The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Seaside

This lighthouse sits just over a mile offshore and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is commonly known as "Terrible Tilly" due to its unlikely location, ability to withstand the ravages of the sea and dangerous conditions for its keepers dating back to 1878. The viewpoint is an excellent opportunity to capture a photo of this exciting piece of history in the Pacific Northwest.

The Seaside Promenade is a 1.5-mile multi-use cement path along the oceanfront, which separates the beach from the first row of residential homes. It is an excellent route to breathe in the salty fresh air and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. Numerous restaurants along the path make it a great place to stop if you need to grab lunch before or after a long ride.

PAINTED ROCK BEACH IS FULL of beautifully painted rocks commemorating family vacations, loved ones and beautiful ocean scenes. While you're there, you can look through all the different stones or add your own. The origins of the beach are uncertain, but the tradition is believed to have started with a local family in the 1970s.

From the northern Tillamook Head Trail, hikers are treated to a dense - and wet - coastal rainforest. The town of Seaside, north of the trailhead, has an average of 194 days of precipitation per year and an average annual precipitation accumulation of more than 6 feet. So if you're heading here for a hike, be sure to pack your waterproof boots and perhaps bring a change of clothes if you expect to get wet and muddy. Although the hike is possible most of the year, you will encounter the least amount of mud and fog if you hike in summer. This route begins on the north side of Ecola, in the Elmer Feldenheimer State Natural Area. At the end of Sunset Boulevard look for the very clearly marked trailhead.

Rain or shine, Seaside Cove is a must-see, whether you're a tourist or a local. It is a mix of sandy and rocky beach. There is plenty of parking and Seltzer Park is right across the street. There are public toilets and a shower to rinse off sandy feet. There are also plenty of benches for watching waves and people watching.

This 1.5-mile cement path along the oceanfront offers a fantastic opportunity for a leisurely run. The Seaside Promenade, which separates the beach from the first row of homes, is a great route to breathe in the salty fresh air and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. For a more adventurous run, you can also explore the lightly packed sand trails that run through the dunes surrounded by the tall coastal grass.

Seaside Cove is a popular destination for surfers and is also located along the Oregon Coast Trail. Take some time to watch the waves hitting the round-shaped rocks - you might find colorful starfish between them. Seltzer Park is just on the other side of the road and has (picnic) benches, a drinking fountain and restrooms.

There is helpful information regarding the trail's history, and the arched entrance gives you the feeling of entering your own personal, magical coastal forest. If you want to avoid the park day use fee ($5), there is a public transportation site here.