Seaside represents the Oregon Coast’s take on an all-American summer getaway: Families with young kids crowd the wide stretch of beach — building sandcastles, playing volleyball, and sometimes dipping their toes in the chilly Pacific Ocean. Its compact downtown resembles a funfair, with numerous arcades, carnival rides, and candy shops overflowing with saltwater taffy. But Seaside is also still in Oregon, meaning it’s surrounded by towering evergreen forests and not as much sun as you’ll find farther south. The surfers at Seaside’s Cove beach, just south of the main drag, don’t seem to mind the cold and rain, though. Even in winter, they wear thick wetsuits to enjoy what are arguably some of the best waves on the West Coast.

There’s no denying the weather in Seaside: It’s cool and wet for much of the year. But when the dry, sunny days of summer roll around, the beach is one of the most popular in the Pacific Northwest. July and August are typically the warmest months, when warm spells still only reach the low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want beach gear for a warm-weather stay, though it’s still wise to pack a warm fleece for the chilly evenings.

Late fall and winter are pleasantly quiet times to book vacation rentals here, when the whole town gets misty and gray. Rainfall averages around 10 inches per month from November to February, when high temperatures hover in the low 50s. Freezing weather in winter is uncommon, though not impossible. Pack cozy layers and waterproof coats to come prepared for the persistent drizzle.

The Promenade

This century-old beachside trail is Seaside’s most recognizable landmark. It’s lined with lampposts and borders the small downtown area. The Prom, as locals call it, gives you views of the wide beach and Tillamook Head in the distance. The defining feature of the Prom is the historic Seaside Turnaround, a traffic roundabout that was especially popular with cruising hot-rodders in the 1950s and ’60s.

Broadway Street

Kitschy souvenir stores, noisy arcades, burger joints, ice cream parlors, and candy shops line several blocks of Broadway Street, the main street in the beachfront downtown. Most of the sights and sounds that define Seaside are a few blocks in any direction. The “Greetings from Seaside” mural, which looks like a brightly colored vintage postcard, is a popular photo op.

Gearhart Golf Links

One of the oldest courses west of the Mississippi River, Gearhart plays a storied role in the history of American golf. Today, the public course remains the go-to spot for tee time on the North Coast.