Seaside, Oregon was once known for its slow mornings, open beaches, and a rhythm shaped by tides rather than traffic. Locals remember a time when the Promenade felt like a place for evening walks, not obstacle courses of scooters and selfie stops, and when the shoreline stayed clean well past sunset.
In recent years, however, heavy weekend tourism has reshaped the town into a crowded resort scene that many residents now actively avoid.
Packed sidewalks, overflowing trash cans, and constant noise have dulled the easy coastal charm that first drew people here.
Today, when the weekend rush hits, locals know exactly where not to go – and why. Seaside may still sell the postcard, but living here has taught residents when to step away from the frame.
The Prom (Promenade)
Once a relaxing oceanfront path for morning jogs and sunset strolls, the Promenade now transforms into a chaotic maze every weekend. Rental bikes zip past families pushing strollers, while electric scooters weave unpredictably through the pedestrian traffic.
The peaceful rhythm of ocean waves gets drowned out by laughter, shouting, and the constant buzz of wheels on pavement.
Locals who grew up walking this historic stretch now find it nearly impossible to enjoy. The crowds make simple activities like walking a dog or grabbing coffee feel like navigating an obstacle course.
What was once a cherished community space has become a tourist attraction that residents watch from their windows instead of experiencing firsthand.
Many longtime residents now opt for quieter trails nearby or visit the Prom only during early weekday mornings. The sense of ownership and connection they once felt has faded under the weight of visitor volume.
Address: Promenade, Seaside, OR 97138.
Main Street and Broadway
Broadway Street cuts through the heart of Seaside, lined with candy shops, arcades, and souvenir stores that beckon tourists in droves. On weekends, the sidewalks overflow with visitors clutching saltwater taffy bags and ice cream cones.
Lines snake out of popular eateries, and the street becomes a slow-moving river of people browsing window displays and snapping photos.
For locals trying to grab a quick bite or pick up supplies, this congestion turns a simple errand into a frustrating ordeal. Parking spots vanish by mid-morning, and navigating the crosswalks requires patience most residents no longer have on their days off.
The energy shifts from small-town charm to theme park intensity.
Residents now schedule their downtown visits for weekday afternoons or early mornings before the tourist wave arrives. They remember when Broadway felt like their neighborhood, not a destination.
The shift has been gradual but undeniable. Address: Broadway Street, Seaside, OR 97138.
Beach Parking Lots
Finding a parking spot near the beach on a Saturday or Sunday has become an exercise in patience and luck. Cars circle the lots repeatedly, drivers craning their necks for any sign of brake lights or a family packing up.
Some visitors arrive before dawn just to secure a space, while others idle in the aisles, creating traffic jams within the parking areas themselves.
Locals who once enjoyed spontaneous beach visits now face the reality of long waits or walking considerable distances from overflow lots. The convenience factor has disappeared entirely.
What should be a quick trip to the shore turns into a planned expedition with timing strategies and backup plans.
Many residents have given up on beach parking altogether during peak times, opting instead to bike or walk from their homes. Those living farther out choose less crowded coastal spots or visit during the off-season.
The frustration has reshaped how they interact with their own town. Address: Beach access parking, Seaside, OR 97138.
The Beach Itself
Seaside’s wide sandy beach stretches for miles, offering stunning views of the Pacific and plenty of space for beachgoers. Yet on weekends, that space fills rapidly with umbrellas, beach chairs, volleyball nets, and clusters of tourists soaking up the sun.
The tranquil atmosphere locals once treasured gets replaced by noise, activity, and unfortunately, litter left behind by careless visitors.
Walking along the shoreline means dodging frisbees and navigating around crowded family setups. The peaceful sound of waves competes with portable speakers and shouting children.
For residents seeking relaxation or solitude, the beach no longer provides that escape during peak times.
Cleanup efforts happen regularly, but the volume of trash left behind each weekend has become disheartening for locals who care deeply about their coastal environment. Many now head to quieter beaches south toward Cannon Beach or north near Astoria for their ocean fix.
Address: Seaside Beach, Seaside, OR 97138.
The Seaside Aquarium
Opened as a beloved local attraction, the Seaside Aquarium offers hands-on experiences with marine life, including touch tanks and a popular seal exhibit. Families flock here to feed the seals and learn about Pacific Northwest sea creatures.
But on busy weekends, the small facility becomes overwhelmingly packed, with long lines forming outside and crowded viewing areas inside.
Children press against the glass tanks while parents jostle for position to snap photos. The intimate, educational experience the aquarium was designed to provide gets lost in the shuffle of too many bodies in too small a space.
Staff work tirelessly, but the sheer volume of visitors creates a stressful environment.
Locals who once brought their own kids here now avoid weekend visits entirely, knowing the experience won’t be enjoyable. They recommend weekday mornings to out-of-town friends or save their visits for the off-season when the aquarium returns to its quieter, more engaging atmosphere.
Address: 200 N Promenade, Seaside, OR 97138.
Late-Night Noise
Summer nights in Seaside used to mean listening to the rhythmic crash of waves and the occasional call of seabirds. Now, weekends bring a different soundtrack entirely.
Bonfires light up the beach well past midnight, accompanied by loud music, laughter, and shouting that carries across the town. Rental properties host parties that spill onto streets and porches.
For residents trying to sleep or enjoy a quiet evening at home, the noise becomes unbearable. Complaints to authorities increase each season, but enforcement struggles to keep pace with the volume of activity.
The small-town peace that defined Seaside evenings has been replaced by a party atmosphere that doesn’t match the community’s character.
Many locals now plan weekend getaways of their own, escaping the noise by heading inland or to quieter coastal areas. Others invest in soundproofing or simply accept the disruption as part of living in a tourist town.
The change has been hard to swallow. Address: Beach areas, Seaside, OR 97138.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
Running errands should be simple, but weekend grocery shopping in Seaside has become a test of endurance. Visitors stock up on supplies for their beach days and vacation rentals, filling carts with everything from sunscreen to sandwich fixings.
The aisles clog with unfamiliar shoppers studying labels and comparing prices, while checkout lines stretch toward the back of the store.
Locals who need milk, prescriptions, or household basics find themselves trapped in the tourist rush. What should take minutes stretches into half an hour or more.
The staff does their best, but the sudden population spike overwhelms even the most efficient operations.
Savvy residents have adapted by shopping early on weekend mornings before tourists wake up, or they wait until Monday when the crowds thin. Some drive to neighboring towns for their weekly shopping to avoid the hassle entirely.
The inconvenience has become just another weekend reality in this Oregon coastal community. Address: Various locations, Seaside, OR 97138.
The Turnaround
The Turnaround stands as Seaside’s most iconic landmark, a circular intersection at the end of Broadway where the street meets the beach. Historic markers, a statue, and the famous Seaside sign make it a must-visit photo spot for tourists.
On weekends, the area swarms with visitors posing for pictures, kids running in circles, and families gathering before heading to the sand.
For locals, this once-charming gathering spot has become completely overrun. Crossing through the Turnaround on foot or by car requires navigating crowds that spill into the street.
The sense of community that once centered here has been replaced by a constant stream of strangers.
Residents now route around the Turnaround entirely, taking side streets to avoid the congestion. They remember when this spot served as a true town center, a place to meet neighbors and enjoy the coastal atmosphere without fighting through crowds.
That version of the Turnaround exists only in memory now. Address: Broadway Street and Promenade, Seaside, OR 97138.
Rental Bike and Scooter Chaos
Rental bikes and electric scooters seemed like a fun addition to Seaside’s tourist offerings at first. They provide visitors with an easy way to explore the town and Promenade without driving.
But the popularity of these rentals has created new challenges, especially on crowded weekends when inexperienced riders flood the paths and streets.
Scooters zip unpredictably through pedestrian areas, often ridden by people unfamiliar with how to control them safely. Bikes get abandoned in awkward spots, blocking sidewalks and access points.
Near-misses between riders and walkers happen constantly, creating tension and occasional accidents.
Locals walking or jogging find themselves constantly on alert, never sure when a scooter might whiz past from behind. The carefree enjoyment of the Promenade has been replaced by vigilance and frustration.
Many residents now avoid the main paths entirely during peak times, sticking to residential streets where rental traffic is lighter. Address: Promenade and downtown areas, Seaside, OR 97138.
Any Quiet Spot
Perhaps the saddest change for Seaside locals is the disappearance of quiet spots throughout town. Neighborhood parks, side streets near the beach, coffee shop patios, even the riverfront areas along the Necanicum River estuary now fill with tourists exploring beyond the main attractions.
The small-town calm that defined daily life has evaporated under the weight of constant visitor presence.
Residents who once enjoyed reading on a bench or having a peaceful conversation outdoors now struggle to find those moments. The soundtrack of seagulls and waves gets drowned out by chatter, traffic, and commercial activity.
Every corner of town feels touched by the tourism boom.
Many locals have responded by seeking out spots in nearby Astoria or Cannon Beach, or by retreating to their homes during peak times. They mourn the loss of the Seaside they remember, the one where tranquility and coastal beauty went hand in hand.
The town remains beautiful, but the peace has become a weekday privilege. Address: Throughout Seaside, OR 97138.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
