20 Amazing and Unique Facts about Seaside, Oregon!

Are you planning a trip to Seaside, Oregon? Well, get ready for an adventure because we've got 20 unique facts about this coastal town that will make your trip unforgettable.

From its founding by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to its reputation as a popular filming location, Seaside is full of surprises.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the coolest and quirkiest facts about Seaside.

Unique Facts: Seaside's History and Natural Beauty

• Seaside, Oregon was founded in 1805 by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
• The town played an important role in the expedition, as it was here that the explorers produced salt from the ocean at the Lewis and Clark Salt Works.
• As its name suggests, Seaside is located right by the seaside.
• The town is situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and has miles of beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
• The Necanicum River, which runs through Seaside, is home to a variety of fish, including salmon and steelhead.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Seaside's history is deeply intertwined with the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1805, William Clark and his team of explorers established a salt works in the town, which played a crucial role in the expedition's success. Today, visitors can explore the Lewis and Clark Salt Works National Historic Site and learn about the salt-making process that sustained the expedition.

Necanicum River

The Necanicum River is another natural treasure that runs through Seaside. The river is home to a variety of fish, including salmon and steelhead, and is a popular spot for fishing and other recreational activities. Visitors can rent a kayak or take a guided tour to explore the river and its surrounding forests.

Seaside- Where History and Nature Come Together

In Seaside, history and nature come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you're interested in learning about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, soaking up the sun on the beach, or exploring the beautiful forests and rivers, Seaside has something for everyone.

Unique Facts: Seaside's Attractions and Activities

• Seaside's famous 1.5-mile Promenade is the most photographed site in the city.
• Seaside is home to the largest arcade on the Oregon Coast.
• The Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast.
• Seaside is one of the only places in Oregon where you can ride a historic carousel.
• Seaside's beaches are popular for surfing, kite flying, and beach volleyball.
• Seaside has an annual Razor Clam Festival in March, where visitors can learn how to catch and cook razor clams.
• The Seaside Museum and Historical Society showcases the town's rich history and culture.
• The Tillamook Head Lighthouse, located near Seaside, was built in 1881 and is now a popular hiking destination.
• Seaside's Broadway Street features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Promenade- the Place to take Pictures

Seaside, Oregon has an abundance of attractions and activities that cater to all interests. The famous 1.5-mile Promenade is a must-visit destination in the city. The boardwalk runs along the beachfront and offers stunning views of the ocean and the town. This picturesque location is the most photographed site in Seaside, and it's not hard to see why.

Arcade Enthusiasts

For arcade enthusiasts, Seaside boasts the largest arcade on the Oregon Coast. Funland Arcade has a variety of games and activities for all ages, from classic arcade games to bumper cars and laser tag.

Ready to Feed the Seals?

The Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, having been in operation since 1937. The aquarium features a variety of marine life, including sea otters, harbor seals, and octopuses. Visitors can also attend educational programs and feedings to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Why did the seal go to the beach? To get a tan! But seriously, feeding the seals at Seaside's aquarium can be a fun and memorable experience for visitors. Just don't forget to follow the rules and feed them the appropriate food!

Ride the Historic Carousel

One of the unique attractions in Seaside is the historic carousel, which was built in 1912 and features hand-carved animals and other decorations. Seaside is one of the only places in Oregon where you can ride a historic carousel, making it a popular destination for families and history buffs.

Beautiful Beaches?

Did we mention Seaside has amazing beaches? Seaside's beaches are popular for various activities such as surfing, kite flying, and beach volleyball. The town hosts several beach volleyball tournaments throughout the year, and visitors can rent equipment and take lessons from local instructors.

Annual Razor Clam Festival

The annual Razor Clam Festival in March is a must-attend event for seafood lovers. Visitors can learn how to catch and cook razor clams and participate in clam chowder cook-offs. The festival also features live music and other fun activities for the whole family.

Seaside Museum

he Seaside Museum and Historical Society showcases the town's rich history and culture. The museum features exhibits on Seaside's founding, its role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and its growth as a tourist destination over the years.

Tillamook Lighthouse

The Tillamook Head Lighthouse, located near Seaside, was built in 1881 and is now a popular hiking destination. The lighthouse sits on a rocky outcropping overlooking the ocean and is accessible via a hiking trail that winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the coastline.

Shopping on Broadway Street

Seaside's Broadway Street features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can shop for unique souvenirs and gifts, dine at one of the town's many restaurants, or browse the galleries and studios of local artists.

Unique Facts: Seaside's Events and Festivals

• The first Miss Oregon pageant was held in Seaside in 1947.
• Seaside has been a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including The Goonies and Free Willy.
• Seaside's annual Hood to Coast Relay race starts in the city and ends in Portland, covering a distance of 199 miles.
• Seaside is home to the world's largest beach volleyball tournament, with over 1,200 teams competing each year.
• The Seaside Civic and Convention Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including craft fairs and music festivals.

Events and Festivals

Seaside's Events and Festivals add an extra layer of excitement to the town. Visitors can take part in a range of festivities and events throughout the year. The town has a rich history of hosting cultural events and festivals that celebrate the town's unique identity.

Abundance of Beauty Pageants

Seaside has a long-standing tradition of beauty pageants, and the first Miss Oregon pageant was held in Seaside in 1947. Since then, the town has hosted several pageants and beauty contests, making it an important destination for contestants and beauty enthusiasts alike.

Popular Movies and TV Shows

Seaside is also a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. Visitors can tour the town and see some of the locations where movies like The Goonies and Free Willy were filmed.

Hood to Coast Relay Race

The annual Hood to Coast Relay race, which starts in Seaside and ends in Portland, covers a distance of 199 miles and attracts thousands of runners from around the world. The race is one of the largest relay races in the world and is a major event in Seaside's calendar.

World's Largest Beach Volleyball Tournament

Seaside is also home to the world's largest beach volleyball tournament, with over 1,200 teams competing each year. The tournament takes place over three days and attracts players of all skill levels.

Civic and Convention Center Range of Events

The Seaside Civic and Convention Center is a popular venue for a range of events throughout the year, including craft fairs, music festivals, and conferences. The center is a hub of activity and offers visitors a chance to experience the best of Seaside's culture and community.

Seaside's Landmarks

• The Lewis and Clark Salt Works, where the expedition produced salt from the ocean, is located in Seaside.
• The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, located offshore, is known as “Terrible Tilly” due to its tumultuous history of shipwrecks and storms.

Unique Facts: Rich in History

Seaside, Oregon is rich in history and boasts several significant landmarks.

Lewis and Clark Salt Works

The Lewis and Clark Salt Works is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a chance to learn about the salt-making process used by the famous explorers during their expedition. The site, which is now a national historic landmark, features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that give visitors a taste of life in the early 1800s.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Another landmark near Seaside is the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, also known as “Terrible Tilly.” This lighthouse was built in 1881 on a rocky outcropping off the coast of Seaside to warn ships of the dangerous waters in the area. The lighthouse has a storied history, including tales of shipwrecks and harrowing storms. Today, the lighthouse is no longer in operation, but it is a popular sightseeing destination for visitors to Seaside.

Seaside Offers Something For Everyone

As you can see, Seaside, Oregon is a charming coastal town with a rich history, natural beauty, and plenty of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. From its beautiful beaches and famous promenade to its historic landmarks and lively events, Seaside has something for everyone.

If you want to learn even more fascinating facts about this part of the country, be sure to check out Astoria, Oregon.