Seaside, Oregon is a picturesque resort town that has become a popular destination for travelers visiting the Oregon Coast. Seaside’s gorgeous views, unique historical significance and history as one of the first popular resort towns draws tourists from all over the world.

Seaside Oregon (An Unofficial Guide)

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Long ago, the area that is now Seaside Oregon was the home of the Clatsop Indians.  Unfortunately smallpox and other diseases brought by fur traders killed most of the people in the Clatsop tribe, leaving just 250 people by the time Lewis and Clark arrived on the Oregon coast.

In 1899, 94 years after Lewis and Clark reached the Oregon coast, the town of Seaside was established, and it has been a vacation destination ever since.  Read more about the interesting history of Seaside Oregon here.

Things to Do Near Seaside Oregon

Seaside has so much to do and see, including interesting hikes, unique restaurants, gorgeous beaches, and more.

The video above gives a quick look at 10 amazing spots you should check out in Seaside, including some on our favorites list.  You can also check out the map below to explore many of the awesome things there are to do around Seaside Oregon.

Seaside Oregon Restaurants

Bagels By The Sea

This little Bagel shop in Seaside offers up delicious gourmet sandwiches, bagels, and coffee.

This is a must stop if you want a good sandwich while visiting Seaside.  Check out their menu here.

Brew 22 Coffee

Brew 22 serves up tasty high end coffee along with milkshakes, real fruit smoothies and blended coffee.  The Caramel Mocha, Robust German Mocha, Americano, and Chai tea are just some of the delicious drinks you can grab on your way out to your next adventure in Seaside.

Sea Crab House

It’s not truly a trip to the Oregon coast unless you stop for fresh seafood.  The Sea Crab House in Seaside Oregon is one of the best spots on the coast to get quality delicious crab and other seafood dishes.

Dungeness Crab Salad, Lobster Chowder, Crab Cakes, Fried Scallops, Shrimp Baskets, Alaskan Snow Crab, and Cajun style seafood boils are just a few tasty seafood dishes on offer.  Check out the full menu here.

Ruby’s Roadside Grill

Ruby’s Roadside Grill serves up classic American dishes that will make your mouth water.

Gourmet burgers, and fries are served up alongside milkshakes and local beer.  What a great spot to stop off in Seaside for lunch or dinner!

Check out the full Ruby’s menu here.

Hiking Near Seaside Oregon

Youngs River Falls

Young’s River Falls is the perfect spot to take a short hike with the family because it has a big payoff at the end of the trail in the form of a gorgeous waterfall.  The .3 mile trail is easy to walk, and the falls are the perfect spot for a picnic or to dip your toes into the water.  Read more about the Youngs River Falls hike here.

Tillamook Head Trail

The Tillamook Head Trail is another great spot to hike near Seaside Oregon.  Tillamook Head is the farthest point reached by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the views were so gorgeous that Captain Clark stated, “I behold the grandest and most pleasing prospect which my eyes ever surveyed.”

This trail is a 3.9 mile loop with a 900 foot gain in elevation.  Read more about this gorgeous trail here.

Other Things To Do In Seaside Oregon

Captain Kid Amusement Park

Those looking for family fun will want to stop at the Captain Kid Amusement Park.  This park has mini-golf, go karts, a rock wall, a roller coaster and more!

Seaside Aquarium

No trip to Seaside is complete without visiting the Seaside Aquarium.  Founded in 1937, this is one of the oldest aquariums on the West coast.

Kids and adults alike will be delighted to see the many rescued animals, and will love to feed the seals, and experience the touch tank.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids six to thirteen years old, and $8.50 for seniors.  There’s also a family admission package for $34 for six people.  Kids five and under are free with paid admission.

High Life Adventure Park

High Life Adventure Park is a gem you won’t want to miss if you like adventure or are looking for something to do with family and friends.

This aerial challenge park has dozens of obstacles and includes obstacles lower to the ground for kids.  At the time of this article, general admission is $69 for ages seven to adult for two hours in the park.  The Junior course (ages four to eight) costs $39.

Learn more about High Life Adventure Park here, including what you can expect during your visit.

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is one of Oregon’s most beautiful state parks.

It’s open for day use year round and offers gorgeous views of Tillamook Head, along with nine miles of coastline and hiking opportunities.

From Sitka Spruce forests, to grassy bluffs overlooking the majestic Pacific ocean, secluded coves and towering cliffs, Ecola State Park is a must visit.

Beaches In Seaside Oregon

Seaside has a lot of great beaches to explore and relax on.  Many are accessed via hiking trails within Ecola State Park, such as Indian Beach, and Crescent Beach.

A 2.5 mile round trip hike will get you to gorgeous Crescent Beach in Ecola State Park.  The trail can be steep and narrow and is advised for experienced hikers only.

Sunset Beach State Recreation Site is a 120 acre park with big views and an ADA accessible boardwalk leading to the beach.

Those visiting Seaside will also enjoy Seaside Beach, and Painted Rock Beach.  Painted Rock Beach has thousands of painted rocks left by locals and visitors, creating a painted rock garden of sorts.

The Population Of Seaside Oregon

According to the 2020 census, the population of Seaside Oregon is 7,115 people.

Please Note: Many of the trails, destinations and activities listed in this guide cost money or have a fee for parking.  Hiking, exploring and adventuring are at-your-own-risk activities.  When visiting the gorgeous Oregon coast, please follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace to keep our state wild and beautiful for future generations.  When on the beach or near the ocean, don’t turn your back on the water, and educate yourself on the dangers of sneaker waves.

You may also enjoy reading our Guide To Astoria Oregon.

What’s your favorite thing to do when visiting Seaside Oregon?  Let us know, share your photos of Seaside with us, and tag the friends and family you want to go to Seaside with!