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Seaside Aquarium

The Seaside Aquarium offers an interactive glimpse into the diverse marine life of the Oregon Coast.

About

The Seaside Aquarium offers an interactive glimpse into the diverse marine life of the Oregon Coast. Situated directly on the iconic Seaside Promenade, this historic, privately-owned aquarium provides a unique opportunity to connect with local Pacific Northwest species through engaging and hands-on exhibits. Visitors can feed the aquarium's famous harbor seals, explore tanks filled with a variety of fascinating fish and invertebrates, and even touch tide pool creatures. The visitor experience is designed to be up-close and personal, focusing on education and stewardship of the marine environment. Beyond the popular seal-feeding experience, guests can marvel at the impressive Giant Pacific Octopus, observe the intriguing Wolf Eels, and discover the vibrant colors of a 20-ray Sunflower Sea Star. The interactive Touch Tank allows for direct encounters with sea anemones, sea stars, and sea urchins, providing a memorable sensory experience for all ages. This beloved beachfront attraction blends fun, education, and local history, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting the Oregon Coast. It highlights marine life native to the region, many of which are born and raised on-site, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local ecosystem. The Seaside Aquarium is not just an entertainment venue; it's also deeply involved in public awareness programs, including marine mammal stranding response and local beach discovery initiatives, encouraging a respectful interaction with the coastal environment. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The building housing the Seaside Aquarium was originally constructed in 1924 as the "Seaside Baths Natatorium," a saltwater bathhouse and swimming pool. Economic hardships during the Great Depression led to its closure in the early 1930s. After brief stints as a salmon rearing facility and a venue for wrestling matches, the building was extensively renovated and reopened as the Seaside Aquarium in 1937. This makes it one of the oldest privately owned aquariums on the West Coast, with descendants of the original founders still actively involved in its operation. The aquarium gained early recognition for being one of the first in the world to successfully breed harbor seals in captivity, with many of its current resident seals being third, fourth, or even sixth-generation Aquarium-born animals.

What to do here

Purchase fish trays to feed the charismatic harbor seals. Explore the numerous tanks featuring local Oregon Coast marine life such as various rockfish, crabs, and flatfish. Engage with the hands-on Touch Tank to feel sea anemones, sea stars, and sea urchins. Don't miss the impressive Giant Pacific Octopus in its open floor pool.

Seasonal info

The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. In July and August, the free Seaside Beach Discovery Program runs on Sundays outside the aquarium, offering additional interactive learning opportunities with touch tanks and microscopes on the beach.

Accessibility

The Seaside Aquarium is dog-friendly, welcoming leashed dogs or those carried in arms. However, it does not have public restrooms; visitors need to use public facilities located three blocks south at the Turnaround. A small gravel parking lot is available behind the aquarium, with additional public parking options nearby.

Don't miss

feeding the playful harbor seals

observing the Giant Pacific Octopus

the Wolf Eels

interacting with marine invertebrates in the Touch Tank

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Harbor Seal

Octopus

Sea Anemone

Sea Star

Sea Urchin

Moray Eel

Grouper

Crab

Ling

Flounder

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Be prepared for splashes

When feeding the seals, they are known to splash excitedly, so dress accordingly or be ready to get a little wet.

Visit off-season

For a less crowded experience and potentially more one-on-one interaction with staff, consider visiting during the fall, winter, or spring.

Purchase seal food

Enhance your visit by buying a tray of fish (for $2.00) to feed the seals; it's a memorable highlight.

Plan for restrooms

Note that public restrooms are located three blocks south of the aquarium at the Turnaround, so plan accordingly before or after your visit.

Utilize public parking

If the small gravel lot behind the aquarium is full, there are additional public parking lots nearby, such as at the Seaside Convention Center or along the Promenade.

Check for Beach Discovery Program

If visiting in July or August, look for the free Seaside Beach Discovery Program on Sundays outside the aquarium for extra educational opportunities.

Frequently asked questions

: No, the Seaside Aquarium does not have public restrooms inside the facility. Public restrooms are conveniently located three blocks south at the Turnaround.
: Yes, visitors are welcome to feed the seals at any time throughout the day. Seal food is available for purchase for a small fee of $2.00 per tray after paid admission. Be prepared to get splashed!
: The Seaside Aquarium specializes in local Pacific Northwest marine life found off the Oregon Coast. You can see harbor seals, a Giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf Eels, Moray Eels, various rockfish, crabs, flatfish, and numerous invertebrates like sea stars, sea anemones, and sea urchins in the touch tank.