Four Off The Beaten Path Places Around Seaside

A weekend getaway to the Oregon Coast wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Seaside. It is the quintessential beach town, and it’s surrounded by some of the most wonderful natural gems. As you reach Highway 101 - the iconic Pacific Coast Scenic Byway - the coast and cliffs will perch through and you will know you have arrived.

Seaside is known for its lively ambiance, amazing food, shops, and things to do, so it is expected to attract some crowds. But imagine you wake up in one of our spacious suites and you peek at the sun rays through the window, then you feel the need to move around in a more peaceful environment. You can then just hop in your car and drive for a few minutes to discover these secluded spots to roam and contemplate the complexities of our existence.

Let’s begin with your adventure:

Ecola State Park

Hidden between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park stretches along 9 miles of coastline and offers outstanding and secluded trails and recreation opportunities, combined with divine sightseeing and a piece of history. The scenic and hiking opportunities are the obvious allure, but its diverse outdoor recreation opportunities attract travelers from all over looking for a relaxing time. Pack a meal, bring your boots and binoculars, and maybe a wetsuit, because here you can enjoy a picnic, ride a wave, and observe the diverse wildlife that makes Ecola State Park a destination year-round.

Paddle Through Town

Kayaking is one of the most tranquil ways to experience this beach town, as a paddle along one of Seaside’s pristine waterways provides a unique vantage point. There are several great areas to hop into the water, including the half-mile stretch of Necanicum River downtown, accessed from Quatat Park located just a couple of steps from Saltline and Inn at Seaside. (You can book single and double kayaks at Wheel Fun Rentals.) For a more in-depth exploration of some of Seaside’s most beautiful waterways, put in at Broadway Park’s ADA-accessible boat launch (rent gear nearby at Cleanline Surf) and meander along Neawanna Creek and then around 450-acre Necanicum Estuary, which is surrounded by Sitka spruce forest and rolling sand dunes. Bring your binoculars along, and maybe a waterproof camera, as it is the prime moment to watch for wildlife, from Roosevelt elk and sea otters to bald eagles and herons on or near the water.

Ride the Timberlands

With so many historical areas to explore within walking distance, why miss out on a longer adventure that you can bike through? Just east of town, nimble and fit mountain bikers alike travel from all over the region to set about the 21 miles of both ruggedly challenging and relatively easy groomed tracks in the Lewis & Clark Timberlands. It’s a vast 140,000-acre sustainable logging operation characterized by rolling hills and dense woodland. You can rent bikes suited for riding through the timberlands at Prom Bike Shop.  You can download the trail maps before you go here.

Take a stroll through the South Side

For an even more relaxing and scenic Seaside experience, set aside some time to explore our town’s easygoing south side, almost left out of the brimmed downtown area. An easy spot to bike to from either one of our properties, it offers a picturesque view of this iconic ocean-front town, and as our guests, you can take advantage of our complimentary bikes - perfect cruisers to stroll through town. You can stroll in absolute tranquility along the beach through the less busy stretch of the 1.5-mile Promenade, better known as “The Prom.” You will find the historic Lewis and Clark Salt Cairn Historic Monument, which marks the spot where the famous Corps of Discovery made salt to preserve food for their journey home. You’ll also find a piece of history at the restaurant inside Seaside Golf Club, a hidden gallery with a collection of historic photos depicting how the town looked a century ago.