Don’t let a little drizzle or stormy skies dampen your fun in Oregon’s classic resort town, where surf-and-sand seekers have retreated since Victorian times.
Known as one of the premier beach destinations in the Pacific Northwest, Seaside is a great place to visit even with overcast skies — indoor fun abounds and the misty shoreline beckons. There’s no wrong way to do it, but here are some time-tested ideas for making the most of a rainy day.
Start your family outing at the Seaside Carousel Mall with steaming cups of coffee and hot chocolate from Café Latte Espresso and Gifts. Café Latte also serves a wide variety of other hot and cold drinks, fresh-roasted beans by the pound and a mixture of sweet treats. Kids of all ages love to ride the indoor, vintage-styled carousel. Plus, you’re sure to find the perfect gift or souvenir in the shops and stores that surround it.
It’s always dry and bright inside Funland Arcade, and with so many games to play you might never want to leave. In addition to bumper cars and an assortment of classic video games, the arcade also invites you to roll balls in one of the last-remaining Fascination parlors in the country. Most games spit out tickets for points and performance, and they can be redeemed for hundreds of different prizes.
Nature is always within easy reach along Seaside’s Promenade, a 1.5-mile beachfront path where you can stroll, cycle and run. Smack in downtown you’ll find the Lewis and Clark statue at the Seaside Turnaround. From here, you can cross the vast expanse of beach to the ocean and scan the shore for seashells.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of the many eateries serving classic beach eats — think pizza, burgers and more. One family favorite for lunch is Fultano’s Pizza. In addition to a large and diverse selection of pizza, Fultano’s menu also includes burgers, sandwiches and appetizers.
Dessert at The Seaside Candyman is guaranteed to sweeten your day with an incredible inventory of sugary treats. Choose from an extensive collection of saltwater taffy, Jelly Belly jellybeans, jawbreakers, candy sticks, and more.
Plan a family trip to the Seaside Aquarium, and immerse yourselves in the intricate ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of dry land. Experience the underwater exhibits, and actually reach in and touch a group of animals that live in a “touch tank.” You may also have the opportunity to help feed the extended family of seals that call the aquarium home.
Bring your day to a close with a great seafood dinner at Finns Fish House. Offering many kinds of fish and chips, grilled meats, a kids menu, and even sandwiches and burgers, Finns has long been a favorite of both locals and visitors alike.
Photo by Don Frank / Seaside Visitors Bureau