Seaside, Oregon lies within a region rich with Pacific Northwest bounty that visitors to the area delight in exploring. We've assembled a collection of suggested stops you may want to consider as you explore the region's history, the area wildlife and the not-to-miss scenic viewpoints along this spectacular part of the Northwest coast.

Our recommended stops include re-tracing some of the steps of Lewis & Clark's expedition as well as exploring a wealth of maritime traditions that continue today.

Wildlife in the region is diverse and can be discovered on land, in water and in the air. The region's estuaries, tidepools and wildlife preserves offer many viewing and photo opportunities. Whether you are looking for wildlife or scenic viewpoints, look closely, these two often converge to create a one-of-a-kind natural experience.

This part of the coast has several lighthouses north and south of Seaside, and there is much history to examine in these iconic beacons. Many feature hiking trails and interesting interpretive centers.

You will also find numerous hiking and biking trails through forests, on mountains, and along the ocean to traverse while you're here. And, the North Coast Craft Beer Trail offers a few suggestions on where to find a great Northwest craft brew once your travels are done for the day.

We invite you to see beyond Seaside while you're here and explore each place on one of the following lists or mix and match stops from multiple lists to create your own custom-tailored excursion. Whether you're drinking in the history, drinking in the views or drinking in the brews, there are many places to explore in Seaside and beyond.

EXPLORE HISTORY

COLUMBIA PACIFIC HERITAGE MUSEUM
Preserving the history of the Columbia Pacific area. 115 SE Lake St Ilwaco

LEWIS & CLARK INTERPRETIVE CENTER
A time line of the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, short film presentations, exhibits and gift shop. Cape Disappointment State Park Ilwaco off U.S. Highway 101, four miles southwest of Ilwaco at the foot of the Long Beach Peninsula

COLUMBIA RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM
Showcasing the Pacific Northwest's rich maritime history. 1792 Marine Drive Astoria

FLAVEL HOUSE
The home of Captain George Flavel, one of Astoria's most influential citizens in the late 1800s. 441 Eighth Street Astoria

UPPERTOWN FIREFIGHTER'S MUSEUM
Local fire fighting history in an original 1920s firehouse with fire fighting equipment dating to 1870. 2986 Marine Dr. Astoria

OREGON FILM MUSEUM
Housed in the old Astoria jail, featured in the movie The Goonies, the museum celebrates films and film-making in Oregon. 732 Duane Street Astoria

ASTORIA COLUMN
Climb 125 feet up a spiral staircase to the highest point in Astoria and sail a balsam wood glider from the wrap-around balcony. 2199 Coxcomb Dr Astoria

FORT CLATSOP VISITOR CENTER
A replica of Fort Clatsop, which was the winter camp for the Corps of Discovery from December 1805 to March 1806. 92343 Fort Clatsop Road Astoria

FORT STEVENS STATE PARK
The primary military defense installation in the Harbor Defense System at the mouth of the Columbia River with the historic shipwreck of the Peter Iredale. 100 Peter Iredale Road Hammond

LEWIS & CLARK SALT WORKS
Salt was necessary for preserving meat essential to the expedition. This is a replica of the salt making process. Lewis & Clark Way Seaside

CANNON BEACH HISTORY CENTER & MUSEUM
Home of a Native American Longhouse replica, interactive tidepool exhibit, original Cannon Beach cannon and much more. 1387 S Spruce St Cannon Beach

TILLAMOOK AIR MUSEUM
A collection of over 30 restored war birds including the P-38 Lightning, F4U-Corsair, P51-Mustang and more. 6030 Hangar Rd Tillamook

RECREATION TRAILS

CAPE LOOKOUT STATE PARK
The 2.5-mile hike to the tip of the cape offers expansive views both north and south and outstanding vantage points for wildlife watching. 13000 Whiskey Creek Road Tillamook

CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT STATE PARK
More than 4.5 miles of hiking trails through coastal forestland with commemorative markers and interpretive panels along the trails. Off U.S. Highway 101, four miles southwest of Ilwaco at the foot of the Long Beach Peninsula. Ilwaco

FORT STEVENS STATE PARK
4200-acre park situated at the mouth of the Columbia River offering 9 miles of bike trails and 6 miles of hiking trails. 100 Peter Iredale Road Hammond

FORT TO SEA TRAIL
A 13-mile round trip takes hikers from Fort Clatsop to the ocean, just like in the days of Lewis & Clark. Begins at 92343 Fort Clatsop Road Astoria

SADDLE MOUNTAIN
The hike to Saddle Mountain is 5.5 miles round trip and is considered challenging with a 1600-foot elevation gain. Off US 26, 20.1 miles South of Seaside

CAPE MEARES STATE PARK
Offers miles of nature trails to explore and the famous "Octopus Tree." Cape Meares Lighthouse Dr. Cape Meares

TILLAMOOK HEAD NATURAL RECREATION AREA
This headland is situated between Seaside and Cannon Beach and offers a steep 7-mile trail to the viewpoint at Ecola State Park with numerous views along the way. Access from Ecola State Park, West of US 101, 11.6 miles South of Seaside

LIGHTHOUSES

CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT LIGHTHOUSE
Built in 1856, this lighthouse is one of the Northwest's oldest structures. Off US Highway 101, four miles southwest of Ilwaco at the foot of the Long Beach Peninsula. Ilwaco

NORTH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Built to aid ships approaching from the North, visitors can now spend the night in the Lightkeeper's residence. Off US Highway 101, four miles southwest of Ilwaco at the foot of the Long Beach Peninsula. Ilwaco

TILLAMOOK ROCK LIGHTHOUSE
"Terrible Tilly" was built on a rock formation off the coast. Completed in 1881, it was decommissioned in 1957. 1.2 miles off shore, west of Tillamook Head

CAPE MEARES LIGHTHOUSE
The shortest lighthouse on the Northwest coast at 38 feet tall, it is built 216 feet above sea level. Cape Meares Lighthouse Drive, Cape Meares

WILDLIFE AREAS

JEWEL MEADOWS WILDLIFE AREA
The wildlife area has four viewing areas and interpretive signing with viewing of up to 200 elk during winter and spring. 79878 Hwy. 202 Seaside

HAYSTACK ROCK
This basalt monolith rises 235 feet above the shoreline with fascinating tidepools at its base. It's home to migrating puffins and seabirds. Just off the beach in midtown Cannon Beach

NECANICUM ESTUARY
Located on North Holladay Drive, this park has a boardwalk and viewing deck, estuary and beach access. Located across from Seaside High School on North Holladay Seaside

ECOLA STATE PARK
Picnic areas, miles of hiking trails and vantage points for spotting birds, whales and elk. West of US 101, 11.6 miles South of Seaside

VISTAS & VIEWPOINTS

ASTORIA COLUMN
Built in 1926, the historic column is 125 feet tall with 164 spiraling stairs leading to a viewing deck with panoramic views. 2199 Coxcomb Dr. Astoria

FORT STEVENS
An observation deck near the south jetty on Clatsop Spit gives the perfect vantage for watching ships navigate the treacherous Columbia River bar. 100 Peter Iredale Road Hammond

ECOLA STATE PARK
View Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach plus wildlife. Indian Beach boasts a magnificent rock arch and Tillamook Rock Lighthouse in the distance. West of US 101, 11.6 miles South of Seaside

SILVER POINT
South of Cannon Beach, a turnout at Silver Point offers views of the ocean, Haystack Rock and Tillamook Head. West of US 101, 9.1 miles South of Seaside

HUG POINT
Offers beach access, along with caves and a waterfall the old roadway that was once the main route along this rocky shoreline. West of US 101, 12.3 miles South of Seaside

ARCADIA BEACH STATE RECREATION AREA
Just off of the highway and a few feet from the sandy ocean beach you can picnic and fish. West of US 101, 11.2 miles South of Seaside

OSWALD WEST STATE PARK
Viewpoints and hiking trails through scenic, moss-covered forest to Short Sands Beach and rugged Cape Falcon. West of US 101, 17.7 miles South of Seaside

NEAHKAHNIE MOUNTAIN
Three uphill miles to the peak of Neahkahnie mountain with views of Neahkahnie Beach and the town of Manzanita. East of US 101, 20.1 miles South of Seaside

PACIFIC VISTAS
Pullouts along Highway 101 offer opportunities to step out of your vehicle and step into position for some breathtaking panoramas. Highway 101 from Cannon Beach to Manzanita

SADDLE MOUNTAIN
Two and a half miles up the mountain offer up some panoramic views of forests, fields of wildflowers and a rocky summit. Off US 26, 20.1 miles South of Seaside

CAPE MEARES SCENIC VIEWPOINT
Complete with wheelchair accessible paths, the Three Arches National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon's largest Sitka Spruce and a lighthouse built in 1889. Cape Meares Lighthouse Dr., Cape Meares

NORTH COAST CRAFT BEER TRAIL

ROGUE ALE PUBLIC HOUSE
Serves over 25 beers from several Rogue Ale breweries. 100 39th St. (Pier 39), Astoria

FORT GEORGE BREWERY & PUBLIC HOUSE
The second brewery established in Astoria since prohibition. 1483 Duane Street, Astoria

WET DOG CAFE & ASTORIA BREWING CO.
Astoria's oldest microbrewery serves 12 handcrafted brews. 144 11th Street, Astoria

MCMENAMINS SAND TRAP
Order a handcrafted pint, one of more than 200 original McMenamins recipes. 1157 North Marion Avenue, Gearhart

THE WINE & BEER HAUS
Over 300 beers, 1100 wines from around the world plus mead and sake. Seaside Factory Outlet Mall, Highway 101

LUMBERYARD ROTISSERIE & GRILL
The Eleven beers on tap and a selection of Northwest wines. 264 3rd Street, Cannon Beach

CANNON BEACH HARDWARE & PUBLIC HOUSE
Shop for hardware supplies and enjoy a cold, fresh micro brew. 1235 S Hemlock in Haystack Square, Cannon Beach