{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2351,"slug":"seaside-beach-seaside","name":"Seaside Beach","country":"USA","state":"Oregon","city":"Seaside","coords":{"lat":45.9933,"lng":-123.9317},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous"],"article":{"hero":"Your tires meet sand at the Avenue U turnaround, where the asphalt gives way to the kind of firm shore that has welcomed automobiles since the 1920s. Seaside Beach stretches north and south in a broad, flat ribbon, wide enough that you can stake your umbrella far from the tide line and still watch breakers foam white against grey-green water. The Turnaround itself—a concrete roundabout crowned by a bronze Lewis and Clark statue—anchors the town's mile-and-a-half boardwalk, called the Prom, where saltwater taffy shops and arcade bells compete for your attention.\n\nFamilies return here summer after summer because the beach demands no hiking boots or tide charts. Children dig moats in damp sand while parents set up camp chairs beside driftwood logs smoothed by decades of storms. The horizon often wears a veil of mist, and the wind carries the iodine tang of kelp and the distant bark of sea lions from nearby rocks. When the sun breaks through, it turns the wet sand into a mirror.\n\nCome evening, the beach transforms. Bonfire smoke spirals upward, strangers nod as they pass on sunset walks, and the lights of beachfront hotels blink on one by one. The Pacific crashes with a rhythm you feel in your sternum, and someone always has a kite aloft, even after dark, its tail snapping against the offshore breeze that never quite dies down.","teaser":"You can drive onto this beach. Families load coolers and canopies directly from their trunks, while seagulls drift overhead and the smell of saltwater mixes with frying Pronto Pup batter from the boardwalk. The wind never stops, and neither do the kids racing its gusts.","uniqueAngle":"One of the few Oregon beaches where you can legally drive and park directly on the sand.","accessType":"Drive-up","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"camera","title":"Turnaround Views","subtitle":"Lewis and Clark statue backdrop"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Prom Stroll","subtitle":"1.5-mile boardwalk, arcades included"},{"icon":"surf","title":"Boogie Boarding","subtitle":"Gentle beach breaks, rentals nearby"},{"icon":"food","title":"Pronto Pup","subtitle":"Corn-battered hot dogs since 1941"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Beach breaks deliver mushy, forgiving waves ideal for longboards and beginners, with swells from the northwest wrapping around Tillamook Head. Winter storms bring thigh-to-chest-high sets, but summer rarely exceeds waist-high rollers. The sand bottom shifts constantly, so scout your peak before paddling out. Expect crowds near the Turnaround and cove zones; walk fifteen minutes south for elbow room. Water hovers near fifty degrees year-round—bring a 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit, booties, and patience for closeouts.","couples":"Book a room at the Gilbert Inn for Victorian charm three blocks from the sand, or splurge on an oceanfront balcony at the Seaside Oceanfront Inn where you can hear the tide from bed. Walk the Prom at dusk, when the carousel's painted horses glow and the smell of kettle corn drifts past shuttered sunglasses kiosks. For dinner, claim a window table at Twisted Fish Steakhouse—Dungeness crab cakes and local rockfish with views of the surf. Finish with s'mores over a beach bonfire, sparks rising toward the stars.","backpacker":"Camp at Seaside's RV Resort for tent sites around twenty-five dollars, or drive ten minutes south to Nehalem Bay State Park for showers and forest cover. Beach access is free; park on sand during low tide or use free street spots along the Prom after 6 p.m. Grab fish and chips at Nonnie's for under ten dollars, or build sandwiches from Safeway two blocks east. The Wave bus runs year-round to Cannon Beach and Astoria for two dollars, connecting trailheads and cheaper sleeps.","local":"Hit the sand before 8 a.m. in summer to dodge the RV convoy and claim fire pits before family battalions arrive. The cove at Avenue G offers pocket shelter from wind when the main beach turns into a sandblaster. Low tide exposes sandbars perfect for clamming—butter clams and gapers cluster near Tillamook Head's southern rocks. Skip the Turnaround's crowds and park at 12th Avenue for quicker access and fewer selfie sticks blocking the sunset.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Swimming at Seaside Beach requires caution year-round due to cold Pacific waters (typically 48-55°F), strong currents, and sneaker waves. The beach has no lifeguards on duty, and rip currents can be dangerous. Most visitors wade in shallow water or stick to beachcombing. The beach is excellent for walking, building sandcastles, and playing in the surf zone. If you do enter the water, never turn your back on the ocean, stay close to shore, and supervise children closely. Wetsuits are recommended for any extended water activities.","q":"Is it safe to swim at Seaside Beach, Oregon?"},{"a":"Seaside Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Summer (July-August) brings the warmest, driest weather with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F, ideal for families, though it's crowded. Spring and fall offer milder crowds and decent weather, perfect for beachcombing and scenic walks. Winter features dramatic storm watching but expect rain and wind. The beach hosts popular events like the Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament in August. For the best balance of weather and fewer crowds, visit in June or September when conditions are pleasant.","q":"What is the best time to visit Seaside Beach?"},{"a":"Seaside Beach is located 80 miles west of Portland via US-26, about a 90-minute drive. The beach is easily accessible from downtown Seaside, with the famous Turnaround area at the end of Broadway Street offering convenient beach access. Public parking is available throughout town, including metered street parking and several public lots near the Promenade. The large 12th Avenue parking area provides free public parking. During summer, arrive early as parking fills quickly. The town is walkable, and the 1.5-mile Promenade provides excellent beach access along its entire length.","q":"Where can I park at Seaside Beach and how do I get there?"},{"a":"Seaside's downtown area, steps from the beach, offers numerous dining and lodging options. Broadway Street features casual eateries, candy shops, and the famous Pig 'N Pancake for breakfast. Seafood restaurants line the main streets, serving fresh Pacific catches. Lodging ranges from oceanfront resorts like the Seaside Oceanfront Inn to budget motels and vacation rentals. Many hotels offer direct beach access and ocean views. The town has grocery stores, arcades, aquarium, and souvenir shops. Most amenities are within walking distance of the beach, making it highly convenient for families seeking a classic beach town experience.","q":"What restaurants and hotels are near Seaside Beach?"},{"a":"The Seaside Promenade is a iconic 1.5-mile paved boardwalk running along the beach, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking while enjoying ocean views. Built in 1920, it's a beloved landmark connecting the beach to downtown. The Turnaround, at Broadway's western end, is Seaside's most famous spot—a circular area marking the Lewis and Clark expedition's 1806 turnaround point. A statue and commemorative markers honor this history. The Turnaround serves as the town's central gathering place, surrounded by shops and restaurants, and is the starting point for most beach activities.","q":"What is the Seaside Promenade and Turnaround?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Seaside Beach: Oregon's Classic Coastal Playground","description":"Miles of hard-packed sand meet carnival lights and salt-weathered arcades where generations have learned to ride waves, fly kites, and build sandcastles along Oregon's shore.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4455/36903745123_63f67756da_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"517198","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7344/26961175706_466125b581_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7344/26961175706_466125b581.jpg","alt":"California - Mono Lake"},{"id":"517200","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5578/14879114889_0475d708bd_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/5578/14879114889_0475d708bd.jpg","alt":"The Racetrack, Death Valley"},{"id":"517201","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/23357705484_4791e92753_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/23357705484_4791e92753.jpg","alt":"CA-Hwy1, Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach, USA"},{"id":"517202","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8132/9008787706_8f78783e5c_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8132/9008787706_8f78783e5c.jpg","alt":"I'm in Miami Beach!"}]}}