Seaside Aquarium- A Beachfront Wonder

This particular aquarium is quite unique because it's privately owned, which is a bit different from many other places you might visit. What's more, the people who started it, their family members, are still very much involved in running the place today. This means there's a real sense of continuity and personal care that you can feel when you are there, you know, a deep connection to its beginnings and its ongoing purpose. It’s a place that has, for generations, been a part of the local fabric, supporting its community in many ways.

Beyond just being a place to see sea creatures, the Seaside Aquarium plays a big part in helping people learn about our oceans and the animals that live in them. They are, in fact, quite proud of their efforts in public awareness programs, like helping marine mammals that get into trouble or teaching people about the beach and its creatures. It's a spot that, you know, really cares about the natural world around it, sharing that care with everyone who walks through its doors.

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Table of Contents

• History and Heart of Seaside Aquarium
• What Makes the Seaside Aquarium Special?
• A Day Out at the Seaside Aquarium
• How Does the Seaside Aquarium Look After Its Seals?
• What Programs Does the Seaside Aquarium Support?
• Visiting the Seaside Aquarium - What You Need to Know
• Can You Help the Seaside Aquarium and the Community?
• More Details for Your Seaside Aquarium Visit

History and Heart of Seaside Aquarium

The Seaside Aquarium has, for a long time, been a significant landmark on the Oregon coast, opening its doors back in 1937. That makes it, actually, one of the oldest aquariums you can find on the entire west coast of our country. It is, you know, not just a building with tanks; it is a place with a very long story, a history that stretches back over eighty years. The fact that it has been around for so many decades speaks to its enduring appeal and its special place in the hearts of many people who visit Seaside.

What sets this particular spot apart, in a way, is its ownership. It's not run by the state or a big corporation; it is, quite simply, a privately held establishment. And here's something that makes it even more interesting: the people who started this place, their children and grandchildren, are still actively involved in its day-to-day running. This kind of family connection means there's a personal touch to everything that happens there, a deep sense of commitment passed down through the years. It's almost like visiting a family home that just happens to be full of ocean life, which is kind of neat.

This enduring family connection, you know, really helps shape the atmosphere of the place. It's not just about showing off marine animals; it's about sharing a passion for the ocean that has been a part of this family for generations. You can feel that sense of dedication, that care, when you walk around. It's a spot that, you know, has seen many changes over the decades, yet it has remained a constant source of wonder and learning for everyone who stops by.

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What Makes the Seaside Aquarium Special?

So, what exactly is it about the Seaside Aquarium that makes it stand out? Well, for one thing, its location is pretty remarkable. You will find it right on the beach, which is, you know, a pretty cool spot for an aquarium. It sits at the very end of Second Avenue, right where it meets the North Promenade, just a couple of blocks north of that well-known Seaside Turnaround. This means you can, in fact, go from walking on the sand to seeing ocean creatures in tanks in just a few steps, which is pretty convenient.

Inside, you get to meet a variety of creatures that call the Pacific Northwest home. You can see harbor seals, which are, you know, quite a popular sight there, along with sea stars and many other kinds of marine life. The tanks, about thirty-five of them, show off the animals that live along the Oregon coast, giving you a really good idea of what's out there in the waters nearby. It’s a way to get up close with creatures you might not otherwise get to see, which is, in a way, pretty special.

And for those who are a little more daring, the aquarium has touch tanks. This is where you can, in fact, gently feel some of the ocean's inhabitants. You might get to touch the slightly sticky parts of a sea anemone or, you know, perhaps let a small hermit crab walk across your hand. It's an interactive experience that, you know, helps you connect with the animals in a different way, making your visit feel a bit more personal and memorable, which is pretty neat for kids and adults alike.

A Day Out at the Seaside Aquarium

When you arrive at the Seaside Aquarium, one of the first things you'll notice, actually, is the welcoming committee: a family of harbor seals right near the front entrance. These seals are, in fact, quite a big draw for many people. What's more, you get the chance to feed them, which is, you know, a very popular activity. You can purchase some food for them after you've paid to get in, and then you can watch them splash and play as they enjoy their snacks. It's a really fun way to interact with these amazing animals, giving you a chance to see their personalities up close, which is pretty cool.

Once you step inside, you'll find, as I was saying, about thirty-five tanks with glass fronts. These tanks are, in a way, like windows into the ocean right off the Oregon coast. You will see all sorts of marine life that lives in those waters, from various kinds of fish to different invertebrates. It’s a compact space, but it is, you know, packed with things to see and learn about. You get a real sense of the local marine environment, which is quite interesting.

Beyond just looking, the aquarium also offers a chance to learn about their special captive breeding program. You can find out about the seals' individual personalities, how they behave, and what their daily routines are like. This helps you get a better appreciation for the care these animals receive. The aquarium also has, you know, a long history of successfully breeding harbor seals, actually being the first place in the world to do so in captivity. Some of the seals you see there today are, in fact, sixth-generation aquarium-born animals, which is pretty remarkable when you think about it.

How Does the Seaside Aquarium Look After Its Seals?

The care of the seals at the Seaside Aquarium is, in fact, something the staff takes very seriously. Every person who works there, or who is connected with the aquarium, feels a deep sense of responsibility for these animals. They respect them as living creatures, which is, you know, a very important part of their philosophy. The seals you see at the aquarium were all born right there, which means they have known this environment their entire lives. This is, you know, a testament to the aquarium's long-standing success in seal breeding.

The aquarium has, as I was saying, a history of successful seal breeding that stretches back many years. They were, in fact, the very first aquarium anywhere to successfully breed harbor seals in a controlled environment. Now, they focus on what they call "intentional parenthood," which means they carefully manage their breeding program. This helps ensure the well-being of the seal population they have. It's a very thoughtful approach to animal care, you know, making sure each animal has a good life.

It's also worth noting that these seals, the ones living at the aquarium, would, in fact, probably not be able to survive if they were released into the wild. Studies, like those done by the National Marine Fisheries Service, show that harbor seals that have lived in captivity for more than a year do not, you know, easily adjust to life in the natural environment. So, the aquarium provides a safe and permanent home for them, which is, in a way, a very kind thing to do for these animals, giving them a place where they can thrive.

What Programs Does the Seaside Aquarium Support?

The Seaside Aquarium is, in fact, quite involved in a number of public awareness and community programs, which is something they are very proud of. They play a part in the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, which helps animals that are, you know, in trouble on the coast. They also support the Seaside Beach Discovery Program, which teaches people about the beach environment. These efforts are, you know, really about helping people connect with and care for the ocean and its creatures, which is pretty important.

Another program they are involved with is the Haystack Rock Awareness Program. This program, you know, helps protect the marine garden around Haystack Rock, teaching visitors about its unique ecosystem. They also work with the Wildlife Center of the, which suggests a broader commitment to local wildlife. These initiatives show that the aquarium is, in a way, more than just a place to see animals; it is a hub for environmental education and conservation efforts, which is really good for the community.

They also partner with organizations like SOLVE, the City of Seaside, and the Seaside Downtown Development Association for a monthly beach clean-up event called "Treasure the Beach." This takes place on the first Saturday of every month, which is, you know, a regular commitment to keeping the beach clean and healthy. You can sign up through solveoregon.org or, in fact, just show up at the aquarium to get your bags and gloves. It's a simple way for people to, you know, make a difference, and it shows the aquarium's dedication to the local environment.

Visiting the Seaside Aquarium - What You Need to Know

If you are thinking about visiting the Seaside Aquarium, there are a few things that are, you know, helpful to know before you go. It is located at 200 North Prom, in Seaside, Oregon, with the zip code 97138. You can also call them if you have questions, as they have a telephone number listed. This makes it, you know, pretty easy to find and to get in touch if you need to plan your visit, which is always good.

The aquarium is, in fact, literally just steps from many places to stay, like the Ocean Front at Seaside. This makes it, you know, a very convenient spot to visit if you are staying nearby. It has been a beloved attraction for over ninety years, delighting many guests. This long history means it is, in a way, a part of the Seaside experience for many families who visit the area, generation after generation, which is pretty special.

When it comes to admission, you can find details about hours and entry fees for the Seaside Aquarium. They also offer ways to, you know, feed the seals and even control an aquarium cam, which is a neat interactive feature. For those planning a visit, it's always a good idea to check their current operating hours and any specific requirements for entry, just to make sure you have, you know, the most up-to-date information for your trip.

Can You Help the Seaside Aquarium and the Community?

The Seaside Aquarium offers several ways for visitors to, in fact, help out or save a little money on their visit. If you are part of a group of twenty or more people, or if you are with a school group, they have special rates for you. This makes it, you know, more affordable for larger parties to come and learn about marine life, which is a nice gesture.

For guests who have a military identification card, there is, in fact, a discount available. They receive one dollar off the regular admission price for everyone in their group. This is, you know, a way for the aquarium to show its appreciation for service members and their families, making a visit a little more accessible for them, which is pretty thoughtful.

And during the colder months, specifically from November through February, the aquarium has what they call "Winter Wednesdays." On these days, tickets are, in fact, just three dollars per person. This is, you know, a great opportunity for people to visit during the off-season, offering a very affordable way to experience the aquarium when it might be a bit less crowded, which is a pretty good deal for everyone.

More Details for Your Seaside Aquarium Visit

While planning your trip to the Seaside Aquarium, it's good to know about some practical things. For example, the aquarium itself does not, in fact, have public restrooms available for visitors. However, public restrooms are, you know, conveniently located at the Seaside Turnaround, which is about three blocks south of the aquarium. So, you can, you know, plan for that when you are visiting, which is helpful to know ahead of time.

For those interested in the "Treasure the Beach" clean-up event, which is, you know, a monthly effort to keep the beach tidy, there's a unique way to get in. Instead of paying money, admission for this event is, in fact, just two cans of food per person. All the food collected during these clean-ups is, you know, then donated to the South County Food Bank. This is a very thoughtful way to, in a way, give back to the community while also helping to keep the beach clean, which is pretty good for everyone involved.

These events and details show that the Seaside Aquarium is, you know, very much a part of the broader Seaside community. It is not just a place for entertainment; it is also a place that supports local causes and encourages people to be involved in protecting our natural surroundings. It's a spot that, you know, offers more than just a quick look at fish; it offers a chance to connect with the town and its values, which is quite nice.