Seaside Aquarium

Seaside Aquarium is a small coastal aquarium on the beach in Seaside that has presented Pacific Northwest marine life since 1937. Its collection is strongly regional, with exhibits focused on animals and ecosystems found along the Oregon Coast. Underwater displays feature species such as giant Pacific octopus, wolf eels, flatfish, sea anemones, sea stars, and other fish and invertebrates, while the aquarium's harbor seals provide one of its most distinctive visitor experiences.

Interactive learning is built into the visit. A touch tank allows visitors to handle selected intertidal animals, and the Discovery Center uses microscopes and other displays to examine smaller marine organisms and coastal life. The aquarium also participates in marine mammal stranding and beach discovery programs, connecting its exhibits with broader coastal education and stewardship. Its compact, local focus makes Seaside Aquarium well suited to travelers interested in Oregon's nearshore ecosystems who prefer an intimate aquarium experience over a large collection of tropical or global marine life.