Coastal Adventures in Seaside, Oregon

As we popped open our bottle of wine and pulled up our balcony chairs to watch the sunset, a contented sigh escaped from my mouth. This is what an escape really feels like. Letting go of all those everyday worries and feeling fully present!

It’s not often a place can make me feel so content to relax, but after our recent trip to the Oregon coast did just that. We were kid-free for this particular getaway (can I get an amen!) but whether you’re looking for a couples weekend or a family fun adventure, the Oregon coast should be a contender. We spent two days exploring up and down the coast and found Seaside, Oregon to be the perfect home-base for all of our explorations.

This tiny ocean-front town sits just south of the Columbia River and is only about a 90-minute drive from Portland, making it a perfect side trip if you’re visiting the city. Here’s a few of our favorite spots in Seaside, Oregon.

My Favorite Things in Seaside, Oregon

Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn

See disclosure below

You can’t beat the ocean views available at Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn. Our balcony afforded us a view of both the ocean and Seaside’s famous Prom, a wide paved walking path all along the oceanfront that connects many of the hotels and restaurants in the area.

In the evening we took advantage of the sunset as we enjoyed a bottle of wine and the next morning, walked along the shore and Prom for early sunrise stroll (the benefits of jetlag).

Our king bed, oceanfront room had plenty of space to spread out and we gladly slept with the window open, listening to the waves crash all night. If it had been a bit cooler, the in-room fireplace would have been the perfect cozy way to enjoy the view and I loved the fully stocked small kitchenette for fixing quick meals or snacks if you wanted to stretch your vacation budget.

Reasonably priced, Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn provided the perfect home base for exploring Seaside and other areas of the Oregon coast and with easy access to the beach, would be perfect for families during the warmer months.

The Prom

This beautifully built wide walking path runs all along the shore in Seaside and offers all the fun of a walk along with beach without the sand! You’ll stroll past hotels and restaurants and can easily see the entire beach from one end to the other. We visited midweek in the September off-season so our strolls were quiet and peaceful but I can imagine it being a fun and bustling place during summer weekends. You can rent surrey bikes and other equipment from several local places.

Seaside Aquarium

The adorable Seaside Aquarium is the oldest private aquarium on the west coast. Located right along the Prom, families can pop in for some hands-on learning about the many creatures that call this area home. While small, there is plenty to keep kids entertained.

Even without our kiddos, my husband and I spent close to an hour checking out the various tanks and sticking our fingers in the touch tanks. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and seemed genuinely excited to share with us.

The highlight of our visit was feeding some very excitable harbor seals. You can grab a dish of fish for $2 at the front ticket booth but be prepared to get a little wet as this group of silly sea creatures loves to splash, clap, and bark as soon as they see the food. Kids will love this chance to get up close with the animals.

Nonni’s Italian Bistro

An upscale Italian eatery, Nonni’s Italian Bistro was busy even on a slow weeknight and that’s for good reason. Yelp directed us to this gem and I highly recommend it for a grown-ups only celebration. The food and service were both top notch and I loved the fresh taste and homemade aspect of the entire meal. Much better quality than your typical Italian place.

Find out more about Seaside, Oregon

Make sure to check out Seaside, Oregon’s website. They have some many great ideas and suggestions for your trip and would be happy to answer any questions you have. Their Seasides Stories blog has tons of information that will help you plan your trip and you can also order a free visitor’s guide online.

Thanks to Hi-Tide Oceanfront Inn and Visit Seaside for hosting our visit. We received accommodations and attraction passes in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more information, check out my full disclosure policy.