We had the Best Time in Seaside Oregon in November
There is something about escaping to the Oregon coast for a couple of nights. The waves, the smell, and the feel of the air all help ease your body and mind with a simple breath in and out. It’s wonderful to be able to get in a bit more travel in our lives now, and, bit by bit, get back to where we once were in our ability to travel. We had the best time in Seaside, Oregon, in November. A little escape to celebrate Jason’s Birthday.
We stayed at a hotel that had an indoor pool for my brother’s Celebration of Life in Kennewick in late September. Lily was so excited about the pool & Jason, and I remembered how much we had enjoyed playing in the pool, too. So my goal for this little getaway back in November was to find one that was affordable with a pool. Ideally, a Choice hotel, so we could get our Choice Rewards. I scored on both and with a view of the little river that runs through Seaside (the Necanicum River).
Best Time in Seaside, Oregon in November
Jason’s birthday is November 11th, which is also Veterans’ Day, and yes, he is a Veteran as well. So it’s always a dual celebration. Plus, his work is off on the 11th, and he gets a PTO day the week of his birthday. Which makes a little time away so much easier. We did our little Seaside, Oregon, trip starting November 9th and came home on his actual birthday, the 11th. Below you’ll find all the details on our little getaway in Seaside, Oregon, in November.
Where we Stayed
As mentioned above, my search area was a pool – I mostly looked at Choice Hotels but viewed a few other options in the Seaside, Oregon area. I would have loved an ocean view, but I kept getting pulled back to the place I booked, and I am so glad I did. It was a lovely place. It was the Kathryn Riverfront Inn – Ascend Hotel Collection.
The hotel is right on the main walking path of Seaside, making it easy to just walk around without needing to worry about driving anywhere. And one side faces the river, I picked the river side on purpose, of course. Any place we can see water earns bonus points with me.
Inside, you’ll find amazing wood accents and this huge, beautiful fireplace in the lobby area. Next to the fireplace, you’ll find various drinks to enjoy. It’s a warm space that makes you feel right at home. Next to the lobby is the pool & hot tub. The pool is little but plenty to play around in, though it could probably use a tiny bit of TLC. The hot tub was down again (I have read this is common lately). In the pool area is a Sauna if you enjoy those – though it didn’t seem to be working while we were there.
There was a complimentary breakfast buffet on the middle level of the hotel; they have a beautifully done space for that (along with the coffee, tea, and juice). Across from the breakfast room is this beautiful bar – I saw they do a chowder in the afternoon, but we didn’t partake in that, so I am not sure if that is where it’s offered. But there are freshly baked cookies each afternoon at the check-in desk.
Our Room
Our room was on the upper floor with a balcony facing the pretty river. We ended up getting two queen beds, but probably would have done better with one king, since Lily didn’t want to sleep alone anyway. The mattresses probably could be updated in the near future, but they were comfortable enough. The room itself was clean and comfortable.
I didn’t think to take pictures of the whole room, but hereis a little peek of Jason opening his gift.
Overall, a comfortable, lovely stay, we’d be happy to come back. All the staff we encountered were friendly and lovely to interact with.
Stay with Choice Hotel Kathryn Riverfront Inn – Ascend Hotel Collection at 545 Broadway Ave., Seaside, OR.
Where we Ate
We love to eat – I mean, who doesn’t? But our issue is always not knowing what we want to eat, and if we want to spend the money to eat there. So we often go back and forth, over and over, and only decide once we are all starving and cranky from not eating. Spending money to eat on vacation isn’t our favorite thing, I don’t think. Which is why we often just get a vacation rental so we can have a kitchen.
On our way out to the beach on Sunday, we stopped at Camp 18 on Hwy 26, which we had heard about time and time again, but never had stopped in all our years going to the beach. It was such a fun place to visit – seeing the outside & inside was a great experience with all the rustic charm; however, we personally were not greatly impressed by the food. Later that night, we had a bite to eat at the Times Theatre and Public House (part of Sisu Brewing Co.), which was a fun experience with just normal food choices.
Monday, after we had the lovely breakfast buffet at the hotel, we had something – I swear we did as a little nibble as a lunch, but I can not for the life of me remember what. We ended up eating an early dinner at Sam’s Seaside Cafe. Okay food and a comfortable atmosphere. That evening, we got some ice cream too – because how can you not when visiting the beach, no matter the weather? We grabbed it from Tuckered Bear Ice Cream.
On our way home on Jason’s actual birthday, we drove up the coast of Oregon instead of cutting across as we did coming. And ended up stopping at the Bridgewater Bistro, right by the Astoria Bridge, and on the water. A little higher end than we normally go with it. But the food was great, and they treated Jason like a special guest for his birthday! A great way to wrap up our trip.
How we Played
I think when we arrived on Sunday, after checking in, we just wandered around the main street of Seaside, then played in the pool that evening before wrapping up to go to sleep.
On Monday, we walked on the beach, and Lily played in the sand and swung on the swings right on the beach. There was a rainbow that you could only really see when you went to take a photo, which I was finding hilarious for some reason. It was a sunny day and only a tad chilly. We also stopped in several shops to look around, of course. I always have to keep my eye out for a sweatshirt on my visits; it’s the one thing I love to grab on vacations.
That evening, we went into Funland and played around a bit. They have some great games (and some not great ones). We have been coming here for years, and it’s changed so much over the last few years, in our opinion. Not good or bad, just change. After our fun at Funland – see what I did there? We headed back to the hotel for some pool fun again before winding down for the night.
On our way out Tuesday, we stopped at one other beach area to explore before making our way up the North Coast and making our way back home.
Overall, we had a great time. Besides trying to decide on food.
When was the last time you visited Seaside, Oregon? Next up for us is Depoe Bay, Oregon!
