Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Seaside is Oregon's classic beach town, with a 1.5-mile oceanfront promenade, arcades and saltwater taffy. It is also a great base for the North Oregon Coast: Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park's viewpoints, the historic port of Astoria and Fort Stevens are all a short drive away, making it ideal for families.
This guide covers the best things to do in Seaside, Oregon, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Seaside, Oregon
The Prom
1.5-mile oceanfront promenade.
Seaside Aquarium
Seals to feed.
The Turnaround
End of the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Broadway Street
Arcades and candy shops.
Tillamook Head
Coastal hike.
Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock.
Ecola State Park
Viewpoints and trails.
Astoria
Historic port town.
Seaside, Oregon in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Seaside
Walk the Prom to the Turnaround, the symbolic end of the Lewis and Clark Trail, and visit the Seaside Aquarium, where you can feed harbor seals. Lunch with clam chowder on Broadway. In the afternoon, play at the arcades, rent a surrey bike on the Prom and watch the sunset over the Pacific.
2Day 2 · Cannon Beach
Drive 15 minutes to Cannon Beach and walk to Haystack Rock at low tide to explore tide pools with sea stars and anemones, and look for puffins in spring and summer. Lunch in town among galleries. In the afternoon, hike in Ecola State Park to Indian Beach and enjoy views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.
3Day 3 · Tillamook Head
Hike the Tillamook Head trail from Seaside, following Lewis and Clark's route through Sitka spruce forest to dramatic ocean viewpoints. Picnic lunch. Back in town, try saltwater taffy and caramel corn, then dine on fresh Dungeness crab.
Seaside, Oregon in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Astoria
Explore Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River, climbing the Astoria Column for panoramic views and visiting the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Lunch with fish and chips at the waterfront. See filming locations from The Goonies before returning to Seaside.
5Day 5 · Fort Stevens
Visit Fort Stevens State Park with the Peter Iredale shipwreck on the beach, historic gun batteries and bike trails, then Fort Clatsop, Lewis and Clark's winter camp. Lunch in Warrenton. Evening bonfire on the beach where permitted.
Seaside, Oregon in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Tillamook
Drive south to the Tillamook Creamery for cheese and ice cream, and stop at Manzanita and Oswald West State Park. Lunch along the way. Return in time for sunset. The Tillamook Creamery offers a free self-guided tour where you can watch cheese being made and packaged.
7Day 7 · Farewell
A last morning beach walk, browsing shops on Broadway for kites and taffy, and a farewell seafood dinner with razor clams or salmon. Portland is about 90 minutes away by car via Highway 26.
What to do in Seaside, Oregon on a weekend
Things to do in Seaside on a weekend? Saturday: the Prom, aquarium and Broadway. Sunday: Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park.
Hood to Coast relay finishes in Seaside in late August.
What to do in Seaside, Oregon in the evening
In the evening, sunset on the Prom and beach bonfires.
Arcades on Broadway.
Seaside, Oregon for couples
For couples, Cannon Beach, Ecola trails and a cozy oceanfront inn.
Seaside, Oregon with kids
With kids, the aquarium, arcades, tide pools and Fort Stevens.
What to eat in Seaside, Oregon
Clam chowder
Coast classic.
Dungeness crab
Local.
Saltwater taffy
Seaside treat.
Razor clams
Fried.
Tillamook ice cream
Nearby.
Where to stay in Seaside, Oregon: best areas
Oceanfront
Views.
Downtown
Walkable.
Cannon Beach
Upscale.
Gearhart
Quiet.
What to do in Seaside, Oregon when it rains
Things to do in Seaside when it rains? Aquarium, arcades, Maritime Museum in Astoria and taffy shops.
How much does a trip to Seaside, Oregon cost?
Expect $150–300 per night in summer.
Practical tips for Seaside, Oregon
Best time to visit
July–September.
Getting around
Car recommended.
Our practical tips
- Check tide tables.
- Layers year-round.
- Book summer early.
- Puffins at Haystack Rock.
- Beach bonfire rules.
- Watch sneaker waves.
Mistakes to avoid
- Turning your back on the ocean.
- Climbing Haystack Rock.
- Swimming in cold riptides.
- Peak weekends without booking.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Seaside, Oregon?
The Prom, aquarium and Cannon Beach.
Things to do with kids?
Aquarium and arcades.
How far is Cannon Beach?
About 15 minutes.
Best time?
Summer.