Lincoln City is a beautiful coastal town in Oregon known for its stunning beaches, great fishing, and friendly people. The town is also home to many unique districts and neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and attractions. So no matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in Lincoln City. To help you make the most of your time in this wonderful town, I’ve put together a list of The Best Things to Do and Attractions in Lincoln City. Read on!
Things to Do in Lincoln City, Oregon
1. Explore the Beaches
One of the best things about Lincoln City is its beaches. There are over seven miles of coastline to explore, and each beach has its own unique charm. Whether you want to relax on the sand, go for a swim, or build sandcastles with your kids, you’ll find the perfect spot that is ideal for your needs.
Some of the most popular beaches in Lincoln City that I recommend visiting include:
• Lincoln City Beach: This beach is located in the heart of downtown Lincoln City and offers stunning views of the Oregon coast. The beach is also a great place to go for a walk, build sandcastles, or just relax and soak up the incredible views.
• Roads End State Recreation Area: This beach is located just north of Lincoln City and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The beach is great for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and exploring the tide pools.
• D River State Recreation Site: This beach is located just south of Lincoln City and is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach is also a great place to go for a walk, relax, and enjoy the incredible views.
I opted for Lincoln City Beach Access as my first stop since it was located in the heart of downtown Lincoln City. The beach was absolutely beautiful, and the views were incredible. I spent a couple of hours walking along the shoreline, admiring the scenery and soaking up the incredible views.
2. Explore the Roads End State Recreation Site
No trip to the top tourist attractions in Lincoln City is complete without exploring the Roads End State Recreation Site. The recreation site is located just north of Lincoln City, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
But what do you think makes this place so special? This is one of the few remaining undeveloped areas on the Oregon Coast. And since it is separated from the more commercialized areas, it provides a more natural and scenic experience.
Here, you can traverse the open shoreline for miles in each direction. The Cascade Head is also located here, which provides even more opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventure. And when the tides are low, you can access the Secret beach, which is located on the northern Roads End shoreline. Just be sure to check the tides before you go to avoid getting stranded!
All in all, the Roads End State Recreation Site is a must-visit for any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. Whether you want to go for a hike, explore the tide pools, or just enjoy the incredible views, you’ll find what you’re looking for at this beautiful location.
3. Shop at Lincoln City Outlets
Do you love to shop? If so, you’ll be happy to know that Lincoln City is home to a variety of outlet stores where you can find great deals on brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessories. While there are many areas to shop in Lincoln City, I recommend visiting the Delake District for the best selection of stores.
This district boasts over 60 name-brand stores, making it the perfect place to find that perfect bargain. You can find anything from clothing and shoes to home goods and toys. And, if you get hungry while you’re shopping, there are a variety of restaurants nearby that offer a variety of cuisines to choose from.
If you’re interested in buying antiques or vintage items, I recommend visiting the Oceanside District. This district is home to a variety of shops that sell everything from furniture to jewelry. You’re sure to find something unique and interesting in this area.
I suggest allocating at least half a day to explore the different areas of Lincoln City and take advantage of the great deals that are available. After all, shopping is one of the best things to do in Lincoln City. And if you need a break from shopping, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy.
4. Tour the Lincoln City Cultural Center and Learn Something New
Any trip is incomplete without learning something new, and the best place to learn about the history and culture of Lincoln City is at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. The Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the arts, culture, and heritage of the Lincoln City area.
The center is home to a variety of art galleries, a theatre, and a museum. I was particularly fascinated by The PJ Chessman Gallery, which features 12 shows a year that showcases the work of local and regional artists.
In addition, the Cultural Center also offers a variety of tours, workshops, and classes that are perfect for visitors of all ages. I took a jewelry-making class during my visit, and it was such a fun and unique experience. You can also take classes in Zumba, yoga movement, juggling, and clay classes.
This cultural center is definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Lincoln City. Whether you’re interested in the arts, culture, or history, there’s something for everyone at the Cultural Center.
5. Visit the Devil’s Lake
If you thought the beaches in Lincoln City were beautiful, just wait until you see Devil’s Lake. This lake is located just north of town and is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, boating, and canoeing. The lake is also a great place to go for a walk or hike, and there are plenty of trails to explore.
And if you love birdwatching, you’re in for a treat. Devil’s Lake is home to a variety of birds, including ospreys, eagles, herons, and ducks, which can easily be spotted gliding along the shoreline.
In addition, Devil’s Lake is the only coastal campground located in the middle of the city. This makes it the perfect place to camp if you’re looking for an urban camping experience. Note that the campground does fill up quickly, so be sure to make a reservation in advance if you’re planning on camping here during summer.
6. Tour the Drift Creek Covered Bridge
The Drift Creek Covered Bridge is one of the many historical attractions in Lincoln City. Built in 1914, this bridge is the oldest remaining bridge of its kind in Oregon. Although it was dismantled decades later, it was rebuilt in 2000 by the Sweitz family over Bear Creek.
And thanks to that, today, the bridge stands as a beautiful tribute to Oregon’s history. The bridge is now open to pedestrians only, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll across it and admire the stunning views of the creek below. And don’t forget to take some photos while you’re here, as this is definitely a spot that you’ll want to remember.
In addition, many people also choose to picnic near the bridge, so make sure to bring a blanket and some snacks with you. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a hike along the nearby trails and explore the stunning nature that surrounds this area. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time at this historical spot.
I didn’t get a chance to visit the Drift Creek Covered Bridge during my first visit to Lincoln City, but I had to include it on this list as it is one of the top tourist attractions in Lincoln City. So plan to add it to your itinerary if you’re ever in the area.
7. Catch a Movie at the Bijou Theatre
During my visit to Lincoln city, I didn’t want to just focus on the outdoors. I also wanted to explore some of the indoor activities that the town had to offer. And one of my favorite indoor activities was catching a movie at the Bijou Theatre.
Established in 1937, the Bijou Theatre is a vintage movie theatre that shows a variety of classic and cult films. I love going to vintage movie theatres because they offer a unique and retro experience that you can’t find at modern multiplexes.
I ended up catching a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is one of my all-time favorite movies. It was such a fun experience to watch the movie in a vintage theatre with a group of people who were all dressed up in costumes. An added advantage of this theatre is that it is located in downtown Lincoln City, so you can easily walk to other shops and restaurants after your movie.
All in all, the Bijou Theatre is definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Lincoln City. If you’re a fan of classic and cult films, then I highly recommend checking out the Bijou Theatre during your stay.
8. Stroll through the Connie Hansen Garden
It’s easy to spend all of your time in Lincoln City exploring the beaches and hiking in the forests. But if you want to take a break from all that, then I recommend spending some time at the Connie Hansen Garden.
The Connie Hansen Garden is a beautiful and tranquil garden that was established by Connie Hansen in 1973. Connie was a passionate gardener and horticulturist, and she spent over 20 years developing the garden.
Today, the garden is open to the public and features a variety of beautiful flowers, plants, and trees. There are also a number of benches located throughout the garden, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views.
The best time to visit the Connie Hansen Garden is in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. But the garden is still beautiful in the summer and fall, so I recommend visiting during those seasons as well if you happen to be in the area.
Admission to the garden is free, making it one of the most affordable things to do in Lincoln City. However, keep in mind that the conservancy relies on donations to keep the garden running, so consider making a donation if you can.
9. Lincoln City Glass Center
If you’re looking for unique attractions in Lincoln City, be sure to check out the Lincoln City Glass Center. Located in the Historic Taft District, the Glass Center offers a variety of classes and demonstrations for visitors to enjoy. You can watch as the artists create beautiful works of art using glass or even try your hand at making your own piece of art.
This is a great activity for all ages and is a great way to learn about the process of glass blowing. The Glass Center also has a beautiful gift shop where you can purchase a variety of handcrafted glass pieces.
Since I am not very artsy, I opted to watch one of the demonstrations instead of trying my hand at glass blowing. The artists were incredibly talented, and it was fascinating to watch them create their pieces of art. I even bought a few souvenirs from the gift shop to take home with me.
But if you want to try your hand at glass blowing, you take a guided tour of the center and learn about the process. You will also have the opportunity to make your own glass art piece to take home with you.
10. Visit the Chinook Winds Casino
I never planned on visiting a casino during my trip to Lincoln City, but the Chinook Winds Casino ended up being one of my favorite places to visit. The casino is located in the northern neighborhood of Wecoma Beach and offers a variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, bingo, and more.
In addition to the casino, the Chinook Winds Casino Resort also features a hotel, spa, and restaurants. Plus, the casino offers live entertainment on a regular basis, so there’s always something fun and exciting happening.
I enjoyed spending a few hours exploring the casino and trying my luck at the slots. I didn’t win big, but I had a lot of fun. I also had a delicious meal at one of the restaurants and caught a live show. Guests can also visit the nearby beach, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the incredible views.
As you can see, even if gambling isn’t your thing, this place is still worth a visit. The resort offers a lot of different activities and amenities that are sure to please everyone in your group. So be sure to include it on your list of places to visit in Lincoln City.
11. Visit Siletz Bay Park
Another one of the top tourist attractions in Lincoln City not to be missed is the Siletz Bay Park. Despite its small size, the park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The park is located next to Highway 101 and Schooner Creek Bridge, and features a massive estuary home to sloughs, marshes, and mudflats.
Besides being a great place to take in the views, the park is also a popular spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. The park also offers stunning views of the Oregon coast, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the incredible scenery.
If you visit this park, I recommend taking the half-mile Alder Island Nature Trail, which leads you through a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and estuaries. The trail is also great for seeing wildlife such as birds and otters.
You can easily spend a whole day exploring this park and its many attractions. Personally, I spent a couple of hours walking along the nature trail, exploring the estuary, and picnicking in the park. Plus, the views of the Oregon coast from the park are absolutely incredible.
12. North Lincoln Historical Museum
If you’re interested in learning about the history of Lincoln City, then you need to visit the North Lincoln Historical Museum. Established in 1987, this museum features a variety of exhibits that focus on the history of the town and its residents.
Today, you can tour the museum to see exhibits on the history of the Native Americans and early settlers, the local fishing industry, the Lincoln automobile in the sixties, and much more. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults.
I found the museum to be both fascinating and informative. I spent a couple of hours touring the exhibits and learning about the history of Lincoln City. I suggest taking a guided tour of the museum so that you can learn more about the exhibits and the history of Lincoln City.
In summary
You can’t go wrong with any of these top attractions in Lincoln City. Each one offers something unique and is sure to please everyone in you. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, an adventure-filled hike, or a historical tour, you’ll find it all here. I hope you enjoyed reading this post and that it helps you plan your next trip to Lincoln City.