Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Lincoln City, OR

  • Published 2022/05/28

Lincoln City is a coastal getaway in Oregon.

It’s home to 7.5 miles of breathtaking beaches.

There are hiking trails, rivers, and waterfalls waiting to be explored here, too.

Say yes to a myriad of activities waiting for you in Lincoln City.

You can go hiking, fly a kite, seek treasures, build castles in the sand, or go swimming!

Check out this list of the best things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon:

Visit the Beautiful Roads End State Recreation Site

Signboard of Road’s End State Recreation Site

Ovall / Shutterstock.com

If you want to enjoy the best of the beaches in Lincoln City, you need to spend at least a day at Roads End State Recreation Site.

Get close to the ocean and fall in love with its scenic beauty.

Beach at Roads End State Recreation Site

Justin Lonas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Containing miles of shorelines, Roads End State Recreation Site is one of the best-loved attractions in Lincoln City.

The hiking options here are endless, and you can access a lot of secret coves and beaches right within this recreational site.

Hike to the Gorgeous Drift Creek Falls

Top view of Drift Creek Falls

kaylee Bennett / Shutterstock.com

The Drift Creek Falls, located in the Siuslaw National Forest, is one of the most majestic sights in Lincoln City.

The ambiance is beyond words, and the scenic beauty needs to be experienced.

You need to hike to the falls, but don’t worry—it’s quite easy.

Scenic view of the fog covered suspension bridge at Drift Creek Falls

Jl.human / Shutterstock.com

There’s a suspension bridge that lies just before the falls.

You can take some of the most gorgeous photos from there.

The bridge is situated above Drift Creek Falls.

It’s almost 100 feet high!

Water from Drift Creek Falls running through the rocks

AlexBuess / Shutterstock.com

Go on a Local Food Tour

People enjoying seafood at a restaurant in Lincoln City

Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Lincoln City is a haven for foodies.

In this city, breakfast is synonymous with waffles and pancakes.

Diners serve breakfast with freshly brewed coffee that will give you enough energy for a full day of sightseeing.

Sea Gulp at Lincoln City

Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Lincoln City’s seafood is always fresh and is a must-try.

The pizza is fantastic here, too.

Another cool thing about Lincoln City: it has a lot of candy shops!

Do give everything a try.

Enjoy the Waters at Devil’s Lake

Tranquil water at Devil’s Lake

Ian Poellet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The freshwater lake extends across a massive 685 acres.

It then meets the D River and finally flows into the sea.

The surprising thing is that this lake is not affected by the winds that come from the sea.

Natural hiking trail at Devil’s Lake State Park

Hills Outdoors / Shutterstock.com

A lot of parks are situated around this lake, so you can get the best views from a lot of points.

Devil’s Lake State Park is a must-visit to cherish the waters with some good sceneries.

Wooden stairs along the hiking trail in Devil’s Lake State Park

Hills Outdoors / Shutterstock.com

You can go boating in the lakes from this point.

There are good campgrounds all around, so you can spend a night in front of the lake waters.

Make Your Way to Siletz Bay

Wooden pier at Siletz Bay

Dee Browning / Shutterstock.com

A perfect combination of green foliage and seawater, Siletz Bay is one of the top places to see in Lincoln City.

Its history spans over 100 years.

People searching for clams in Siletz Bay

Dee Browning / Shutterstock.com

When you visit the place, you can still see the remnants of the fully functional harbor that still stands there, now isolated.

This was the place from which the industries of Lincoln City got their lumber and other products from distant lands across the oceans.

Crab swimming in the shallow water at Siletz Bay

Dee Browning / Shutterstock.com

The Four Brothers of Siletz Bay offer the best sunset viewpoint.

There are also craft breweries around, so you can head over to get a beer and catch the sunset with a cold one in hand!

Participate in the Finders Keepers Hunt

Lincoln City is pretty famous for its glass art.

The city’s glass floats are so famous that the locals treat them like treasure pieces.

You can participate in a local event where you get these glass pieces as prizes.

In the Finders Keepers treasure hunt, the rule is simple.

They hide 3,000 glass floats in different parts of the beach, and you need to search for them throughout the day.

Explore Lincoln City’s Beaches

Kite surfing on a beach in Lincoln

ThelmaElaine / Shutterstock.com

Lincoln City is a paradise for beach lovers.

With so many beaches around, it’s a challenge to cover all 7.5 miles of them.

You can spend a whole day at the beach and not regret it.

Bird's eye view of Lincoln City's coastline

Russ Heinl / Shutterstock.com

The scenes are absolutely lovely.

Build a sandcastle, go surfing, or lie down on the sand and get a tan.

Even if you are looking for a chill day to spend with your family, Lincoln City’s beaches are the ideal places to go.

The Finders Keepers treasure hunt takes place on these lovely beaches.

There many activities you can enjoy here.

Plan a Day at Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Vibrant sunset at Yaquina Head Lighthouse

P Meybruck / Shutterstock.com

Lincoln City is surrounded by beauty on its outskirts.

If you have some free time on your hands, you can always set out to explore these beauties.

There is one hidden gem that you have to see.

Closer view of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Tomas Nevesely / Shutterstock.com

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is not known to many tourists but is one of the prettiest places lying along the coast of Oregon.

It offers some excellent hiking trails, too.

Trail leading to Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Michael Warwick / Shutterstock.com

You can go whale-watching here as well.

The beautiful Depoe Bay is just nearby.

Go Shopping at Lincoln City Outlets

The North Face store at Lincoln City Outlets

Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Lincoln City Outlets is the best place to shop if you want to grab some stuff on a budget.

The outlets are located along the coast, so you get to shop and see some good scenes at the same time.

There are almost 50 merchants selling a wide variety of things.

You can shop for items such as clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and small gifts.

Enjoy the Annual Summer Kite Festival

Summer Kite Festival in Lincoln

Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com

The D River State Recreation Site sees one of the most gorgeous festivals in Lincoln City.

If you haven’t heard of the city’s annual Summer Kite Festival, you’re missing out.

The festivities are a sight to behold.

Colorful kites of different shapes flying high at Annual Summer Kite Festival

Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com

During this time, the sky looks vibrant and is filled with kites of different shapes and colors.

What was once just a festival for entertaining tourists is now more like a family tradition.

Kite flying festival on a beach at Lincoln City

Dee Browning / Shutterstock.com

You can take part in the festival, make your own kites, and fly them up above with all the others.

It is a fun-filled summer activity and usually takes place in June.

Stay at Chinook Winds Casino Resort

Night view of Chinook Winds Casino Resort

Lonelystudentwithtoomuchtime, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for some grand entertainment, book a stay at the famous Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

The resort is well-maintained with some of the best amenities: a swimming pool, a luxurious golf course, and a casino.

There’s also a massive gaming floor that might seem like a dream to gamers.

After a long day, you can book a spa appointment at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing massage.

The hotel also hosts some of the best events in Lincoln City throughout the year.

Enjoy a Fancy Dinner at the Culinary Center

Lincoln City’s Culinary Center is not a restaurant per see.

It hosts some of the best cooking classes.

Many cooking competitions are also held here, and tourists are welcome to take part.

Some events are celebrated here, wherein you can cook for your loved ones and have dinner afterward.

Father’s Day is one of these events.

You get to cook up a delicious spread for your dad and then celebrate the special day by enjoying the meal you whipped up yourself.

Catch a Show at Lincoln City Cultural Center

All of the performances in Lincoln City are held in the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

The center acts as a theater and hosts several events all year round.

You can even attend yoga and Zumba classes here, too.

The Summer Cultural Fair is one of the best events that take place at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

Tourists and residents from all over Lincoln City flock here to attend events and shows.

Take a Class at the Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio

Are you interested in taking up a new skill?

In Lincoln City, you could take up a hobby over the weekend.

At the Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio, the experts will show you how to blow glass like a pro.

The studio is associated with the Lincoln City Glass Center, and the artists know exactly what they are doing.

You can check out the exquisite pieces they’ve created, too!

Go on a Tour with Tide Pool Exploriences

Lincoln City is renowned for its tide pools, which you can find in several locations.

Head over to the NW 15th Street beach for some local fun.

With Tide Pool Exploriences, you’ll be provided with tour guides and some experts in the field.

This is a tide pool tour where you get to interact with the marine life that can be found in and around the beach area.

Hatfield Marine Science Center sends their best men to take you to see some rare aquatic life.

You can see a lot of vibrant creatures as urchins, starfishes, and many other species wash up to your feet at the beach.

The best feature is that the excursion is free of cost!

All you need to do is sign up and be there.

Don’t forget to bring some gloves and rubber boots for your safety.

Take a Strolla at Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy

The Connie Hansen Garden is a hidden treasure in the center of Lincoln City.

It is a magnificent, well-kept garden with twisting walks and enchanting passageways, groomed grass spots, and intricate water features.

Visitors who desire to discover the garden’s history and information on the blossoms, flowers, and trees blooming in the park may schedule guided tours in advance.

It has a small gift store on-site, so feel free to grab some souvenirs on your way out.

The garden is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Discover the History of the Region at North Lincoln County Historical Museum

This small museum focuses on the pioneer lifestyle in North Lincoln County.

The museum was established in 1987 and started collecting artifacts and papers relating to 20th-century life.

After relocating many times owing to its fast expansion, the museum presently lives in the City Hall building with ample display space and a newly refurbished research library.

On the museum’s lower level, visitors may learn about pioneer life from the late 1800s to the mid-1920s, while exhibits on the upper-level feature county life from 1920 to 1965, when townships were absorbed into the city.

The museum offers free admission.

Have a Movie Date Night at Bijou Theatre

Exterior of Bijou Theatre

Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the best things to do at night in Lincoln City is to catch a movie with your friends or significant other.

The Bijou Theatre was initially named the Lakeside Theatre when it was constructed in 1937.

Since over a century ago, the magnificent historic building has offered moviegoers a fantastic selection of first runs, feature films, timeless masterpieces, and more.

It remains as popular as ever.

As a result of 2017’s extensive restoration, customers can now anticipate more comfortable chairs and a complete digital movie experience.

You may see current movie trailers on their website if you are unsure about which film to see.

Food may be served to patrons’ seats, while you may purchase craft beers and other refreshments at the lobby.

Enjoy Some Clay Art at Mossy Creek Pottery

The lovely Mossy Creek Pottery is located just down the road from the Alderhouse Glass Blowers and is also a must-see creative effort.

Its picturesque, century-old farmhouse displays the incredible works of over forty of the Pacific Northwest’s most talented potters.

The enchanting old wooden cottage is tucked away in a dense spruce-hemlock forest at the lovely Siletz Bay Wildlife Refuge border.

Hundreds of gorgeous plates, bowls, and vases are on display, including cups, mugs, and gardening tools.

Since 1973, the pottery has shown both valuable and ornamental pottery of many forms and methods and captivating works of art that would make ideal mementos for a vacation to Lincoln City.

Spend the Afternoon at Nelscott District

Nelscott District, an often-overlooked Lincoln City area, should be on your itinerary.

The beaches are lined with quaint beach homes, and the mood is unquestionably laid-back and comfortable.

You can easily reach the beach for some of the most incredible surfing in the region, and the ZuhG Surf store offers everything you need to spend a day on the waves.

If you’re in the mood for delicious cuisine, you’ve also come to the perfect area since there are several restaurants.

The Black Squid Beer House provides the most fantastic craft beers in the area.

Meanwhile, your children will enjoy visiting the Christmas Cottage, where it’s always Christmas.

Final Thoughts

In Lincoln City, Oregon, discover seven kilometers of soft, sandy beaches, secret treasures, and unforgettable experiences.

Explore every inch of this vibrant city, and you’ll discover why so many people come for the weekend or stay for life.

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