- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Lincoln City
Lincoln City's unique identity comes from the 1965 merger of seven coastal towns like Taft and Oceanlake. This origin explains its elongated layout along Highway 101. What is Lincoln City famous for? Its mid-century coastal architecture and landmarks like the preserved Pixie Kitchen sign hint at its past as a classic seaside destination.
With 7.5 miles of public beach, a key part of visiting Lincoln City is the year-round Finders Keepers event, where over 3,000 glass floats are hidden. Kayak on freshwater Devil's Lake or hike the stunning Cascade Head trail for expansive ocean views. During winter and spring, the coastline becomes a prime spot for watching migrating gray whales.
One of the best reasons to visit Lincoln City is its fresh seafood. Enjoy Dungeness crab and clam chowder at bayfront eateries in the historic Taft district. For a hands-on experience, you can learn to cook local catches at the Culinary Center or even go crabbing yourself in Siletz Bay. The focus is always on fresh, tide-to-table dining.
- Lincoln CityUnited States
- Lincoln CityUnited States
- Lincoln CityUnited States
- Lincoln CityUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, fewer tourists
- Jul-Augwarm, peak season
- Sep-Octpleasant, fewer crowds
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #Sunscreen
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #BeachGear
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #DevilsLakeStateRecreationArea
- #LincolnCityBeach
- #ChinookWindsCasino
- #JenniferSparksGallery
- #LincolnCityGlassCenter
- #CascadeHead
- #RoadsEndStateRecreationSite
- Walk the beach at sunset
- Visit the glass blowing studio
- Explore the local art galleries
- Dine at a seafood restaurant
- Hike Cascade Head trail
Recommended Hotels in Lincoln City by Experience
Things to do in Lincoln City
Discover
Exploring Lincoln City reveals stunning natural and historic sites. Discover seven miles of shoreline, the tranquil Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and the historic Drift Creek Covered Bridge. The North Lincoln County Historical Museum offers local history.
Experience
Hunt for glass floats during the Finders Keepers event, fly a kite at the annual festival, or hike the trails at Cascade Head. Explore tide pools at low tide, browse the Lincoln City Farmers & Crafters Market, or catch a show at Theatre West.
Finders Keepers Event
Annual event where artists hide glass floats along the beach.
D River State Recreation Site
Park with beach access, home to the world's shortest river.
God's Thumb via The Knoll
Scenic hiking trail with dramatic coastal cliffside views.
Lincoln City Cultural Center
Arts hub in a historic schoolhouse with galleries & events.
Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Protected salt marsh estuary ideal for birdwatching.
Drift Creek Covered Bridge
Historic, longest covered bridge in Oregon, a scenic drive.
Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy
A public botanical garden with rhododendrons and azaleas.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Plan a trip to Lincoln City by flying into Portland (PDX), a 2-hour drive south. A car rental is most direct. There's no train to Lincoln City, but shuttle services offer an alternative for the Lincoln City airport to city center transfer.
Getting Around
Public transport in Lincoln City is managed by Lincoln County Transit, offering bus routes with day passes. During summer, a free Lincoln City shuttle bus, the 'LOOP', runs a circuit through town. Taxis and ride-shares operate but are less common.
Local Essentials
Driving in Lincoln City requires attention on Highway 101, which gets congested. Parking at beach access points is limited. One of our key Lincoln City travel tips for first-timers: always check tide tables before exploring beaches to ensure safety.
Where to Stay in Lincoln City
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore the local cuisine in Lincoln City. Taste fresh Dungeness crab and classic clam chowder. Locals eat early, capitalizing on the day's catch. This coastal town's dining is casual, focusing on quality seafood and relaxed atmospheres.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Lincoln City, visit Blackfish Cafe's refined space-book ahead. Taste craft beer at McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub's quirky bar-try house brews. Enjoy Nelscott Cafe's cozy morning vibe-arrive early for a table.
The Bay House
Upscale dining with stunning Siletz Bay views.
Blackfish Cafe
Creative, locally-sourced seafood dishes.
Kyllo's Seafood Grill
Classic seafood grill right on the oceanfront.
Mo's Restaurant
Famous for its clam chowder in a casual setting.
Puerto Vallarta
Vibrant spot for classic Mexican fare and margaritas.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
The Finders Keepers event, where handcrafted glass floats are hidden along the beaches, is a must-see local custom. This year-round treasure hunt is one of the most popular things to do in Lincoln City.
Enjoy
Enjoy modern creativity with Lincoln City cultural activities. The Siletz Bay Music Festival offers world-class classical and jazz performances. The Festival of Illusions provides magic and family entertainment during spring break.
Finders Keepers
Year-round event hiding handcrafted glass floats on the beach.
Retro Expo
February event with sales at antique shops and vintage boutiques.
Festival of Illusions
Magicians and family entertainers perform during spring break.
Art on the Edge Studio Tour
A self-guided tour of local artists' studios in late May/June.
Summer Kite Festival
June festival with professional kite flyers and workshops.
Siletz Bay Music Festival
Ten days of classical, jazz, and orchestral music in August.
A Perfect Coastal Escape
Lincoln City is a classic coastal getaway. Everything is right off Highway 101, making it super easy to get around. The whole place has a laid-back feel. Great for long walks on the beach and just disconnecting for a few days.
Great for the Whole Family
A really solid choice for a family trip. The kids loved flying kites on D River Beach and exploring the tide pools. Plenty of casual spots to eat that were welcoming to families. It felt safe and was very walkable in the main areas.
Such a Fun Beach Hunt!
Lincoln City does this cool thing where they hide glass floats on the beach. Hunting for them was the highlight of our trip! It adds a fun treasure-hunt aspect to your morning walks. The coastline is just beautiful, rain or shine.
Wonderful Moody Coastline
We came for the dramatic winter coast and it delivered. It's the perfect place to watch the storms roll in. Found a few cozy spots for clam chowder that really hit the spot after a windy walk. Very peaceful and restorative.
More Than Just Sand and Waves
Spent a good amount of time exploring the Taft Historic District. It has some neat glass galleries and antique shops. It's a nice break from the beach, with a lot of local art to see. The whole city is more than just a beach.
Relaxing and Great Seafood
The pace here is just slower and I loved it. The main draw is the miles of sandy beach. We had some amazing seafood, the chowder at Mo's is a must-try. Just a really solid place to unwind and enjoy the ocean air for a bit.