, you'll find it in this charming coastal town.

As you plan your visit, consider the seasonal events that might enhance your experience, and don't forget to explore some of the nearby attractions that make Oregon's north coast such a beloved destination. With proper planning and these insider tips, your Seaside vacation is sure to create lasting memories.