
Seaside Aquarium
Historic Seaside Aquarium, a charming spot since 1937, famous for its interactive seal feeding and dog-friendly policy.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the seals' active feeding

Seaside Aquarium
Best Time
Catch the seals' active feeding

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Seaside Aquarium, a charming spot since 1937, famous for its interactive seal feeding and dog-friendly policy.
"A small but fun aquarium with a highlight being the seal feeding!"

🎯 Feed the Seals!
Don't miss the seal feeding! It's a highlight and worth the small cost for the fish.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Your furry friends can enjoy the aquarium too.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seal Feeding Frenzy
Central Enclosure
Watch and feed the charismatic seals! A crowd-pleasing activity that brings smiles to all ages.

Interactive Touch Tank
Designated Touch Pool
Get hands-on with marine life like starfish and anemones. Educational and fun for curious minds.

Giant Pacific Octopus
Octopus Exhibit
Marvel at the intelligence and beauty of this magnificent cephalopod. Often a surprisingly active resident.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Seal Feeding
Manage Expectations for a Small Aquarium
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Feed the Seals!
Don't miss the seal feeding! It's a highlight and worth the small cost for the fish.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Your furry friends can enjoy the aquarium too.
🎟️ Affordable Admission
Great value for the experience, especially for families.
📍 Promenade Location
Easily accessible on the Seaside promenade, perfect for a stroll.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Feed the Seals!
Don't miss the seal feeding! It's a highlight and worth the small cost for the fish.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Your furry friends can enjoy the aquarium too.
🎟️ Affordable Admission
Great value for the experience, especially for families.
📍 Promenade Location
Easily accessible on the Seaside promenade, perfect for a stroll.
🐙 Active Octopus
Look for the Giant Pacific Octopus; it's often surprisingly active and mesmerizing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Seaside Aquarium for its affordable admission and the unique, interactive seal feeding experience, which is a hit with families and kids. The dog-friendly policy is also a significant plus. However, some reviewers note that the aquarium is small, with compact enclosures that can feel dark and dated, raising questions about animal welfare for some.
"We just stumbled upon this aquarium while on our visit to the Oregon coast. If you’re looking for a conservation type aquarium and want to see happy animals, this is not it. It is dark and depressing inside.
The tanks for the animals are small/crowded. The touch tank is small with a lot of starfish which was fun for probably 20 seconds.
There is an open tank/enclosure in the center of the room that has small sharks that look dead.
The seal enclosure has way too many seals and is very small. The aquarium hands you a pamphlet upon entry explaining the conditions for the seals. It says that the seals have a large dry space in the back but choose to be in the public viewing area. It also says that the seals are not released into the wild because studies show that after 1 year in captivity the seals would be less likely to survive in the wild. However, they explain that they have bred all their seals in captivity for years. Meaning these seals have never been outside, some being over 20 years old."
cora m
"Small but super fun aquarium right in the middle of downtown Seaside. Very reasonable price for admission and for the fish to feed the seals. The little octopus was very active when we were visiting, which was really awesome. Feeding the seals was also really cool. Definitely worth a visit."
Robbie D
"During our recent visit to the Seaside Aquarium, I had mixed feelings about the experience. On one hand, I appreciated the opportunity for our family to learn about a variety of marine life. It’s always good to have a place where children can be exposed to ocean species up close and gain a better understanding of the coastal ecosystem. That being said, there were some noticeable drawbacks that were hard to ignore. The biggest issue I observed was the seal enclosure, which felt far too small for the number of seals housed there. It seemed crowded, and I couldn’t help but wonder about the quality of life for the animals in such a confined space.
Additionally, the overall condition of the aquarium left something to be desired. One of the tanks appeared to be leaking, and there were several areas that looked worn down or in need of repair. The facility gave off the impression of being somewhat dated and in need of refurbishment. However, there were still some positives to our visit. I particularly enjoyed the story of Victor the Lobster, which added a fun and memorable element to the experience. Overall, while educational, the aquarium clearly could benefit from some upgrades."
Bryan “Dad of 4”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Seaside Aquarium is conveniently located in downtown Seaside, Oregon, right on the promenade. If you're driving, there's street parking available nearby. Many visitors find it easily accessible by walking along the beach promenade.
Yes, there is street parking available in the downtown Seaside area. During peak times, it can be competitive, so arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday might be beneficial.
If you're staying in Seaside, especially near the promenade, walking to the aquarium is a great option. It's a pleasant stroll along the beach.
Look for it along the main promenade that runs parallel to the beach in Seaside, Oregon. It's a central and easily identifiable landmark.
While direct public transport to the aquarium itself might be limited, Seaside is a walkable town. If arriving from further afield, consider local shuttle services or regional bus lines that stop in Seaside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally very reasonable, making it an affordable outing. Check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing for adults and children.
There's a small fee to purchase fish for feeding the seals, typically around $2 for a portion of fish. It's a popular and worthwhile experience.
While some larger aquariums offer online booking, the Seaside Aquarium is a smaller, historic venue. It's best to purchase tickets upon arrival.
Hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date opening and closing times, especially for specific feeding schedules.
Keep an eye out for potential package deals or local promotions. Sometimes hotels or visitor centers offer discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of marine life, including seals, sharks, octopuses, starfish, and various fish species. The seal enclosure is a major draw.
Absolutely! Kids love the interactive touch tank and, especially, feeding the seals. It's a great educational and fun experience for younger visitors.
Yes, the Seaside Aquarium is dog-friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome to join you during your visit, which is a big plus for pet owners.
The touch tank allows visitors to gently interact with creatures like starfish and anemones. Staff are usually present to guide the experience.
A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how long you spend at each exhibit and if you participate in the seal feeding.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The aquarium itself is small and primarily focused on exhibits. There isn't a full-service restaurant inside, but there are often snacks available.
Downtown Seaside has numerous restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops offering a variety of cuisines. You'll find plenty of options within walking distance.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium itself, but you can usually enjoy them in nearby public areas or parks.
Seaside offers classic beach town fare like seafood, burgers, and casual dining. Many places have ocean views.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, toys, and other memorabilia related to the aquarium and marine life.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.
The seal feeding, the Giant Pacific Octopus, and the touch tank offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the interactions is key.
Some visitors note that the aquarium can be a bit dark, which might require adjusting your camera settings or using a phone with good low-light capabilities.
Absolutely! The seals are a prime subject. Try to capture them interacting or during their feeding times for dynamic shots.
A smartphone with good low-light performance or a mirrorless camera with a versatile lens would work well. Avoid bulky equipment that might obstruct others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Check the seal feeding schedule as soon as you arrive to plan your visit around this exciting event. The aquarium's historic charm and engaging exhibits make it a perfect, quick stop for a fun family outing on the Oregon coast.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Explorers
Combine your aquarium visit with a stroll along the dog-friendly Seaside promenade and beach for a complete pet-inclusive day. It’s a great way to ensure everyone in the family, including the four-legged members, gets to enjoy the Seaside experience.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Pair your visit with a picnic lunch from a local market and enjoy the ocean views nearby. The aquarium provides a significant amount of engagement and fun for a modest cost, making it a smart addition to any budget-friendly itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Seal Feeding Experience
It's important to note that feeding times are scheduled, so checking the aquarium's daily schedule upon arrival is crucial to ensure you don't miss out. The enthusiasm of the seals and the direct interaction make this a memorable part of any visit. Many reviews highlight this as a must-do, emphasizing the fun and unique nature of the experience.
Understanding the Aquarium's History and Ethics
While the compact enclosures have drawn some criticism, the aquarium emphasizes the care provided to its long-term residents. Visitors often find the Giant Pacific Octopus and the touch tank to be fascinating, offering educational insights into marine life. The aquarium's focus is on providing an accessible and engaging experience for visitors, particularly families, with its historic setting and interactive elements like the seal feeding and touch tank.
Navigating Seaside with Pets
This policy extends the appeal of Seaside as a destination for pet owners. Many other areas in Seaside, including the beach and promenade, are also dog-friendly, allowing for a comprehensive pet-inclusive vacation experience. It's always a good idea to keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of other visitors and the animals within the aquarium.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit