Seaside Aquarium

Right on the Prom [1] north of the Turnaround is the Seaside Aquarium (200 N. Prom, 503/738-6211, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily Mar.–Oct., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.–Sun. Nov.–Feb., $7.50 adults, $6.25 seniors, $3.75 ages 6–13). It’s not quite the Oregon Coast Aquarium [2] (find that in Newport [3]), but if you’re not going to make it that far south, it’s an OK introduction to sea life for young children.

Back in the era of the Daddy Train [4], this place served as a natatorium but was converted to its current use in 1937. Today the pool is filled with raucously barking seals.

In addition, a hundred species of marine life here include 20-ray sea stars, crabs, ferocious-looking wolf eels and moray eels, and octopuses.