Fun Things to Do in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast

Lincoln City's miles of sandy beach is this Oregon Coast city's major attraction. Kite flying, beach combing, shellfishing, whale watching, and tide pooling are all popular beach activities, along with walking, wandering, and watching the waves roll in. Some hardy souls even surf.

The beach can be accessed from points all along the coastline, including:

Roads End State Recreation Area
Located at the north edge of the city limits, Roads End has limited facilities but wide open beach access.

"D" River State Wayside
Just over 100 feet of "river" connects Devil's Lake to the Pacific Ocean. Where the river and ocean meet is a popular beach access point and a hotspot for kite flying events.

Lincoln City Parks with Beach Access:

• Canyon Drive Park - SW 11th and Coast Ave.
• Josephine Young Memorial Park - SW 65th St.
• Siletz Bay Park - Hwy 101 and Schooner Creek Bridge
• Taft Waterfront Park - SW 51st St.

There's lots of outdoor fun to be had away from the beach too.

Hiking Trails
The forests, lake, rivers, and creeks around Lincoln City provide lovely terrain for hiking and nature trails. Here are some scenic trails that should be within most people's ability.

• Nature Conservancy Trails at Cascade Head
  Two different trails are accessible to take you through this Nature Conservancy Preserve rich in wildlife and wildflowers.
• Cutler City Nature Trail
  Located behind a south Lincoln City hardware store, this 1-mile trail passes through woods and wetlands.
• Drift Creek Falls Trail in Siuslaw National Forest
  This trail takes you through lush rainforest and across a suspension bridge, where you'll be rewarded with an amazing waterfall view.
• Hebo Lake Loop Trail in Siuslaw National Forest
  This family-friendly, under-1-mile trail circles around the shores of tiny Hebo Lake.

Boating and Paddling
Devil's Lake provides a wealth of water recreation opportunities, from motor boating and water...MORE skiing to canoeing and kayaking. On Devil's Lake, boat launches are located near the campground on the north side of the lake and at the East Devil's Lake day-use park. Paddlers can enjoy a guided trip at Siletz Bay, which is a National Wildlife Refuge.

Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy
This magnificent garden, at one time the private garden of Connie Hansen, has been preserved and is open to the public. The gardens can now be toured throughout the year, with guided tours available upon advance request. Highlights include the gorgeous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, which burst into color in April and May.

Glass art is big in the Northwest and Oregon Coast communities have embraced the colorful art form wholeheartedly. Many local glass blowers allow you to watch their creative activity, or to join in yourself through a class or workshop. The Oregon Coast's wild beauty and dynamic scenery attract artists of all kinds, from painters and photographers to pottery and textiles. You'll find the work of local artists and artisans in  Lincoln City's many galleries and shops.

Glass Blowing Studios:
Here are some of the Lincoln Studio glass galleries you can explore.

• Sears Glass Art Studio
  4821 SW US Highway 101
• Alderhouse Glass
  611 Immonen Rd.
• Mor Art
  4933 US Highway 101

Art Galleries:
Local art galleries make for fun shopping and provide wonderful souvenirs for your Lincoln City getaway. Here are some of the art galleries I recommend:

• Artists Co-op Gallery
  20 NE Highway 101
• Freed Gallery
  6119 SW Highway 101
• Lawrence Gallery at Salishan
  7755 N Highway 101

Finders Keepers
To make the Oregon Coast beach...MORE experience that much more exciting, every mid-October through Memorial day Lincoln City places colorful blown-glass floats along over 7 miles of beach. If you find one of these artist-signed and numbered floats, it is yours to keep.

You know the great thing about shopping in Lincoln City? Like all of Oregon, there's no sales tax! Charming local boutiques, candy stores, and gift shops can be found up and down Highway 101. One hub of fun shops is located along Logan Road, north of the Highway 101 intersection. Lincoln City Plaza is located on one side of the road;  Lighthouse Square Shopping Center is across the street. Another shop cluster is located near "D" River State Park.

Tanger Outlet Mall
Bargain and deal hunters will love exploring the outlet stores, which include Coldwater Creek, Jones New York, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, Reebok, Harry & David, and Bath & Body Works.

Lincoln City Farmers and Crafters Market
Held on Sunday all year-round, this farmers market offers locally-grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and handcrafted items. It is held at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, indoors during the cold months, outdoors when it's warm. Live entertainment and food are also a part of...MORE the Sunday market experience.

From a local history museum to a casino, these visitor attractions will make your visit to Lincoln City that much more fun and interesting.

Chinook Winds Casino
Slots, table games, bingo, keno, and poker are among the gaming choices at this large waterfront facility. The live entertainments options vary throughout the year and include ​big-name music concerts, comedy, and special events. Chinook Winds offers fine and casual dining options, along with a buffet and two lounges.

North Lincoln County Historical Museum
Local history and culture is preserved and presented throughout the exhibits at this Lincoln City museum. Many exhibits focus on life and industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The glass float exhibit is a museum highlight.

Fresh seafood and Pacific Northwest cuisine are an essential part of any Oregon Coast experience. Here are some food and drink recommendations for Lincoln City:

Chowder and Seafood at Mo's Restaurant
Mo's clam chowder is a favorite up and down the Oregon Coast. The Lincoln City Mo's overlooks Siletz Bay. The lengthy menu includes clam, crab, cod, shrimp, and oyster dishes of all kinds as well as beer and wine.

The Lighthouse Brewpub
This McMenamins pub brews some of their beer offerings on-site. The menu features creative and tasty pub grub such as sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and various forms of fried potatoes. Their beer, wine, and cocktail offerings are extensive.

Learn Cooking Skills at the Culinary Center at Lincoln City
Offering both demonstration and hands-on classes, the Culinary Center focuses on local ingredients and Pacific Northwest cuisine.

• Festival of Illusions (March)
• Summer Kite Festival (June)
• Siletz Bay Fireworks (July)
• Siletz Bay Sand Castle Competition (August)
• Oregon Coast Pride Festival (September)
• Fall Kite Festival (October)