Oregon's Coastal Resort City Boasts A Historic Promenade Offering Shops And Scenic Views

Have you ever wanted to step directly into a Beach Boys song? Well, luckily for those of you who have this particular dream in mind, there's a place in Oregon that embodies the 1960s old school vibe that the band belted their hearts out about. Nestled along the northern Oregon coast, just about 2 hours northwest of Portland International Airport, sits Seaside, a quintessential Pacific Northwest beach town that has been welcoming visitors for more than a century. With its long stretches of sandy beaches, family-friendly attractions, and beautiful oceanfront views, Seaside makes for the perfect coastal escape.

The town is best known for its historic Promenade, or the Prom, a 1.5-mile-long paved path that hugs the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Built in the 1920s, the Prom offers incredible views of the water along sandy shores and forested dunes that provide a striking contrast to the expanse of the ocean. Take a stroll at sunset, rent bicycles, and simply take in the beauty of Oregon's coastline. Pay a visit to the Seaside Turnaround, a popular spot where visitors can enjoy the Lewis and Clark Trail Monument, a statue honoring the explorers' journey to the Pacific. Whether you're after classic boardwalk nostalgia, endless outdoor activities, or a base for exploring the greater Oregon Coast, Seaside offers something for every type of traveler.

From Portland, Seaside is about a 90-minute drive via Highway 26, a route that winds through the Coast Range before delivering you straight into town. For those coming from the north or south, Highway 101 provides a scenic coastal drive with plenty of places to stop along the way. Once you're here, Seaside is incredibly walkable, with most attractions clustered around the Promenade and downtown area.

While the ocean views draw most visitors to Seaside, its downtown area is equally as celebrated for its eclectic mix of shops and boutiques. Within a few blocks of the Prom, visitors can find beloved arcades, nostalgic shops, and casual fish-and-chips joints that have continued to make Seaside a staple of summer fun in Oregon. 

Lovers of quirky souvenirs and locally made crafts can stop by Crafted in Seaside, a quaint shop showcasing unique handmade products by local artists. Beach Books provides a cozy escape for bibliophiles, featuring both local authors and classic reads, while Seaside Candyman is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering different flavors of saltwater taffy and nostalgic treats. If you're hunting for unique coastal gifts, various local artisan booths scattered along the Prom's Broadway Street make for playful and charming browsing. The Prom is also home to the West Coast's oldest privately owned aquarium, the Seaside Aquarium, which has been both delighting and educating visitors since 1937.

Visitors coming to Oregon for its endless outdoor beauty will find plenty of activities nearby. Ecola State Park, just a 15-minute drive south of town, offers dramatic viewpoints, beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and hiking trails through coastal forests. Within the park, visitors will also find a piece of history at Tillamook Head, the furthest point reached by Lewis and Clark during their expedition. Here, visitors can explore the Tillamook Head Trail, which gains 900 feet of elevation and offers stunning ocean views.

Seaside is a very versatile town along the Oregon Coast when it comes to accommodations, catering to both budget-minded families and those seeking something a little more upscale. Oceanfront resorts and condos line the Promenade, offering sweeping views of the beach and easy access to the sand. If you prefer something more nostalgic, classic motor inns and roadside motels and inns recall Seaside's heyday as a mid-20th-century vacation hub, many of which have been updated with modern amenities while retaining their retro charm. For a cozy, personal touch, you'll also find vacation rentals and charming B&Bs scattered throughout town, perfect for couples or families who want a more home-like stay.

Dining in Seaside reflects the town's mix of old and new. You can still find traditional favorites like fish-and-chips stands and chowder houses, but there's also a growing number of eateries putting a modern spin on coastal cuisine. Local breweries (like Sisu, a brewery inside a movie theater) and casual pubs are popular with both visitors and residents, offering craft beer alongside hearty fare. Don't leave without indulging in one of Seaside's sweetest traditions: a bag of saltwater taffy from one of the shops along Broadway Street or some delicious ice cream to enjoy during a stroll on the beach.