Situated on Oregon’s northern coast, around 80 miles west of Portland, Seaside has been one of the most popular oceanfront resorts in the Pacific Northwest for more than a century. Popularity has taken its toll on the resort however, with the carnival rides and busy Prom deterring most serious nature lovers.
Seaside is the end point of the Lewis and Clark trail and a monument erected at the foot of Broadway stands in commemoration of their journey. This is the oldest of Oregon’s Pacific resort towns and also has an important place in the history of the American west.
One of the oldest lighthouses in the Pacific Northwest and one of the oldest aquariums are located here; the latter dating from 1937 and having long been a popular family attraction thanks to the resident family of seals that entertain visitors with their humorous acts.
Highlights
Seaside Museum: this recently renovated museum takes visitors on a journey starting 2,000 years ago, with displays featuring artifacts unearthed during archaeological digs. These excavations continued through the history of the Clatsop Native Americans and through the Lewis and Clark expedition and early pioneer settlers.
Butterfield Cottage: is the only museum in Oregon dedicated to the subject of beach cottages. Seaside’s Museum and Historical Society has re-created a beach cottage environment dating to 1912.
Seaside Aquarium: one of the oldest aquariums on the Pacific coast, this privately-owned facility features displays of underwater environments that are home to unusual life forms including a deadly moray eel, a wolf eel and spectacular 20-rayed starfish.
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse: located just over a mile off Tillamook head and south of Seaside, the lighthouse stands over 130ft above sea level. Its 62ft tower, known as ‘Terrible Tilly’, is secured to a rocky islet made of basalt.
The Prom: the popular boardwalk is best avoided if you would rather not traipse along with groups of teenagers while being bombarded by noisy attractions and neon lights.