If you see a pack of corgis in adorable costumes running races, it’s just Seaside showing its love of pups. Every June hundreds of these cuties (and their people) meet up in Seaside for the Corgi Beach Takeover. In September it’s the doxies, who dig Seaside’s yearly DachSand meetup. No matter what breed you own, you’ll feel welcome at Seaside’s beach, outdoor patios and dog-friendly lodgings. So pack up your treats, head out to the Coast and find many fun things to do with your four-legged family.
Run and Fetch at the Beach
Kick off your dog’s best day ever by watching your pup splash in the surf and run free on the sand. Seaside’s long stretch of public beach welcomes off-leash dogs of all sizes, as long as you can keep your pet under vocal control and pick up its waste. If you forget to pack poop bags, find free supplies at various locations along Seaside’s 1.5-mile Promenade. The Prom is also a great place to go on a leashed walk if you don’t want Fido to get sandy.
You can also visit one of the nearby parks with beaches, such as Ecola State Park to the south and Sunset Beach State Recreation Site to the north. Keep in mind your pup is required to be leashed at all times at these spots. (If it’s stormy, head a few miles north to the Gearhart Indoor Dog Park, where you can stay dry and play for a small fee.)
Regardless of where you and Fido decide to frolic, first pop into Lyle’s Seaside Garden and Pet Center on Avenue J or Beach Puppy on Broadway to pick up beach toys, doggie rain jackets and other pet gear.
Relax on an Outdoor Patio
After tiring yourselves out on the sand, it’s time to grab a drink and refuel. Named after the owners’ black Labrador, Ruby’s Roadside Grill is the spot for you both to enjoy a burger in the outdoor canine cabana around a heated charcoal fire. Beef patties, chicken breasts and beef hot dogs are among the choices on Ruby’s special canine menu. Your leashed pup is also welcome on the patio at Mo’s, where you can enjoy ocean views along with a steaming bowl of chowder.
For more outside dining, settle into the pooch-friendly picnic tables at Bell Buoy of Seaside and Big Kahuna Pub and Grill. In addition to its popular pulled-pork sandwiches and craft beer, Seaside Brewery offers dog treats and water bowls on its outdoor patio, plus a toasty fire pit.
The Grizzly Tuna food cart serves albacore tacos and also has dog treats for a quick pit stop off Highway 101. Leashed pups may join you inside Salmon River Smokehouse — be sure to nab a bag of handcrafted dog biscuits with your smoked-salmon jerky.
Lie Down and Stay Awhile
After a long day of play, settle into one of Seaside’s dog-friendly hotels and enjoy the pooch perks. Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn is located just steps from the sand and offers pet baskets that include a flat sheet so your fur baby can sleep on the bed with you. Get the complimentary grab-and-go breakfast in the morning and hit the beach.
The renovated Inn at Seaside has pet-friendly rooms and is walking distance to Seaside’s restaurants and shops. Opt for the special puppy package at the modern Ashore Hotel and you’ll get a blanket, a ball and treats for Fido — plus, the hotel’s on-site bar is a dog owner’s haven. Grab a gourmet cheese plate and a craft beer, and chill out for the night.
If you’re traveling with several pups or a group of people, Seaside Vacation Homes is a good resource, as you can search specifically for pet-friendly rentals. Campers can also check out Oregon State Parks for tent camping and RV options for you and your fuzzy buddies.