Attractions and Places To See around Seaside - Top 20

Seaside offers many family-friendly options. You can explore the tide pools at Haystack Rock during low tide, or enjoy the sandy shores of Indian Beach and Seaside Cove. Beyond the beaches, the Seaside Aquarium is a popular choice for all ages, as is the whimsical Seaside Carousel Mall and the High Life Adventure Park with its obstacle course.

For stunning vistas, visit Haystack Rock, where you can observe puffins and marine life. Indian Beach offers great views of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. For panoramic coastal views, explore the trails at Tillamook Head, part of Ecola State Park, which Lewis and Clark noted for its 'grandest prospects.' Saddle Mountain also provides breathtaking views of the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean from its summit.

Yes, there are several excellent trails. The Tillamook Head Trailhead offers historical information and access to a magical coastal forest. You can also find trails at Ecola State Park, like the Clatsop Loop Trail. For more options, check out the Running Trails around Seaside guide, which includes routes like the Oregon Coast Trail: Seaside Promenade.

Seaside is rich in history. The Seaside Promenade and Turnaround is a historic landmark with a statue commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition. You can also visit the Lewis and Clark Salt Works, where the expedition produced salt. The Seaside Museum & Historical Society offers a deep dive into the town's past, including the Butterfield Cottage, which showcases pioneer life.

If you're looking for quieter spots, Crescent Beach is a beautiful secluded beach with fewer visitors, offering sea caves and a waterfall. The Necanicum Estuary, located behind Seaside High School, is also a peaceful spot for birdwatching with a boardwalk and viewing deck.

Many outdoor areas in Seaside are dog-friendly. Seaside Cove and Seltzer Park, Indian Beach, and Crescent Beach are all noted as dog-friendly. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

Seaside offers diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Haystack Rock, you can spot puffins nesting from April to September, along with murres and cormorants. The Necanicum Estuary is excellent for birdwatching, particularly for Great Blue Herons. You might also see river otters while kayaking on Neawanna Creek.

Beyond hiking and beach activities like sunbathing and sandcastle building, Seaside offers surfing at Indian Beach and Seaside Cove. Kayaking on Neawanna Creek is a serene option. For cycling enthusiasts, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Seaside or the Cycling around Seaside guide for various routes.

Yes, the Gilbert District in downtown Seaside features art galleries and coastal shops in some of the oldest surviving buildings. You can also visit Painted Rock Beach, a unique spot where locals and visitors leave hand-painted rocks, creating an evolving outdoor art display.

While Seaside offers outdoor activities year-round, the warmer months from late spring to early fall (April to September) are generally best for pleasant weather for beach activities, hiking, and wildlife viewing, such as puffins at Haystack Rock. However, many trails and attractions are accessible in winter, though some can be muddy.

For coastal walks, it's advisable to dress in layers as weather can change quickly. Waterproof or water-resistant outerwear is recommended, especially for potential rain or sea spray. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are ideal for trails, as some, like the Tillamook Head Trailhead, can be muddy year-round. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days.