Whether you’re looking for easy access to beaches, trails and waterways or would rather devote your beach vacation to sampling cuisine from around the world, Seaside is the place to be. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a perfect Seaside getaway, no matter the time of year.
Digging for Razor Clams (Photo by Jon Rahl)
Seaside by the Season
Seaside is a fantastic place for a beachy getaway, no matter when you decide to visit. Summer in Seaside brings warmer temperatures and fun events — such as the annual Seaside Beach Volleyball tournament (the largest in the country) — and the weather this time of year is ideal for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and paddling. However, spring, fall, and winter offer equally excellent opportunities to explore this lovely coastal community, with fewer crowds.
Although you can spot wildlife in Seaside throughout the year, spring and winter are the ideal seasons for whale watching, when pods of gray whales migrate between the waters of Alaska and Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. A great place to spot them is at the Cove, on the southern end of Seaside Beach, where these giant mammals are known to stop for a snack.
If you’re in the mood for a snack yourself — and are willing to put in a bit of effort — late spring is a great time to dig for razor clams. Did you know that about 90% of Oregon’s razor clams are harvested in the northern stretch of the Coast that runs from Seaside up to the mouth of the Columbia River?
Spring also brings with it some great events. In March check out the spectacularly spooky Oregon Ghost Conference — the largest paranormal event in the Pacific Northwest — and Seaside Jazz & Blues, a two-day celebration of music that raises funds for music education in Seaside. Each fall the Seaside Museum & Historical Society stages the annual Lewis and Clark Salt Makers event, where you can learn how to process salt from seawater, just as members of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery once did.
No matter when you visit Seaside, you’ll find plenty of indoor fun to be had, from playing Fascination — a popular vintage arcade game that’s often likened to a cross between Skee-Ball and bingo — to taking a whirl on the Seaside Carousel. You can even check out marine life without having to go outside at the Seaside Aquarium.
Mighty Thai & Sushi (Photo by Jennifer Burns Bright)
Dine to Your Heart’s Delight
Seaside’s dining options run the gamut from Asian eateries like New Garden Asian Cuisine or Mighty Thai & Sushi to pizzerias, including family-friendly Angelina’s Pizzeria & Cafe, and plenty of Mexican restaurants. For microbrews and pub grub, try the Times Theatre & Public House or local favorite Relief Pitcher.
Naturally, seafood options in Seaside are plenty, from the clam chowder at Dooger’s Seafood & Grill to the fish and chips at Finns Fish House or Bell Buoy of Seaside, which is also a great place to pick up fresh and tinned seafood — including albacore tuna and Dungeness crab — to take home.
In the mood for something sweet? Seaside has an abundance of delicious desserts, from the sugary elephant ears at We’re All Ears to the house-made saltwater taffy at Phillips Candies of Seaside, which has been slinging sweets to Seasiders since it opened in 1897.
Tides by the Sea
Great Places to Stay the Night — or the Week
With so much to do (and eat) in Seaside, it’s worth sticking around town for a while. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to stay, from cozy hotel rooms that are perfect for romantic getaways to spacious, family-friendly vacation condos and beach houses.
Options in the heart of town abound, from the pet-friendly Seashore Inn on the Beach to the Starry Night Inn, which offers 12 boho-Victorian rooms across three properties, plus an outdoor bathhouse with extra-deep soaking tubs. For a quiet, home-like stay, check out condo-style accommodations at The Tides by the Sea or Lanai at the Cove.
If you’re looking to stretch your dollars, you can often get great off-season bargains, especially if you book your lodging in advance. For particularly great rates, no matter the month, consider staying in a bunk room at the Seaside International Lodge & Hostel, or bring your tent or RV to Thousand Trails Seaside, a camping and RV resort in the northern part of town.
Top photo by Gregor Halenda
