25 Fun Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

You can find numerous incredible destinations to travel to on the West Coast of the United States. If you're looking for the ultimate beach getaway in this area, Seaside in Oregon has to be on your "must-visit" list.

Just a few of the fun things to do in Seaside, Oregon, include hiking coastal trails, wandering along the oceanfront promenade, and relaxing on one of many beaches. You'll also find some fascinating museums here and top-class seafood restaurants.

Still wondering: "What is there to do in Seaside, Oregon?" Read on for 25 exciting activity suggestions!

Are you on your way to Seaside last-minute?

Before traveling to Seaside, book your accommodations ahead of time. We've pulled together top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Seaside

• SALTLINE (rated highly)
• Ebb Tide Oceanfront Inn (stunning waterside views)
• Rivertide Suites (relax by the pool)

25 Fun Things to Do in Seaside, OR

Seaside, Oregon, Things to Do

mkopka/Depositphotos.com

Get out on the water on a fun swan pedal boat

While you could rent a boat, going out on the water on a swan pedal boat is much more fun! You can rent pedal boats at Quatat Park and take them out on the Necanicum River. As you sail along, you can take in the beautiful surrounding views of forests and small riverside towns.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Wheel Fun Rentals Seaside Quatat Park

• Lanai at the Cove (scored highly by guests)
• Ebb Tide Oceanfront Inn (magnificent waterside scenery)

See the Lewis & Clark Salt Works

A fascinating historical site to visit in Seaside, Oregon, is the Lewis & Clark Salt Works. The old-fashioned stove-like structure was used by Lewis and Clark and their crew to remove salt from seawater.

Salt was highly important for preserving meat but was challenging to come by on the Oregon Coast. Today, you can see this Oregon landmark and learn more about its use and Lewis and Clark's expedition on the West Coast.

🏨 Places to stay close to the Lewis & Clark Salt Cairn Historic Monument

• SALTLINE (relaxing pool)
• Ashore Hotel (4-star rating)

Take pictures at the Seaside Inverted Experience

Another of the best things to do in Seaside, Oregon, is going to the Seaside Inverted Experience. The attraction has a range of photo backdrops that make it appear as though you're upside down in your photos.

Backdrops include a saloon bar, a scenic bike ride, and a seaside scene. Snapping some pictures here is a fun activity and a great way to add some unique shots to your Instagram!

🏨 Places to stay close to the Seaside Inverted Experience

• Rivertide Suites
• Starry Night Inn

mkopka/Depositphotos.com

Shop at the Seaside Carousel Mall

Seaside Carousel Mall is a quirky seaside shopping center with a selection of stores, eateries, and other attractions. Places to shop include souvenir and gift outlets, art stores, and candy shops.

After shopping, you can grab a meal or a coffee. There are also some fun attractions here, like a laser tag venue, an arcade, and of course, a carousel.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to the Seaside Carousel Mall

• Hi Tide Oceanfront Inn
• Inn at the Shore

Explore the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area

Going to Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is one of the best Seaside, OR, things to do for those that want to see animals in their natural habitat. As you explore the 1,114-acre site, you may see creatures such as deer, raccoons, rabbits, and bears.

The area is also home to many amphibians and aquatic animals, from frogs and salamanders to seals and whales.

edb3_16/Depositphotos.com

Wander along the Seaside Promenade Walk

The best way to enjoy the coastal views that Seaside, Oregon is known for is by strolling along the Seaside Promenade Walk. The walkway runs right along the beach and was constructed in 1920.

As you walk, you can people-watch and admire the ocean views. It's the ideal place to go for a bike ride as well. If you want to take a break, you'll find benches and coffee shops along the promenade. Watching the sunset from the promenade is an absolute must too!

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to the South Promenade

• Seashore Inn on the Beach Seaside
• River Inn at Seaside

Check out the Seaside Museum and Historical Society

A quaint attraction in Seaside is the Seaside Museum and Historical Society. At the museum, you can see old photos of the area, plus artworks and artifacts.

Knowledgeable volunteers can also provide lots of additional info on the displays and the Seaside area. If it's your first visit to this part of Oregon, this museum is the perfect place to learn more about Seaside, past and present.

Follow the Oregon Coast Trail

Another of the top outdoor attractions in Seaside, Oregon, is the Oregon Coast Trail. In total, the trail covers 362 miles, passes through 28 towns, and stretches to California. As you follow the route, you'll come across beaches, forests, lookout points, and more.

The beginning of the trail is the part closest to Seaside and starts at Fort Stevens State Park. Other sites to pass at the beginning of the walk include Ecola State Park and Tillamook Head.

Hiking the entire trail can take up to four weeks! But you can easily do smaller parts and make it a day or half-day activity.

Treat yourself to ice cream at Zinger's Homemade Ice Cream

You can't go to a seaside town without getting some ice cream! A popular spot to grab a cone or sundae in Seaside is Zinger's Homemade Ice Cream.

Delicious flavors on the menu here include chocolate, cookies & cream, and strawberry. All ice creams can be topped with hot fudge sauce and whipped cream too.

mkopka/Depositphotos.com

Watch a movie and grab a beer at Times Theatre & Public House

If you're looking for Seaside, OR, activities at night, going to Times Theater & Public House has to be on your list. The half pub, half cinema venue shows a range of movies, plus sports events, and serves great food and brews.

Dishes on offer include classic gastro-pub options, like burgers, fish tacos, and nachos. You can accompany your meal with beer or wine, and concession snacks are available too if you're seeing a movie.

🏨 Stay near the Times Theatre & Public House

• Kathryn Riverfront Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
• Inn at Seaside

Relax on Seaside Beach Oregon

Seaside's namesake beach is Seaside Beach Oregon, and it's found in the central area of the city. The sandy beach is the ideal place to sunbathe, build sandcastles with your kids, or enjoy a picnic.

You can also swim in the calm waters or try ocean kayaking. No matter what activities you partake in at Seaside Beach Oregon, you're guaranteed to have a great time under the sun!

Hike the Tillamook Head National Recreation Trail

If you're wondering what to do in Seaside, OR, and enjoy hiking, tackling the Tillamook Head National Recreation Trail is a must! The trail covers 6.3 miles and offers stunning views of the Oregon Coast.

This loop trail is of moderate difficulty and has a peak elevation of 900 feet. As you follow the route, you'll go through old-growth spruce and alder wood forests. Once at the highest point of the trail, you can stop and take in the vistas.

Have a fun day out at Captain Kid Amusement Park

Going to Captain Kid Amusement Park is one of the best Seaside, Oregon activities for families. When visiting, you can enjoy amusements like go-karts and mini-golf. The venue also has a rock-climbing wall, a roller coaster, and some rides for younger children.

Even if you aren't traveling with children, visiting Captain Kid Amusement Park is a fun way to spend some time and feel like a kid again!

Spot wildlife at the Necanicum Estuary Natural History Park

The Necanicum Estuary Natural History Park comprises woodlands, an estuary, and lots of wildlife. The park also has a variety of trails, some of which wind past the Columbia River. Wildlife to see here ranges from elk and bats to an array of birds, like puffins, spotted owls, and harlequin ducks.

🏨 Stay nearby the Necanicum Estuary Natural History Park

• Hillcrest Inn

mkopka/Depositphotos.com

Eat at Tom's Fish & Chips

You can't go to a beach town without getting fish and chips. A recommended place to do so in Seaside is Tom's Fish & Chips.

Classic dishes on the menu include fish and chips with tartar sauce, salmon and chips, and clam chowder. You can also get burgers, salads with salmon or shrimp, and fish tacos.

Dine at Dooger's Seafood & Grill

If you're looking for another place to eat, Dooger's Seafood & Grill is a great choice. The popular spot has an array of seafood dishes on the menu, with the crab cakes and chowder being especially well-regarded.

Other dishes to order include seafood platters, surf & turf, and a selection of salads and pasta. The eatery has an extensive dessert menu and a kids' menu with lots of choices as well.

Things to Do Near Seaside, Oregon

Plan a trip to Portland

The bustling and quirky city of Portland is located just an hour and a half from Seaside. If you have time, planning a day trip to the destination is highly recommended.

Some of the unique things to do in Portland include getting donuts at the famous Voodoo Doughnuts, shopping at Portland Saturday Market, and shopping for books at Powell's Books. You can also simply tour the city and appreciate the architecture, landmarks, and friendly locals.

🏨 Stay nearby Portland

• Inn at Northrup Station (loved by guests)
• Hyatt House Portland Downtown (unwind poolside)

Spend some time in Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a small coastal town located 15 minutes from Seaside. Along with hanging out on the beaches here, you can visit museums and art galleries, go on beachside walks, and shop at a selection of local and specialty stores.

There's also an array of wildlife to spot, including tufted puffins, elk, and brown pelicans. In the spring and winter months, around 18,000 gray whales migrate to the area as well.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Cannon Beach

• Surfsand Resort (rated highly)
• Inn at Haystack Rock (rated 4-stars)

Discover the Wreck of the Peter Iredale

The Wreck of the Peter Iredale is one of the most fascinating attractions to see near Seaside, Oregon. Located in the waters at Fort Stevens State Park, the wreck is the remains of a ship that ran ashore in 1906 and makes up part of the Graveyard of the Pacific.

Thankfully, no casualties occurred in the accident, but the ship was left abandoned and has sat in the area for the last 115 plus years. Viewing the shipwreck from the shore and taking some pictures is a must.

Visit the Clatsop County Historical Society museums

The Clatsop County Historical Society is located in Astoria, 30 minutes from Seaside. The society owns a range of historical landmarks and attractions throughout the city.

Places to visit include the Flavel House Museum, the Oregon Film Museum, the Heritage Museum, and the Uppertown Firefighters Museum. Each of these attractions will teach you about life in Astoria and Oregon as a whole, past and present.

🏨 Accommodations nearby the Clatsop County Historical Society

• Selina Commodore Astoria (mid-range)
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Astoria (rated highly)

Stroll through rainforest at Oswald West State Park

Oswald West State Park is another of the coastal parks in the Seaside, Oregon area. This outdoor attraction features four miles of coastline and temperate rainforest.

Trails will take you through the forest, along the beaches, and to viewpoints offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You'll also discover forest streams and small waterfalls. Oswald West State Park is another great place to take your dog for a run around too!

Camp at Fort Stevens State Park

An activity you have to try when in Seaside and on the Oregon Coast, in general, is camping. There are many places to camp, both on the beach and in coastal forests, and Fort Stevens State Park is one of the best places to do so.

This attraction has long stretches of beach, plus trails and sheltered woodlands. You can also see the historic fort that the park gets its name from, and there's a shipwreck to spot too.

If you decide to camp, you can book a campsite spot that has a fire pit and RV hookup. Yurts and deluxe cabins are available to book as well.

Climb to the peak of Saddle Mountain

If you're willing to drive 40 minutes to do a great hike, one of the things to do near Seaside, OR, to add to your list is hiking Saddle Mountain. The Mountain has a peak elevation of 1,002 meters and is part of the Northern Oregon Coast Range.

It's approximately a 5.2-mile round trip to the peak. Once at the top, you can see across the surrounding forests and towns. You can even see out to Mount Hood and the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.

Picnic at Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site

Another beautiful outdoor area near Seaside is Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site. Located just 20 minutes from central Seaside, the beach has sandy shores and views of Humbug Point and Lion Rock.

A fun thing to do at Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site is relaxing on the sand with a picnic. As you enjoy your meal, you can also take in the breathtaking surroundings.

Go to Ecola State Park

One of the most scenic attractions in Oregon is Ecola State Park. The park stretches for nine miles along the coastline and features beaches, coastal forest hiking trails, and viewpoints.

Along with hiking and admiring the views, you can surf and spot wildlife. It's also the perfect place to walk your dog if they're traveling with you.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Ecola State Park

• The Waves (scored highly by guests)
• Ecola Creek Lodge

In Summary

If you're planning a trip to the Beaver State and want to know what to do in Seaside, Oregon, this list should have given you some inspiration. This oceanside town has everything you need for a memorable vacation, from sandy beaches and coastal hiking opportunities to quirky fish and chip restaurants and seaside shopping malls.

Give us feedback about this article

More articles about Oregon:

• 6 Oregon Nicknames and the Stories Behind Them
• 14 Nicknames for Portland, Oregon, and the Reasons for Them
• Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon - 7 Best Areas & Places
• 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Oregon State to Know
• 20 Landmarks in Portland, Oregon, You Should Visit

Read more articles about the United States:

• 7 Kentucky Nicknames and the Stories Behind Them
• 8 Maine Nicknames You Should Know
• 8 Nicknames for Massachusetts You Should Know
• Where to Stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains - 11 Best Towns & Hotels
• 9 Pennsylvania Nicknames You Should Know

More articles about things to do:

• 35 Best Things to Do in São Paulo, Brazil
• Big London Bucket List - Top 12 Things You Need to Do
• Top 7 Things to Do in Oahu
• 13 Best Things to Do in Zagreb
• 8 Most Exciting Things to Do in Wyoming