Seaside, Oregon - A week-end getaway

Seaside, Oregon is one of the Oregon Coast's most family oriented resort town. It is a coastal town located approximately 79 miles from Portland, Oregon and 190 Miles from Seattle, Washington. at the base of Tillamook Head. Seaside awaits with its natural beauty and the amazing merge of its rich historical past traced back with the end of the Lewis and Clark trail, its abundance of recreational activities and entertainment and the endless sugar white sandy beach stretching to the Pacific Ocean. Just ahead lays the natural wonders of this awesome coastal town waiting to be discovered, take pleasure in the beautiful beach ready for building sandcastles and kite flying, walking, and biking.

Seaside can be enjoyed in many different ways; stroll the ever popular Promenade and see a national landmark, a commemorative bronze statue of Lewis and Clark. Pass the turnaround minding many upscale shops. Walk onto Broadway into the heart of downtown, where Seaside abounds with many amusement rides and arcades, specialty shops, art galleries, and antique shops; there are also museums and a 5-movie cinema. Shop at the diverse selection of shopping opportunities; from quaint boutiques to mini malls to factory outlet center. Bring the kids to ride the animated carousel located at the Carousel Mall. Grab a bag of Seaside’s famous salt water taffy, then eat elephant ears from Broadway's little stand.

This charming city town is also awash with a wide array of dining establishments: restaurants and cafes, eateries, and quick food stands. It has a delectable supply of fresh seafood and a chance to have a sip of the world-acclaimed Oregon wines.

Seaside is a place where kids can be kids and adults can’t help but join the fun. Whether it is exploring Oregon coast’s natural beauty, shopping, or dining, taking a casual stroll on the beach and along the Promenade, or enjoying its carnival-like atmosphere, Seaside is a pleasant place to experience the ambiance of a coastal town and a perfect place that makes for an ideal family week-end getaway. Enjoy your visit!!!

Quick Tips:

Oregon Coast weather is upredictable, one day it can be cold and rainy, the next hot and sunny. Don't forget your rain jacket, swimming suit, sunscreen, and walking shoes. Oftentimes, evenings are cool and balmy; a light sweater is good to have. For the beach, bring sandcastle building toys for the kids.

Best Way To Get Around:

Seaside is a small resort town, everything is within a few minutes walk. So if you drove, leave your car in the hotel parking lot and discover the town on foot. If you prefer, you may choose from a variety of rental bikes; from a traditional two wheel bike to a three-wheeler. A family size surrey is also a fun way for a family to cruise downtown. What ever you decide, price varies and can be negotiated per hour.

Seaside accommodations varies in price range, from charming bed and breakfast inns, to motels, hotels, condominiums, R.V. parks, and campgrounds to a full amenity resort such as The Resort at Seaside by Worldmark. The Resort at Seaside is a newly developed "GoldCrown" resort ideally located at the end of Broadway where the turnaround meets the Promenade at the end of the Lewis and Clark trail. White sandy beach at its feet, the sights and sounds of Seaside a few minutes walk from its front door.

Upon arrival, an impressive Rotunda at the end of the driveway welcomed us into the resort. We entered into a big lobby with tall floor to ceiling windows a view of the outdoor swimming pool just outside. The lobby furnished with comfortable seating and a well placed specialty boutique peddling resort wear and tourist memorabilia. The concierge desk was attentive and provided us with helpful information and discount coupons to local activities, services, and dining. We were invited to a pre-appointed orientation and tour of the resort, which we assumed to be a timeshare presentation; we graciously declined. There was no pressure. We were also invited to a well attended Saturday bonfire on the beach, where we shared laughter, fun, and marshmallows with other guests.

Our view 3 bedroom/2 bathroom condo suite was very spacious and afforded us a comfortale deluxe accommodation. It had a private deck, where we can gaze out at the ever-changing seascape beyond. The kitchen was fully equipped with quality appliances: refrigerator, range/oven, microwave, etc. It had an eating counter with adobe tile finish, and high chairs looking over the dining area with a big table and 6 comfortable chairs. The relaxing living room with cable TV, DVD player and stereo with CD had a couch and pull-out sofa in front of the gas fireplace. The big master bedroom had a cable TV and plush bathroom. Although the other 2 bedrooms were small – one with a tiny window that look out into a great view and another TV, the other was claustrophobic - they were both comfortably furnished with plenty of storage space. Our suite had a washer/dryer.

The outdoor swimming pool had a reactive fountains that responded to movements – a definite hit with the kids. The temperature of the two outdoor spas next to the pool were kept scorching. Access to the promenade and the beach from the pool area was through a secured beachfront-entrance. Exercise room and arcade in the lower level of the building, small specialty shops and high end clothing boutiques on the ground floor level facing the turnaround. There was plenty of space in the big covered parking garage.

The Resort was luxurious, the amenities absolute, and the proximity to all Seasides attractions unbeatable. The resort's staff were at the ready mode, coffee pot brewing coffee just beyond the lobby 24 hrs. It promised to pamper and it fantastically delivered.

Dooger’s is one of the most popular restaurants specializing in seafood and perhaps the best family dining experience in Seaside. It is ideally located on Broadway St, a short walk from the Seaside turnaround and the Promenade. The restaurant has a comfortable all-American casual ambience. The dining rooms are divided into two sections the walls are covered in brick; the bigger main dining room has high vaulted ceiling and lots of cherry wood giving a quasi-upscale not too staid atmosphere. The restaurant was made popular by its critically acclaimed, award winning clam chowder – indeed one of the best I’ve tasted with lots of chunky tender clams and potatoes.

The menu selection at Dooger’s was impressive with a wide array of seafood dishes to choose from. The menu also boasts filet mignon, rib eye steak, Dooger’s burgers, fettuccine Alfredo, as well as sandwiches and salads. Their meals were served in family size satisfying portion. For small eaters, a lighter serving was an option -- about 2/3 the size of a regular meal, but still full of the same flavor and richness the full meal offers.

For the ultimate in spiced up seafood dinner combination, order the appetizing Admiral’s Platter with crab legs, razor clams, salmon, scallops, prawns halibut and calamari Cajun style. Priced $19.95/$15.95 small portion. The Petrale Sole - lightly coated in a tasty bread mix then pan fried was deliciously palatable at just $13.95/$10.95. They also served filet mignon wrapped in bacon done to perfection -- medium rare was still a nice pink in the middle $17.95/$14.95. From the kid’s menu, chicken strips with fries and garlic toast was just $4.95 -- small in price, but not in flavor and serving size. They have homemade desserts and the Key Lime pie is mouth-wateringly delicious with just the right tartness for $3.50. For weight watchers, sugar-free desserts were also available. All dinners were served with green salad topped with shrimp, your choice of fries, rice or baked potato, and garlic toast. And different choice of dressing, fat-free also available on request.

The staff was very friendly; our server that day was very personable. Even though everyone was running her rugged the night we were there, she always kept a happy face. The restaurant has a very family-oriented, friendly atmosphere. There are no guns and whistles, but good food and good ambience, great place where the whole family can really enjoy a satisfying dinner in a non-smoking environment. Open daily at 11am for lunch and on to dinner.

If you like their chowder ask about their chowder kit to go. It includes a 51 oz can of clams, 5 oz of potatoes, and all the spices. Available for $12. All you do is add one quart of half and half, and one cup of heavy cream. Mail order is also available.

For many, shopping is central to their vacation getaways. In this case, Seaside Oregon was bliss, a nirvana on earth. Seaside offers many shopping opportunities - from quaint boutiques to small specialty shops, mini malls and then Seaside Factory Outlet Center.

You couldn't miss Seaside Factory Outlet Center even if you tried. It is perfectly located just at the entrance to this charming resort town on the scenic coastal Highway 101 intersecting 12th Avenue, across from the Cannes Cinema Center. The shopping center has over 25 stores covering approximately 100,000 square feet of overwhelming bargain shopping. It offered fine designer labels and national name brand merchandise at 20% to 70% lower than retail prices all directly from manufacturers.

The selections were wide-ranging: baby clothes from Oshkosh B’gosh, active wear from Eddie Bauer, shoes from Nine West, sneakers from Nike, K B Toys, reasonably-priced playwear from Liz Claiborne, and top quality designer clothes from Jones New York. The merchandise mix varies from the upscale to the affordable, from name brands to gifts and crafts, kitchenware, apparel, accessories, men’s and women’s shoes, hair care products, luggage, children's clothing, as well as a wide variety of men's clothing. Although the Kitchen Collection shop was not big, we spent almost an hour inside, going through 3 or 4 aisles of good shopping, including pots and pans, numerous gadgets, and useless counter hogging contraptions. During this visit, the George Foreman Grill was on special, selling at least 30% less than retail. Now I make perfectly cooked filet mignons and golden brown grilled cheese sandwiches every time. For wine connoisseurs, make time to visit one of the best wine shops on the Oregon Coast, Wine Haus; the selection was huge, over 800 labels, and they also carry a vast selection of imported and domestic beers.

Some outlets run daily specials, which means double discounts. Plus Oregon state is tax-free shopping, which means more savings. Irresistible bargain shopping? Don’t worry -- many stores offer shipping services. Open daily 363 days; Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7pm. Closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Seaside Aquarium is a privately owned establishment located right on the Promenade next to the beach, 2\two blocks north of the Seaside Turnaround. Established in 1937, the aquarium has been a popular destination for over 65 years. The place is very easy to find, just follow the loud barking sounds of the seals wherein make this place their home.

The aquarium is not what you would call a world-class exhibit; it is a very small, dark, and dank, almost cave-like, environment. The holding tanks are small with only a very limited species of sea life: unusual crabs, a few curious looking eels (wolf and moray), a somewhat white octopus that turns red, and green pipefish that swim vertically. In the middle are more small exhibits and the “discovery center” where one can get an opportunity to use the microscope for a microscopic view of tiny sea organisms. There are staff members around eager to answer questions. Visitors are also encouraged at the interactive "touch tank", a small display of different inter-tidal marine life: corals, starfish, sea urchins, sea anemones.

The main attraction here is the narrow seal tank with a number of harbor seals (about eight when we were there) who perform for those who throws them morsels of herring. Harbor seals are sometimes also called earless seals; they have long whiskers and dark gentle eyes. The seals here have their own routine and seem to out-perform each other for your attention in hopes of a reward. They bob their heads up and down, in and out, and slap at the water; there’s one that rolls over. Although the seals are cute and put on a fun personality-filled show, the area has a very limited viewing space, which is good for about 10 people max and not ideal for small children, although stools are provided to add height. Seaside Aquarium is the first in the world to successfully breed harbor seals.

The aquarium was not impressive and maybe good to visit once, but not again or even skip it altogether.

Admission: adults $6.50, children under 14 $4, seniors $5, and children under 3 were free. Seal food with small amount of herring is $1 per bag. Be forewarned: there was only a small fountain of running water to wash off any herring debris left on your fingers and no soap to remove the smell. Opens at 9am daily.