Vacationing on the Oregon Coast at Seaside

The Northern coastal regions of Oregon’s coast can be accessed from
Seaside
. Choose one of Seaside’s motels, or a bed and breakfast as head quarters and plan to spend at least one day exploring north of
Seaside
.

The first town to the North of Seaside is Gearhart which is mostly residential and has a quiet small town feel. There is beach access and a lovely sandy beach to play on. Gearhart also has the oldest golf course in
Oregon
and the requisite bowling alley and lodging.

Further North, about a 30 minute drive, is Fort Clatsop National Memorial. The 1805-06 winter camp of Lewis and Clark has been reconstructed on this site which is a detailed replica of

Fort
Clatsop

. The site is open year around and has an interpretive center where the famous Corp of Discovery journey is traced and explained.

West of the
Fort
Clatsop
site is

Fort
Stevens
State Park

. The park has broad natural areas and historical sites. There are remains of military fortifications that were part of World War Two gun emplacements which overlooked and guarded the mouth of the
Columbia River
. One famous attraction here is the artifact of the 1906 ship wreck of the Peter Iredale. If you have an active family that gets the fidgets cooped up in the car this is the perfect place to turn them loose for an afternoon of exercise and fun. There are miles of trails to hike and bike and explore. For the military minded there is a military museum; for the naturalist there are acres of wildlife observations and some of the finest bird watching opportunities available.

Astoria is most northerly city on the Oregon coast and it is also the oldest settlement west of the
Rocky Mountains
. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is a must see with a world class collection of exhibits including World War Two warship artifacts and the lightship Columbia.

While in
Astoria
make a point of visiting the Captain George Flavel House. The regal Victorian mansion has been meticulously restored by the Clatsop County Historical Society. Other must see places are the

Heritage
Museum

which features exhibits of natural, Native American, fishing and logging history. There is also a Firefighters museum that is open during the summer. Put on your sturdy shoes and enjoy a walking tour that includes the
Astoria
column, lovely Victorian homes, the riverfront walk and a trolley on the waterfront.

A leisurely stroll through town can net some interesting shopping finds ranging from antiques to local crafts.

Return to Seaside for a late supper at one of Seaside’s many wonderful restaurants and plan to spend a day on the beaches of
Seaside
for the second day of your trip. James Beard the famous culinary hero spent summers in the Seaside area and the riches of the regional ingredients inspired him to culinary greatness. The menus at Seaside restaurants continue to offer the best seafood, wine and produce.

There are three flawless miles of beaches at Seaside and when you tire of exploring the beach, treat yourself to a ride on the carousel at the Town Center Carousel, do a bit of crabbing from the Twelfth Street bridge, explore the mini-malls and shopping, buy one of the bright creations from the Kites Northwest shop and try your hand at kite flying, or

stroll the two mile boardwalk known as the “Promenade”and just enjoy the ambiance.

Seaside
shopping is unique and offers antiques, regional specialties, classy fashions, exquisite fine art, memorabilia, and collectibles and sports equipment. There are 170 flavors of salt water taffy and locally crafted chocolates among the assortment at the Great Northwest Candy Store; fresh, canned and smoked fish and other seafood, which can be shipped to any city you choose with a “wish you were here” card for those people back at the office is available at the Bell Buoy of Seaside; and the By the Sea Shop offers shells, lighthouses, gifts and home dÃ?©cor.

Seaside Antique Mall is part of the historic

Gilbert
District

and has about 70 dealers featuring china, silver, furniture, toys, dolls, books, clocks, prints, glass, pottery and much more.

Art Galleries offer selections from formal to whimsical. Northwest artists display fine arts in all mediums including; painting, sculpture, jewelry, mosaics, and handmade papers.

To Reach Seaside from Portland, plan on an eighty mile trip by car; follow Highway 26 West to the Highway 101 junction. At the junction follow Highway 101 North to
Seaside
(about 4 miles).

You can also access Seaside by bus and air (chartered Sky Taxi) but you should check with the Visitor Information Bureau at Seaside first as these things may change.

Visitors Information:

Seaside
Visitors Bureau

989 Broadway

SeasideOregon
97138

Toll Free: 1-888-306 2326