Treat Yourself to a Coastal Getaway in Seaside, Oregon

Seaside, Oregon, might just be the West Coast’s fun-loving answer to Coney Island. Only 90 minutes from Portland, this city anchors Oregon’s high-drama northern shoreline, famous for its photogenic beaches and craggy, fog-shrouded cliffs.

Seaside has peddled nostalgic oceanfront pastimes since the 1860s, and although its attractions are more sophisticated these days, the bumper cars remain — and they’re just as fun as you remember.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Walk the Beach and Take In a History Lesson

Start your morning right with a double Americano at Seaside Coffee House before strolling along the century-old Seaside Promenade, affectionately known by locals as the Prom. This 1.5-mile-long concrete path parallels the Pacific as it winds through silky sand dunes with seascape views extending south to emerald-green Tillamook Head.

Anywhere along the Prom, you can veer off onto the white sand to join scores of kite flyers, clam diggers and beachcombers searching for sand dollars. Feeling bold? Dip your toes into the icy ocean (temps average between 55 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit).

At the Prom’s southern end, turn onto Lewis and Clark Way to see the Salt Works, a replica of the stone oven that Lewis and Clark used to boil ocean water and extract salt to preserve their food cache.

Seaside and its environs played a critical role in the explorers’ cross-country journey, which spanned 1804 to 1806. They wintered at nearby Fort Clatsop and lived off the meat and blubber from a beached whale found at Tillamook Head.

On your return trip along the Prom, detour east at the Turnaround, an ocean-view traffic circle built in the 1920s that anchors Broadway’s western end. Check out the statue of Lewis and Clark, then spoon up some clam chowder with a side of beach scenery at Mo’s Seaside.

Once you’re settled up, wander along Broadway to find both modern and nostalgic shops: Peek into By the Sea for seashells and nautical gifts, Tipton’s for crafty home decor and Phillips Candies for old-timey confections. If you’re visiting with kids, let them choose which of 22 painted horses, seahorses, cats or giraffes to ride on the Seaside Carousel (located inside the Carousel Mall).

Once the sun starts to dip, pick out a sunset-viewing spot on Seaside Beach. After the cotton-candy clouds fade, head to Maggie’s On the Prom for a meal of grilled oysters and pan-seared salmon. A short after-dinner walk leads to instant gratification in the form of a waffle cone at Sea Star Gelato.

Saturday: Savor the Natural Sights … and a Wine Tasting

Kick off your day with an egg-filled focaccia bagel at Bagels by the Sea, then swing by the privately owned Seaside Aquarium to hobnob with the seals, ogle the octopuses and admire bright orange sunflower stars.

This building has been around since 1924, first functioning as a saltwater pool and bathhouse. In 1937, it reopened its doors as an aquarium with apartments located upstairs (which are still there, but without any tenants).

Once you’re done exploring this bit of Seaside history, stop by the Seaside Historical Society Museum to view exhibits on logging, newspaper printing and railroad-building — industries that contributed to this resort town’s fascinating evolution. Next door, the restored Butterfield Cottage has a delightful garden filled with roses, hollyhocks, daylilies and more.

As the day heats up, zip over to Quatat Park and rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard — or make a bold statement in a giant swan pedal boat. The waters of the Necanicum River are gentle and easy to navigate, and you’ll have plenty of bird company: herons, egrets and diving ducks.

When you’ve had your fill of paddling, dry yourself off and pay a visit to Evoke Winery for a tasting. The vibe is casual — no one will bat an eye if you can’t tell the difference between syrah and shiraz — and kids are welcome in the tasting room. Order a cheese plate and sip your way through the winery’s red blends and dessert wines.

From here, explore the historic Gilbert District at Broadway Street and Holladay Drive. Stroll across the arched Broadway Bridge to find four blocks of the city’s oldest buildings, which are now filled with shops and galleries showcasing the city’s hip, artsy side.

Shop whimsical mosaics and upcycled art at SunRose Gallery and coastal-inspired paintings, ceramics and sculptures at Fairweather House & Gallery. Need some souvenirs? Peruse Seaside Antique Mall for retro knickknacks, Beach Books for the perfect summer novel and Shamouses Rocks for a sparkly array of geodes, crystals, agates and jaspers.

Find your dinner table a couple blocks away at Nonni’s Italian Bistro, a cozy trattoria serving seafood-rich cioppino and cheesy cannelloni.

Sunday: Head to Cannon Beach

Fuel up with a Dungeness crab omelet or blueberry pancakes at Pig ‘N Pancake, a classic diner beloved by locals since 1961. From here, hop in the car and drive 9 miles south to Cannon Beach, another alluring slice of the Oregon coast. Where Seaside excels for liveliness, this coastal town makes the most of its laid-back, creative vibe.

Start your day trip by visiting a few galleries. Most famous is Icefire Glassworks, where artists display works made from blown, fused or hot-sculpted glass. Cross the street to browse exquisite beach photos and burlwood sculptures at nonprofit Cannon Beach Gallery, and nab midmorning caffeine at Bald Eagle Coffee House.

Head to the seaside to visit Cannon Beach’s iconic natural landmark, 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock, a monolithic chunk of basalt. (You may recognize this beach from the classic film “The Goonies.”) At low tide, you can get close enough to see puffins roosting on its cliffs. And if you can get near its base, make sure to peer into tidepools teeming with sea life.

For lunch, seek out sandwiches on crisp baguettes from Cannon Beach Bakery or smoked-salmon crêpes from Crêpe Neptune. Once you’ve refueled, zoom about 5 mites south on U.S. 101 to Hug Point State Recreation Site, where sea caves are carved into sandstone cliffs and small waterfalls tumble into the ocean.

To start, take a walk on Hug Point’s lovely beach before hopping in the car to push south another few miles to Oswald West State Park, where the temperate rainforest meets the sea. An easy walk leads to Short Sand Beach, a popular surfing destination.

For a more adventurous hike, locate the trailhead for Devil’s Cauldron Overlook. A knife-edged trail leads to a dramatic view of the “cauldron,” a narrow cove with 300-foot-high walls.

After a full day of coastal eye candy, backtrack to Seaside. Find a cozy table atSeaside Brewery, tucked inside a renovated jail building in the Gilbert District. Order a Sneaker Wave IPA and a smoked-brisket sandwich, then clink your glass to the Oregon coast’s carefree, seafaring lifestyle.