Whether just visiting for the day or staying for the weekend, Seaside and Cannon Beach offer visitors access to sandy beaches, forest trails, historic tours, a variety of shops, museums, galleries and entertainment attractions. Although each city contains enough sites for a full days worth of activity, the 7 mile drive between the two cities boasts spectacular views, and is well worth the short drive. Ecola State Park is located between Seaside and Cannon Beach.
Seaside Promenade and Turnaround
The three-mile long ocean front promenade is perfect for walking, strolling and biking. Bike rentals are available at several locations in Seaside, as well as fun wheels, go-carts and mopeds and paddle boats. The promenade dates back to 1908 and its beginnings as a boardwalk.
The turnaround, characterized by spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Tillamook Head, houses a statue of Lewis and Clark, to commemorate Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discover. The promenade and beach area is known as the finish line of the Hood to Coast run and home to the annual beach volleyball tournament.
Seafood Galore
Fresh local seafood is easy to find in Seaside and Cannon Beach. Entrees include salmon, crab, halibut, shrimp, oysters, clams and more. A local favorite with a family setting and excellent food is Dooger’s Seafood and Grill, with locations in Seaside, Cannon Beach and Warrenton. Dooger’s is open for lunch and dinner daily. Mo’s Restaurant is located at Tolovana Park in Cannon Beach, offering delicious clam chowder and fish-n-chips.
Miles of Sandy Beaches
When the sun is out and the weather is warm, there is no better place to be than at the Oregon Coast. Beach access in Seaside is as easy as walking along the promenade and heading to the beach. Cannon Beach also offers miles of sandy beaches, with magnificent views of Haystack Rock. Kite-flying is a popular activity along the Oregon Coast.
Seaside Aquarium
Since 1937, the Seaside Aquarium has wowed its audiences with the antics of the harbor seals and other native Northwest animals. Visitors view Pacific octopus, sea stars, rays and other native creatures. Visitors also learn about life undersea, touch sea anemones, starfish and sea urchins in the "Touch Tank". The Seaside Aquarium is located just two blocks from the turnaround. Adult admission is $7, children 6-13 are $3.50, and children under 5 are free with paid admission.
Shops, Galleries and Historic Tours in Seaside and Cannon Beach
Downtown Seaside offers its visitors a multitude of shopping options, from specialty gifts, collectibles, clothing, salt water taffy, and much more. Art galleries also line Broadway Street, the mainstreet of Downtown Seaside. Entertainment activities include the Carousel, the Fun Center arcades, miniature golf, bumper cars, Tilt-a-Twirl and the miniature train. Visit the Seaside Museum and discover the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail statue and Lewis and Clark Salt Works.
Cannon Beach also offers visitors a variety of shops, galleries and museums. Art admirers can watch glassblowing, as artists create colorful vases, bowls and other works of art. A walking tour of historic houses is available from the Cannon Beach Historical Society.
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