Best Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon: Ultimate Travel Guide

Seaside, Oregon is one of the best family vacation spots on the Oregon Coast!

“Wide sandy beach and oceanfront promenade in Seaside, Oregon – perfect for family walks, biking, and sunset views.”

Top Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon

Walk the Seaside Promenade (“The Prom”)

1.5-mile oceanfront path for walking, jogging, and biking. Stunning ocean views plus easy beach access. Best time: Sunset for photos or morning with coffee for a relaxed pace.

Relax on Seaside Beach

One of the best beaches on the Oregon Coast for families. Wide sandy shoreline, volleyball nets, bonfire pits. Tip: Arrive before noon in summer to avoid parking hassles.

Visit the Seaside Aquarium

Historic aquarium with interactive exhibits. Kids love feeding the harbor seals, making it a top family activity in Seaside.

Explore Tide Pools at Tillamook Head

Discover sea stars, crabs, and anemones at low tide. Pro Tip: Check tide charts before heading out.

“Exploring tide pools at Tillamook Head near Seaside, Oregon – sea stars, crabs, and anemones at low tide.”

Shop & Stroll Broadway Street

Arcades, boutiques, candy shops, and local dining. Don’t miss The Turnaround, an iconic photo spot.

Bike the Town

Rent cruisers, tandems, or surreys. Ride along the Promenade or Necanicum River Trail – fun for families or couples. Recommended Seaside Bike Rentals: Prom Bike Shop & Wheel Fun Rentals

Lewis & Clark Salt Works

Historic salt-making camp from 1805. Great stop for history buffs.

Looking for the best family activities in Seaside? Check out our full Top 10 Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon guide by Cascadia Getaways.

Family Activities in Seaside

• 🐟 Feeding seals at the Seaside Aquarium
• 🚲 Family bike rides on the Promenade
• 🎮 Arcades & bumper cars downtown
• 🏖 Sandcastle building & kite flying
• 🔥 Bonfires with s’mores at sunset

(Check Seaside Visitors Bureau and Oregon Coast Visitors Association for more family-friendly activities.)

Where to Eat & Drink

• Dooger’s Seafood & Grill – Famous clam chowder
• Norma’s Seafood & Steak – Classic seafood platters
• Seaside Brewing Company – Craft beer in a historic jailhouse
• Firehouse Grill – Cozy breakfast & comfort food
• Seaside Coffee House – Chill café with local roasts

Pro Tip: Most restaurants are walkable from the Prom – park once and explore! If your staying at the Sand & Sea, your right on the Prom!

“Enjoy clam chowder at Dooger’s Seafood or craft beer at Seaside Brewing in downtown Seaside, Oregon.”

Annual Seaside Events

• Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament (August) – World’s largest amateur beach volleyball event. Thousands of players & spectators.
  Official Tournament Site

 “Action-packed beach volleyball tournament in Seaside, Oregon – one of the largest amateur events on the Oregon Coast.”

• Fourth of July Fireworks – One of the largest fireworks shows on the Oregon Coast.
• Hood to Coast Relay Finish Line (August) – 199-mile relay ends in Seaside with a town-wide celebration. Finishes on the beach in front of the Sand & Sea Condos.
• Seaside Jazz Festival (Spring) – Weekend of live jazz from regional & national artists.

Don’t Miss Seaside & Community Events!

Want to stay up-to-date on festivals, markets, live music, and family-friendly fun during your stay?
Check out our full Seaside Oregon & Community Events Guide to see what’s happening this week and plan your trip around local favorites.

Where to Stay in Seaside, Oregon

• Sand & Sea Condos – Spacious, oceanfront condos with kitchens.
• Blue Heron(Design focus), Gearhart Getaway (Activities for the whole family)& Elk Ridge (Ocean front Luxury)Vacation Homes – Hot tubs, perfect home-away-from-home experience minutes from downtown & the beach.
• More Vacation Rentals by Cascadia Getaways – Modern homes for families & groups. 👉 Book Direct for Best Rates saving on third party service fees.

Seaside, Oregon Travel FAQs

What are the best beaches on the Oregon Coast near Seaside?

• Seaside Beach → Wide, family-friendly, bonfire-friendly
• Cannon Beach → Iconic Haystack Rock, 10 minutes south
• Gearhart Beach → Quiet, less crowded, just north of Seaside

Check out our full beach guide here!

What are the top family activities in Seaside?
Biking the Prom, visiting the Seaside Aquarium, arcade games, tide pooling, and beach bonfires.

Where are the best tide pools near Seaside?

• Tillamook Head → Excellent tide pools with sea stars, crabs, and anemones at low tide
• Nearby rocky coves along the northern coast → Check tide charts for the safest times to explore

🏐 When is the Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament?
Every August, usually the second weekend. 👉 Official Site

🚗 How do I get to Seaside from Portland?
80 miles west via Highway 26 (1.5–2 hours). Limited bus service via Northwest POINT.

🐾 Is Seaside Oregon dog-friendly?
Yes – dogs allowed on Seaside Beach (leash or voice control). Many rentals & outdoor eateries allow pets. Cascadia Getaways has many pet friendly rentals to choose from!

Conclusion

Seaside, Oregon, is a timeless coastal destination. With sandy beaches, lively events, family activities, and oceanfront stays, it’s a top pick for travelers year-round. Ready to plan your getaway? Book directly with Cascadia Getaways for best rates, saving 15% – 20% on third party service fees.

Explore more in our Oregon Coast Guide.