Seaside, Oregon: The Location for Year-Round Beach Fun

Oregon beaches are certainly not known for their warm temperatures and refreshing ocean waters. Regardless of this, we make Seaside, Oregon the spot for our family vacation every year. When we actually have sunny and warm weather during our visit the last weekend in July, we definitely take advantage of it by playing on the beach and dipping our toes in the frigid ocean water. Some of the younger and more daring in our group will actually go in past their ankles. The rest of us enjoy a little Frisbee, sand castle building or just plain chatting while we enjoy the warm sun.

There is much more to do at Seaside than play on the beach, however, especially if you have young children. Broadway, the main street, which leads to the turn-around at the beach and the Lewis and Clark monument, is loaded with lots of shops for those tourists looking to get trapped. For kids, however, there are several mandatory stops.

The little mall at 3rd and Broadway has a great toy store called “Under The Big Top Toys” . Prices are kind of high, but I’ll bet you find a couple toys in there that you can’t leave Seaside without. They have a wide selection of toys in every price and age range. In one corner they have a shelf full of those toys you used to get from sending in your Bazooka wrappers: fortune telling fish, x-ray specs and the like. If you are looking for something for your Curious George or Madeline fan, there is plenty to pick from, including tin sand pails and lunch boxes to plush toys. They also carry a huge selection of puppets and open stock Brio train tracks, in case you need a few more pieces for your set.

Also in this mall is the ever popular carousel. One dollar gets you a ride, and if you are assisting a younger child, no extra charge. It’s certainly not the biggest carousel I’ve ever seen, but the kids don’t seem to notice. Those who collect smashed pennies will not want to miss the penny smashing machine next to the carousel.