Seaside Beach Activities
Beachcombing
The
best times for beachcombing are after high tide (the higher the tide, the better),
after a storm, and in the early morning hours before the crowds have hit the
beach. Changing ocean currents will also play a part in determining what
washes up. Plan your beachcombing
expedition just as the tide is receding. The winter months provide some of
the best beachcombing opportunities. Strong waves and storm activity stir
up the gravel beds and deposit “treasures” along the beach. Sand
dollars, shells, glass floats, agates, jasper, fossils, and driftwood are just
some of the items you might find along the beach. However, just about anything
could wash up on the beach . . . Every year hundreds of shipment containers
are lost overboard, and the contents drift across the Pacific and end up along
the coast.
A variety of shells can be found along the Seaside coastline. Sand dollars
regularly wash up on the beach, especially at the North end of the beach near
the Necanicum River. Changes in the ocean currents occasionally cause hundreds
of them to wash up, many still covered with fuzzy, purplish spines. Over time,
the spines rub off and the sun bleaches them white. But if you observe a slight
wave of movement across the spines, the animal is still alive and should be
tossed back into the ocean. 
Western
sand dollars commonly grow to approximately 3” in diameter before they
wash up onto the beach, but occasionally you can find tiny coin-sized specimens
. . . perhaps these are “Sand Pennies!”
Jasper, agates, and many other interesting rocks can also be found along the
shore, but can sometimes be tricky to find. Rockhounds will generally find
better pickings from Silver Point and Arcadia Beach southwards to Arch Cape. 
Silver
Point is a rocky outcropping located at the very South end of Cannon Beach
(and if the tide is low you can walk there from Cannon Beach). From Highway
101, there are two large viewpoints, one right after the other, at Silver Point.
Informative signs at these viewpoints will help you to identify beaches and
landmarks. South of Silver Point is Arcadia Beach and Hug Point, all of which
are good places for beachcombing. Continuing Southward, the beaches of Arch
Cape are dotted with rocks and the earnest beachcomber is likely to find agates
or other beachcombing treasures.
Sandcastles
Creating simple castles in the sand is an activity that most people have tried
and enjoy, but why stop there? Sand can be sculpted into all kinds of things
including animals, people, forts, and other objects. 
Sand
can also hold a surprising amount of detail, and a whole host of odds and ends
tools are used by sand sculptors to create different effects. Not just a plastic
bucket and shovel affair anymore, trowels, kitchen utensils, feathers, and
many other items are used to create fun sculptures. Try drawing some lines
to add texture to your work of art, and then use an ordinary drinking straw
to blow away the loose sand! Experiment a little and you might find your “sand
art” attracting some attention and praise from your fellow beachgoers!
Join
us for the Seaside Sandcastle Competition & Festival! For
more information call 1-800-444-6740 or (503)738-6391
See incredible works of art appear before your eyes as the pros expertly sculpt the sand. This event is fun for everyone, whether you're a pro, amateur or spectator. Bring the whole family!
Bonfires & Roasting Fun
Building
a little bonfire on the beach and roasting marshmallows is a classic and fun
family activity to pass the evening. But if you’re watching your weight
or not a big fan of the traditional gooey s’mores and hot dogs don’t
let that stop you! Pineapple (fresh or canned), apples, bell peppers, and many
other fruits and vegetables are excellent when roasted over an open fire. Just
take a few moments before you head out to slice them into smaller pieces and
don’t forget to bring napkins (or better yet, wet wipes). Firewood, matches/starter
and “pokers” are often available at the local grocery stores. Be
sure to follow the rules and safety guidelines for building fires on the beach.
Never build a fire next to structures, beachgrass, or anything else that could
catch fire. And be sure to smother the fire with sand and make sure it’s
completely out before packing up and leaving.
Driving on the Beach
Beginning in mid-Gearhart and continuing North all the way to Fort Stevens and the Columbia River, driving on the beach is allowed. There are numerous access points to begin your drive including Gearhart, Sunset Beach and Del Ray. However, the Southern part of Gearhart just North of Seaside and the Necanicum River is closed to vehicles. Drivers must also obey a 25 mph speed limit at all times and be very careful to avoid beachgoers, driftwood, dogs, wildlife and other hazards. If you are wanting to experience the entire 10 mile drive, be sure to go at low tide and stay out of any soft or wet sand to avoid getting stuck!
Play!
Seaside’s
enormous, pristine sandy beach is a blank canvas for just about any sport or
activity you can dream up. And if you forgot to bring something from home,
don’t worry, there are several local businesses that rent and sell equipment
and accessories for your favorite activity.
Football, volleyball, soccer, softball and frisbee are all classic beach activities, as are simple pleasures like flying a kite, beachcombing, sunbathing, picnicking, creating sandcastles, digging holes and building forts. But why not mix things up a bit with a game of limbo, a scavenger hunt, a friendly squirt gun fight, bocce ball, hopscotch, beach croquet, frisbee, hacky sack or perhaps create a gigantic sand drawing?
See also Sports & Recreation
