The rooms at Seashore Inn (60 N. Prom, 503/738-6368 or 888/738-6368, www.seashoreinnor.com, $129 and up) are right in the thick of it along the Promenade. Half the guest rooms face the beach, but half don’t. These rooms are just steps from the beach but are a fraction of the cost of rooms on the other side of the building. All guest rooms have microwaves and mini-refrigerators, and some have full kitchens. There’s also an indoor pool in case the weather turns foul.

Well south of the bustling Broadway scene, the Inn at the Shore (2275 S. Prom, 503/738-3113 or 800/713-9914, www.innattheshore.com, $119 and up) has nicely appointed rooms, each with a gas fireplace, a balcony, a wet bar, a microwave, a coffeemaker, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, and a DVD/VCR.

While motels dominate the lodging scene in Seaside, a few B&Bs and small inns offer an alternative. The four-story shingle-sided Seaside Oceanfront Inn (581 S. Prom, 503/319-3300 or 800/772-7766, www.theseasideinn.com, $135 and up) stands right on the beach, with its north gable skewered by a clock tower. Each of the 15 guest rooms is decorated in a unique theme—the clock tower room has a huge round bed in the center of the room, but other than that, they’re pretty tasteful. Most have a spectacular ocean view, and pets are permitted in certain rooms. The on-site restaurant is very good.

The Gilbert Inn (341 Beach Dr., 503/738-9770 or 800/410-9770, www.gilbertinn.com, $139 and up) is a well-preserved 1892 Queen Anne located just a block south of Broadway and a block from the beach. Period furnishings adorn the 10 guest rooms, which all have private bathrooms, down comforters, and other nice touches. The third-floor “Garret” sleeps up to four in a queen and two twin beds, with ocean views from the dormer window.

North of Broadway, the 10th Avenue Inn (125 10th Ave., 503/738-0643 or 800/745-2378, www.10aveinn.com, $101–129) is a comfortable 1908 home built just a few steps from the beach. In the parlor a baby grand piano, a guitar, and other instruments are available for musically inclined guests. The three guest rooms have king-size beds, attached bathrooms, TVs, and small refrigerators.

Next door and operated by the same folks is the Doll House (www.summerhouse-seaside.com), a sweet two-bedroom cottage ideal for four adults plus two or three children, with a full kitchen and a deck with a barbecue grill. It goes for $890 per week in summer (minimum 1-week rental), and $160 per night off-season (2-night minimum).

Just north of the Necanicum River’s mouth, Gearhart offers a respite from the bustle of Seaside. The Gearhart Ocean Inn (67 N. Cottage St., 503/738-7373, www.gearhartoceaninn.com, $135 and up) offers a choice of 12 New England–style wooden cottages with comforters, wicker chairs, and throw rugs, and the beaches are a short walk away. The two-story deluxe units have kitchens and hardwood floors. Pets are allowed in some units. Especially during the off season, this spruced-up old motor court is one of the best values on the North Coast.