21 Fun Things to Do in Lincoln City in 2024
LOOKING FOR FUN THINGS TO DO IN LINCOLN CITY?
You’ve come to the right place! We’ve been traveling as a family since 2015, with months along the Oregon Coast under our belts. From the coastline ocean views to the charming wildlife and delicious seafood, we love it all!
We’re always on the lookout for fun things to do throughout our travels, and there are so many wonderful things to do in Lincoln City. We’re excited to share all of our favorites with you and hope our experience will help you enjoy your own Oregon Coast adventure!
Finders Keepers at the Beach in Lincoln City
One of the most fun things about visiting Lincoln City is the city’s Finders Keepers tradition! Over 3,000 hand-blown glass floats have been hidden along the city’s coastline and the quest to find one always makes for a fun family adventure.
The glass floats are hidden along the beach spanning from Road’s End in the north, all the way south to Siletz Bay. If you spot one it’s yours for keeps! The city just asks that you register it at oregoncoast.org, so they know its been claimed. Good luck and have fun!
Things to Do in Lincoln City
Given the gorgeous landscape and beach town atmosphere, you’ll find there are so many amazing things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon. We’ve broken down some of our favorite local activities into categories to help you better plan the vacation that best suits your family. No matter our itinerary, we always end up having a good time here, and hope you do too!
Free Things to Do in Lincoln City
1. Sand Point Park
Because Oregon is so beautiful, there are so many places to visit in this area that showcase the gorgeous landscape of this region of the United States. We love Sand Point Park because it’s so green and pretty, but it also is a great place to just relax and have some fun!
This is the perfect place to visit if you’ve got children eager to play in the water. There’s a designated swimming area along the sandy beach, restrooms, as well as grills and picnic areas. It’s a wonderful place to pack a lunch and make an entire day out of your visit.
2. Neskowin Beach
Have you ever heard of a ghost forest? If you visit Neskowin Beach at low tide, you can see tree stumps that are typically covered by the water but once were a spruce forest nearly 2,000 years ago!
Over time, the trees are becoming more and more buried by the sand, but if you can catch these hidden gems before they are gone, it’s truly a fascinating sight. Kids love discovering this hidden forest!
You also can’t miss Proposal Rock; it’s the main attraction at this beach due to its sheer size and beauty. This is also a great place to visit if your family is interested in exploring tide pools on your coastal adventure. The pools here are full of colorful and interesting sea life to admire.
3. Cascade Head
We decided to include Cascade Head for all of our hiking readers. We love to hike as a family, and this is one of the most beautiful routes we’ve found near Lincoln City.
This is an out-and-back hike with a full distance of 6.6 miles. Due to seasonal closures, the trail is split into lower and upper trailheads. The upper trailhead is closed from the beginning of the calendar year through mid-July, so if you want to complete the full route, make sure you plan your visit in the late summer months or fall.
The Cascade Head trail is family-friendly and offers some of the most beautiful coastal views, including glimpses of Three Rocks and the Salmon River Estuary, along with some of the most beautiful wildflowers you’ve ever seen. You may even catch sight of an endangered species of butterfly that’s known to pop up here from time to time.
4. God’s Thumb Hike
Hiking God’s Thumb is one of the best things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon. Another out-and-back trail, this one is nearly four and a half miles and is a moderately challenging route. If you enjoy hiking and the striking Oregon Coast scenery, you won’t want to miss the trek up this thumb-like cliff.
We recommend hiking early in the day for optimal temperatures and also to snag a parking spot, as the make-shift parking lot is a small cul-de-sac area that fills up quickly. Keep in mind this trail does not have its own signage but is combined with The Knoll.
You’ll follow the path toward the Knoll before continuing on to God’s Thumb through a more forested area. The trees will eventually clear as you keep hiking, and you’ll get your first peeks at God’s Thumb.
The final stretch is considered the most challenging as the path narrows while also veering very near the cliff side. If you are hiking with small or inexperienced hikers, you may not want them to climb up to the top of God’s Thumb. The kids and I stayed at the bottom while Coltin climbed to the top.
5. Regatta Park
A stop at Regatta Park is a great thing to do when your kids need a moment to play and burn off some energy. It’s also helpful to pair this top in combination with a visit to Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area.
We love the fun playground here, as well as the gorgeous Sitka Spruce Trees. It’s always fun to take a short walk along the nature trail that winds through the trees to admire their size and beauty.
If you’re looking to swim, they also have a swimming area with a dock and a place to play in the sand.
6. 15th Ave Beach Access Tide Pools
If you’re hoping to explore some tide pools on your trip to Lincoln City but aren’t interested in hunting them down, we recommend stopping by 15th Ave Beach Access Tide Pools. These are some of the most easily accessed tide pools in the city, located at the ocean’s edge at the beach located at 15th Ave.
If you time your visit just right, you might be able to catch one of the city’s guided tide pool experiences here, which makes your visit here all the more fun and educational. Led by a local expert, you will be able to not only view the tide pools but learn to identify the marine life and learn about them at the same time.
It’s one of the most fun things to do in Lincoln City, Or for both kids and adults alike!
7. Devil’s Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is a beautiful part of the coast that has a large cave you can explore and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. It is open for day use year-round and is one of the best natural areas on the coast.
If you happen to visit this spot at high tide, the best views will be from the upper viewing area. Our kids love to see the waves crashing into the collapsed cave.
If you are visiting at a low tide, the cave’s bowl will be empty. This set-up allows people to explore the inside of the cave. This is also the best time to explore the tide pools on the beach. The sea life we find is always so fun and one of the things my kids love the most about visiting the ocean.
Devil’s Punchbowl can get busy, as it’s a very popular spot along the coast. But we definitely think it’s worth a stop! It is a great place to visit while spending time in Lincoln City or as a stop if you are going on a West Coast road trip!
Romantic Things to Do in Lincoln City
8. D River State Recreation Site
D River State Recreation Site may appear to be just another Oregon beach, but in our opinion, it’s very special. The D River is the shortest river in the world, which means you can watch its entire 120-foot journey from Devil’s Lake into the majestic Pacific Ocean.
This beach is very serene and makes for the perfect spot to take a long walk on the beach with the one you love. Keep in mind that this beach is exceptionally windy, so plan ahead for those conditions.
It’s so windy in fact, it’s home to two of the world’s biggest kite festivals, taking place each summer and fall. Watching the kites fly while enjoying the stunning coastal landscape can make for a romantic experience in and of itself if you’re able to time your trip just right.
9. Lincoln City Glass Center
Lincoln City Glass Center consists of a beautiful gallery where you can explore and admire gorgeous works of art, all crafted in glass.
The center also offers visitors the chance to create their very own piece of art with local artists trained as glassblowing professionals. This is definitely not a run-of-the-mill everyday type of activity, and some would consider it one of the more weird things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon.
But, if you’re a fan of art and are interested in how glass creations are made, a visit here can serve as a fun and memorable way to spend time with your significant other in Lincoln City.
10. Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy
Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy is a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for some peace and serenity while exploring Lincoln City. It’s the perfect place for a quiet and romantic stroll through some of the most gorgeous flowers, including variations of rhododendrons, azaleas, and perennials. Not to mention some breathtaking aged trees and blooming shrubs.
Though different plants are in bloom at different points throughout the year, you’re sure to enjoy countless flowers no matter the time of your visit.
11. Kyllos Bar & Grill
We recommend dining at Kyllos Bar & Grill for the ultimate romantic dinner out. The restaurant is located directly on the beach and serves up delectable seafood, steaks, and burgers, along with staggering views!
It’s noted as one of the top-rated eateries in Lincoln City, as you can enjoy your meal with ease, knowing it’s guaranteed to be a good one. We love the classy yet cozy atmosphere here. It really is a wonderful place to enjoy a meal with your favorite person.
12. Mossy Creek Pottery
We love collecting treasures throughout our travels, and it’s always so nice to find a souvenir that is functional. It not only reminds you of a certain trip but serves a purpose and is useful.
Mossy Creek Pottery is a wonderful and charming shop to wander through, offering unique and beautiful pottery handcrafted right in Lincoln City. From vases for flowers, bowls, plates, and mugs for everyday use, it’s a great place to find a treasure to commemorate your trip.
13. Day Trip to Newport
Getting out of town is always a great option when planning a romantic adventure. We love taking a coastal day trip to nearby Newport while spending time in Lincoln City. Visiting lighthouses can be very romantic, and it happens to be one of our favorite things to do in Newport, Oregon.
Newport is home to two lighthouses, one of which is the highest point in the state. And the sandy beaches there are prime with wildlife, great for whale watching, looking for bald eagles, and agates in the sand.
Other highlights in this town include the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the world-famous chowder at Mo’s. If you’re looking for something more outdoorsy to enjoy as a couple, you can take hikes, go crabbing, fishing, or surf all year round.
Things to Do in Lincoln City at Night
14. Bijou Theater
After a busy day hiking or playing at the beach, sometimes a movie is the best way to wrap up the day. We love the old-time classic feel of the Bijou Theater. Built in 1937, it has served the Lincoln City community with entertaining and fantastical cinematic escapes for several decades and is still going strong.
15. The Pines Dine Food Truck Village
The Pines Dine is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while getting a real taste of the local culture. This food truck village consists of twelve different food trucks featuring everything from burgers to gyros, sushi to sandwiches, and tacos. Chances are you’re bound to find something to enjoy here.
There’s also an indoor beverage bar that offers an assortment of beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverage options. We consider The Pines Dine one of the best restaurants in Lincoln City.
16. Camping at Devils Lake Recreation Area
There’s nothing quite like relaxing in the night air, under the stars, when spending time away from home. There are some amazing campsites on the Oregon Coast, and Devil’s Lake Recreation Area is one of our favorite places to stay when visiting Lincoln City.
Cabins and yurts are available for family or romantic stays here. The campground also features hot showers and flush toilets.
Depending on which campground you end up staying at, you may be only a short walk to the lake itself. This is an amazing spot for paddling, fishing, and boating. The wildlife is beautiful, too, with lots of opportunities to spot migrating ducks and geese.
Things to Do in Lincoln City in the Winter
17. Lincoln City Outlets
Many of Lincoln City’s best outdoor treasures aren’t quite as fun to explore during the wintertime. If ugly weather strikes turn to retail therapy at Lincoln City Outlets. This outdoor outlet mall features all of your favorite major brands, and many of them are dog-friendly, allowing your pup to join you on your shopping spree.
But what we love most about this place is that it also showcases some amazing local shops. From home decor to apparel, jewelry, collectibles, and books, we can’t get enough of the beautiful craftsmanship and creativity on display at these local shops.
Speaking from experience, souvenirs mean so much more when you shop locally. Have fun exploring the Lincoln City Outlets, and bring home a real treasure from your travels!
18. Lincoln City Cultural Center
If you’re looking for something to do indoors while exploring Lincoln City during the winter, be sure to check out the PJ Chessman Gallery or the Fiber Arts Gallery at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.
We love admiring the artwork and have found it’s a great way to engage with our kids about the different talents and creativity that each of us possesses. The artwork on display is amazing, and they even have a kids center where you can pick up kits, each crafted for an age-appropriate art project to complete later on your own.
The motto of the Lincoln City Cultural Center is to “enrich your heart with art,” and that’s exactly what it does for this community.
19. North Lincoln County Historical Museum
The North Lincoln County Historical Museum is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon learning about the city’s history. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an indoor activity in Lincoln City in the winter.
The museum is dedicated to the interpretation and preservation of North Lincoln County history. The history is brought to life through the presence of artifacts on display. The artifacts span different moments in the city’s past.
The displays feature things like Native American artifacts and photos of early automobiles. There are retro kitchen designs too. Walking through the museum’s exhibits is educational but fun, as it feels sort of like a time capsule journey.
20. Siletz Bay Park
One of the small charms that come along with spending time along the central Oregon Coast is simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the atmosphere. We’ve made stops in countless parks throughout our travels to just take in the view and see what we could discover.
Siletz Bay Park in Lincoln City is a wonderful place to do just that. The park itself isn’t anything to write home about; it’s relatively small, but it has a cute gazebo and picnic tables if you plan to pack a lunch along.
If you’re traveling with little ones, we recommend heading down to the beach area to let them explore. This is a great spot to beach comb or even dig for clams in the mudflats.
During low tide, purple varnish clams and soft shell clams can be found in this area. You will have to dig about 14 inches into the sand to find them, but kids will love the process!
If you do plan to try your hand at clamming, be sure to have the appropriate gear. Everyone should have gloves, a shovel, and a bucket or clam bag. Also, keep in mind that anyone over 12 should have a shellfish license.
21. Crabbing
One of our favorite things to do when we visit the Oregon Coast is to go crabbing. My kids always get so excited when we pull a full crab pot up! They love catching enough for a tasty crab dinner.
Siletz Bay is one of the best places to go, crabbing in Lincoln City, even during the winter time. Be sure to check the tides when planning to go crabbing. Speaking from experience, timing is everything. If you want the best chance to catch crab, we recommend trying it during high or low tide. This is when the crabs are most active and aren’t being moved around as much by the shifting water.
You can crab from the shore at Siletz Bay or from a boat. There are places to rent crabbing gear in Lincoln City. Or you can purchase traps and other crabbing essentials. This might be a good idea if you plan to go crabbing a lot throughout your Oregon Coast adventure.
FAQ: Lincoln City Activities
We love Lincoln City and definitely think it’s worth a stop while visiting the Oregon Coast. It’s one of the most convenient coastal cities to visit because it’s relatively close to the Portland metro area.
Lincoln City has a few memorable characteristics that keep families coming back to its sandy shores and charming town streets. Known for its perfect kite-flying weather, fliers from all over love to catch the winds in Lincoln City. The town is also known for attracting sweet tooths with a taste for saltwater taffy!
Yes, swimming is one of the most fun family activities visitors can enjoy in Lincoln City. Devil’s Lake is one of the best spots for swimming. Siletz Bay and Regatta Park also offer other places to swim.
Lincoln City is only a short drive, about 25 minutes away from Newport Beach, Oregon. Because these two lovely towns are so close together, if your time permits, we definitely recommend spending time in both places. They really give you a taste of what the Oregon Coast is all about!
Conclusion: Things to Do in Lincoln City
We spend a lot of time on the road exploring new places, but few pull us back the way the Oregon Coast does. We never get tired of spending time in this part of the United States, and Lincoln City, in particular, has become a family favorite destination.
Whether you’re planning a visit with the whole family or are looking for the perfect romantic getaway, we definitely recommend spending some time in Lincoln City. Trust us when we tell you you won’t regret exploring all the coastal parks or the breathtaking views you enjoyed along this area’s gorgeous hiking trails.
Beach memories of checking out tide pools, learning about new marine life species, digging for clams, and pulling up full crab pots will stay with you long after your trip wraps up! And don’t forget about the culture, the town’s history to be learned, as well as the moving artwork and delicious food to be enjoyed. This little spot along the Oregon Coast really has it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Lincoln City is full of coastal beauty and fun outdoor adventures just waiting to be discovered! We hope this guide has inspired you to plan your own visit and that it will help you as you have fun exploring Lincoln City yourself!
