Are you looking to explore Lincoln City, Oregon? You are at the right place. Lincoln City Beach was voted one of the best beaches in the US and has been one of Oregon's best kept secrets for decades. Picturesque sunsets, sandy beaches, gorgeous rainforests, and quaint coastal towns: the Oregon Coast on the Pacific Ocean is a truly magical place that should be on your bucket list.
There's a special vibe at the Oregon coast that you won't find anywhere else, and each coastal town has its own special feeling.
Located on the central coast of Oregon, between Tillamook and Newport, you will find plenty to do here. And we're not alone in our thoughts, as Lincoln City recently was voted one of the best beaches in the United States. Here's a list of our favorite things to do, places to eat, and where to stay when visiting beautiful Lincoln City Oregon.
RELATED: The 16 Best Oregon Beaches to Dip Your Toes in The Sand
Things To Do in Lincoln City
This small coastal town is a favorite for tourists on coast that hosts a wide array of fun things to do.
Lincoln City Cultural Center
The Lincoln City Cultural Center, originally established in 1992 as the Lincoln City Arts Forum, has been a hub of artistic activity for nearly three decades. It obtained non-profit status in 1997 and in 2007 adopted its current name.
Housed in the historic DeLake School, which has been a center for education in Lincoln City since 1929, LCCC provides classes and events for all ages in a wide range of artistic disciplines including art, dance, music, literature, and theater. Additionally, LCCC sponsors contests, fundraisers, and activities to support artists of all ages and promote cultural awareness within the community.
Official website: https://lincolncity-culturalcenter.org/
Hiking Trails In Lincoln City
Cascade Head Trail
Cascade Head Trailhead, near Lincoln City (Photo by Stephanie / Flickr)
At around 6 miles the hike is rewarded with views of the sea below from the cliffs above. The Nature Conservatory Trail is open all year round, with the other trailheads being shut down from January through July in an effort to protect the wildlife of the area.
The most popular trailhead starts at Knights Park, which eventually takes you through stunning old-growth coastal forest.
God's Thumb
This well known hike takes you along an elk–frequented ridge to a basalt formation known locally as The Thumb (or sometimes more colorfully as God's Thumb) on Siuslaw National Forest land. Hit the link here to read more about God's Thumb.
Drift Creek Fall
If you’re looking for an amazing easy coastal rainforest hike near Lincoln City you’ll definitely want to check out Drift Creek Falls. The coolest part about this hike in my opinion, is the impressive suspension bridge.
The 240 foot long bridge spans across Drift Creek and is suspended about 100 feet in the air. The gorgeous waterfall at the end of the hike is a nice bonus.
READ MORE: Drift Creek Falls
Lincoln City Beaches Are Gorgeous
Kite Festival
The Kite Festival is fun for all ages!
An annual kite festival is held in town on the Central Oregon coast. At this festival, amateur and professional kite flyers color the sky with a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Because accommodation may be scarce during the festival, it is advisable to check accommodation prices and make reservations in advance.
The Lincoln City Visitor & Convention Bureau provides information on the festival's program, venue, event schedule, parking, etc.
Places to eat in Lincoln City
J's Fish And Chips
While there's definitely no shortage of places to choose from for tasty fish and chips, we can't include all of our favorites. But we can say J's Fish And Chips is a popular spot with locals. You can visit J's Fish And Chips at 1800 SE Highway 101.
Barnacle Bill's
This little red and white storefront has been a fixture in town since it first opened in 1949. One of the last open-to-the-sidewalk brick-and-mortar businesses in Oregon, Barnacle Bill's has a reputation for quality fresh and alder-smoked seafood that keeps fans coming back for more.
The Bay House at Salishan
If you're looking for fine dining, the Bay House at Salishan is a must. Since 1978, The Bay House has been much more than just a fine restaurant. Great food, and great service, and a relaxing atmosphere will all be found here. Dinner hours start at 5:30 pm from Wednesday through Sunday.
You can make reservations by calling 541-996-3222.
McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub
Set near the gorgeous Cascade Head on the Pacific, McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub serves classic pub fare in a seaside setting, complete with an onsite brewery (they lay claim to being the first brewpub to open on the Oregon coast). Visitors enjoy McMenamins handcrafted ales, wines and spirits in a casual, family-friendly environment, and love to take in the view of the brewery where the open fermenters show a view of brewing in action.
Address: 4157 N. Highway 101
Otis Café
The famous Otis Café which burned down on July 4, 2019, has been rebuilt and is in full swing again. You can find the Cafe in south Lincoln City, though visitors should prepare for a wait in line as this is a local favorite. You can visit the Otis Cafe at 4618 SE Hwy 101 in Lincoln City. While you're there, don't forget to try their cinnamon rolls!
READ MORE: Otis Cafe
Burger 101 & Steak
If you're into tasty mouthwatering burgers, you have to try Burger 101 And Steak. It's one of our personal favorite places to eat in Lincoln City and is popular with locals. You can visit Burger 101 and Steak at 5045 SW Highway 101 in Lincoln City.
READ MORE: Burger 101 on the Oregon Coast
Entertainment in Lincoln City
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
One of Oregon's most popular casinos is the Chinook Winds Casino Resort. If you want to try your hand at blackjack or pull the lever on slot machines, you won't be disappointed with an evening at Chinook Winds. The casino includes poker, sports betting, table games, bingo and much more to get your gambling fix.
So you're not feeling too lucky? Gambling is not the only thing the casino has to offer. There are plenty of events you can checkout here.
Lincoln City Glass Center
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to make and blow your own special piece of glass art? Have some local glass blowers help you! Lincoln City Glass Center allows visitors to blow their own glass piece to take home. You can also browse and purchase one of a kind hand blown glass pieces as a keepsake of your time in Lincoln City. Visit Lincoln City Glass Center at 4821 SW Highway 101 in Lincoln City.
Find Glass Floats Along The Beach
Thanks to a pioneering beach bill passed in 1967, all 363 miles of Oregon's coastline remain free and open for public use. Nearly 3,000 colorful glass floats are hidden every year along seven miles of the Oregon Coast, between Roads End and Siletz Bay, as part of the Finders Keepers treasure hunt.
From the Siletz Bay to Roads End, float fairies hide hand crafted glass floats for beachcombers to find while exploring. This year over 3,000 gorgeous glass floats are being hidden along seven miles of sandy beach in Lincoln City.
The area around Lincoln City has some gorgeous waterways to explore by kayak and Standup Paddleboard. Check out our four favorite spots to paddle near Lincoln City here.
If you don't own your own gear or don't know how to use a stand up paddleboard or Kayak, many local businesses offer lessons and tours, which you can find in the link above.
Lincoln City Outlets
The Lincoln City Outlets in Oregon are a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists. With a variety of stores that offer discounted prices on popular brands, the outlets provide shoppers with a chance to find great deals on clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods.
However, due to their popularity, the outlets can get extremely busy, especially during peak seasons. It's recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds and ensure a stress-free shopping experience.
Scout Northwest Trading Company
We have to brag a little about Scout Northwest as it's near and dear to our heart as the home of the That Oregon Life podcast and gear.
Not only is Scout Northwest an awesome place to pick up cool Oregon gear, but it's also one of the best places in Oregon to throw axes. At Scout Northwest's custom throwing axe facility, you can try your hand at hitting targets with axes, hatchets, and knives.
You'll find this awesome little shop nestled in the Lincoln City Outlets Mall just off Highway 101.
Visit The Historic Bijou Theatre
For those headed to the Oregon Coast and looking for something to do, the Bijou Theatre in Lincoln City is definitely worth checking out. Incredibly, this historic indoor theater which opened June 3, 1937, is still open today and there’s plenty of hot buttery popcorn for everyone to enjoy. You can visit the Bijou Theater at 1624 NE Highway 101 in Lincoln City. They even offer a drive in movie theater now!
Where to Stay In Lincoln City
Devil’s Lake Campground in Lincoln City
Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area consists of two parks on opposite sides of Devils Lake. On the west shore is the campground, located just minutes from downtown Lincoln City, and a short walk to the beach. East Devil’s Lake State Park is a day-use park with a boat launch located a short drive around the southern end of the lake.
Close to plenty of shopping, beaches, and restaurants, you will find the only Oregon coast campground located in the midst of a city. The Devil's Lake Campground is also close to the D River State Recreation Site, at just a short 10 minute walk away over a boardwalk through the wetland and across Highway 101.
Fun fact: D River is the shortest river in the world!
Things To Do Nearby Lincoln City
Devil's Punchbowl
Nestled between Newport and Depoe Bay, you will find one of Oregon's most frequented natural wonders known as the Devil's Punchbowl. This sea cave is as mesmerizing as it is dangerous.
Depending on how the tide is, the punchbowl may even be empty upon visiting, allowing guests to enter it from the beach. Of course, when the punchbowl is full, this would be far too dangerous to enter and can still be viewed from above as the waves churn violently within the rock formation.
This park is open for day use year round. There is limited parking available, and parking is only allowed in the parking lot. The restroom is open from 9 am – 6 pm. There are no trash receptacles, so whatever you bring with you, you must take out with you.
READ MORE: Devil's Punchbowl on the Oregon Coast
Salishan Resort & Aerial Park
Looking for an awesome place to stay that includes an awesome aerial tree park? Salishan Coastal Lodge has you covered. At the edge of the incredible Oregon Coast range waves lap on sandy beaches, forests wait to be explored, and adventure is calling.
Nestled along the edge of Siltez Bay in Gleneden Beach sits one of our favorite coast retreats: Salishan Coastal Lodge, a place where you can truly feel one with the soulful mountains, the powerful sea, and the enchanting forest. Read more about Salishan here.
More Oregon Coast Towns To Visit
- Seaside, Oregon
- Yachats, Oregon
- Astoria, Oregon
- Newport, Oregon
- Florence, Oregon
- Pacific City, Oregon
- Bandon, Oregon
- Brookings, Oregon
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
