4 of the Top Things to Do When You Visit Seaside Oregon

Short Sand Beach with people
March 4, 2026

When you come to visit Seaside Oregon, you will be able to have a great time unwinding and enjoying the beauty of the Oregon coast. As the state’s first seashore resort community, Seaside has a legacy of being one of the best destinations around for families, partially because there are plenty of fun things to do here in the area. If you are planning your own trip to Seaside Oregon and want to find out about some of the best things to do during your visit, then simply read on:

1. Explore the Seaside Aquarium

Due to Seaside’s location on the Oregon coast, it makes sense that the area is home to an incredible aquarium that you can visit during your stay! The Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, in operation since 1937. When you visit the Seaside Aquarium, you will be able to see a variety of aquatic wildlife native to the Pacific Northwest, including Wolf eels, rockfish, Giant Pacific Octopus, and the stars of the show… the harbor seals! Plus, visiting the aquarium helps to support its important conservation work, which is yet another reason to check it out!

2. Hike the Saddle Mountain Trail

Saddle Mountain Trail

If you are looking to get out and discover the area’s natural beauty, then taking a hike on the Saddle Mountain Trail is an excellent choice! This 4.9-mile roundtrip features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline, but it does feature significant elevation gain, so proper hiking shoes are a must. Typically, this trail takes between 3-4 hours to complete, so make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks!

3. Visit High Life Adventure Park

Thrill seekers in your group definitely won’t want to miss out on a trip to High Life Adventure Park! This aerial challenge course in Seaside Oregon gives visitors the chance to test their skills on a variety of challenging obstacles high above the ground, all while being safely secured to the course itself. Whether you decide to compete with friends to see who can conquer the course the fastest or take it slow and admire the views, you can have tons of fun at High Life Adventure Park.

4. Relax at Short Sand Beach

Short Sand Beach

Yet another of the best things to do when you visit Seaside Oregon is to head over to Short Sand Beach for some fun in the sun! This stretch of beach is popular among surfers, hikers, and those seeking casual recreation. There is plenty of space along the four-mile beach for visitors to spread out, and there are also hiking trails right nearby that you can access. And, if you are visiting the area with your pet, you will be pleased to know that leashed dogs are allowed at Short Sand Beach (leash must be six feet or less and owners must clean up after their pets).

As you can see, there are plenty of great options available to you when it comes to fun activities in Seaside Oregon! From checking out the aquarium, to experiencing some high-flying adventures, and so much more, you are sure to have a blast when you come to stay here in the area. Plus, it is easy to find the best lodging in the area when you check out some of the top reasons to love our vacation houses for rent in Seaside Oregon! We hope to welcome you soon.