Home to some of the most beautiful spans of beaches (and one of my favorite recreation areas in the state, Devil’s Lake), you won’t want for much while visiting Lincoln City.
A sleepy town on Oregon’s central coast, the city has much to offer in one bite-sized package. Often less crowded than other Highway 101 hot spots like Cannon Beach, Lincoln City is the go-to spot for locals looking for a coastal weekend escape.
With so many things jam-packed into one little town, I thought it’d be helpful to share a handful of my absolute favorite things to do in Lincoln City. Let’s dive in!
Best Things to Do in Lincoln City, Oregon
(Click here for the table of contents)
Visiting Lincoln City Activities
- Best Things to Do in Lincoln City, Oregon
- Enjoy Iconic Beach Activities
- Hike God’s Thumb
- Grab a Pint at Pelican Brewery
- Admire Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Enjoy the Sandcastle Contest (August 10, 2024)
- Visit the North Lincoln County Historical Museum
- Check Out Robert’s Book Shop
- Shop for Antiques While Visiting Lincoln City
- Visit Local Art Galleries
- Learn About Drift Creek Covered Bridge
For those asking, this is my favorite hotel in Lincoln City (the one I usually stay at). For special occasions, I recommend this great option.
Enjoy Iconic Beach Activities
Home to seven miles of sandy beaches, you could stay on this clean and open stretch of coastline for the entire day watching sea birds and basking in the glow of the sunshine (if you’re lucky enough to catch the sun while it’s out!).
Choose the perfect spot to set up your lounge chair and relax into a busy day of doing absolutely nothing as the day passes. Here’s a roundup of some fun things to do at the beaches in Lincoln City:
Experience “Finders Keepers”
One of the most unique things to do in Lincoln City is to hunt for the famous glass floats hidden on the shoreline. Back in the day, fishing boats attached glass floats to their nets to keep them from sinking and people would collect those beautiful orbs when the washed up on the shore.
Nowadays fishing boats use plastic floats, but one local Lincoln City artist decided to bring the tradition back by making thousands of glass floats and hiding them around the beach every day.
This sparked an annual tradition called Finders Keepers, where visitors are encouraged to hunt for these hidden treasures. All told, more than 3,000 glass floats can be found throughout the year. As the name suggests, you find it, you keep it!
Whale Watching
People from all over the country travel to the soaring cliffs of Oregon’s coast for whale watching. As the whales travel up and down the western shoreline (on their twice per year migrations), you can easily observe them from the shore as they quietly roam the waves searching for food.
Spring typically has the highest migration numbers because whales come in a mile offshore to feed. From late March to early June, somewhere around 20,000 Pacific gray whales pass through Oregon’s coastal waters heading north.
From December through January, whale sightings begin to increase again as the whales travel south en route to Baja, Mexico.
You can even head a few minutes south to Depoe Bay, the unofficial epicenter for whale watching in Oregon. The area is home to 200 gray whales who don’t migrate at all, giving you the best chance of seeing whales year-round.
You might enjoy reading: Whale Watching at the Oregon Coast (5 Prime Areas)
Enjoy a beach fire
If the sun begins to set and you’re still not ready to leave the beach, consider bringing along a bundle of firewood, a lighter, and a bucket of water (to douse the flames) for a super cozy beach bonfire.
Small fires are allowed on most Oregon beaches with the requirement that folks keep them reasonably sized and extinguish flames completely.
So invite some friends, reminisce about the day and pass the s’mores around as the stars rise overhead. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Lincoln City.
Hike God’s Thumb
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve ended up visiting Lincoln City for day hiking alone. There’s no shortage of epic coastline trails to choose from, but one particular hike stands a mile above the rest, God’s Thumb.
I consider it one of the best hikes at the Oregon coast. You might be wondering about the name, thankfully the explanation is simple. The steep cliff that juts out towards the sea is shaped like a giant thumb, earning the nickname “God’s Thumb.”
The trail meanders through a dense spruce forest known for being extremely muddy after rainfall, so proper hiking boots are a must (here’s my favorite pair of hiking boots, I’d sleep in them if I could!).
Continue up the trail until you reach the panoramic viewpoint and soak in the views before beginning the sharp ascent to the summit. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of Oregon’s vast coastline and large stretches of Lincoln City. It’s incredible!
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.3 miles out and back
- Elevation: 1,000 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs welcome
- Pass Required: No, park at NE Devil’s Lake Blvd (official parking area)
Grab a Pint at Pelican Brewery
Pelican Brewing is a staple for great beer at the Oregon coast and clearly I’m not the only one that thinks so! As of 2023, they have four breweries at the Oregon coast.
Of these, my favorite is the newest location at Siletz Bay which features modern decor, massive windows, and a great outdoor patio perfect for enjoying the stunning views.
The extensive tap list is neatly organized by styles, ensuring everyone gets something they’ll love. I’m a huge fan of the Hazestack (hazy IPA) but never pass an opportunity to try the creative seasonal pours. The food is really good too, especially the burger.
As such, anyone looking for relaxing things to do in Lincoln City would be remiss to skip Pelican Brewery.
Further Reading: The 15 BEST Breweries at the Oregon Coast
Admire Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Open from sunrise to sunset, Siletz Bay is a protected estuary that serves as a stunning example of native coastal landscapes and how critical they are for local wildlife.
The refuge protects important shallow saltwater habitat that is home to a huge variety of species, including migratory birds and fish, elk, river otters, and tons of plants, many of which bloom brilliantly in spring and summer.
While pets are not allowed and small children (as well as many hard-to-impress teens…) will probably prefer the local beaches, this refuge is a great stop for people who don’t mind a slow day of wildlife viewing and strolling quiet trails weaving through open marshland.
For a next-level adventure, kayak down the river into the bay. Viewing the landscape from the water gives you a deeper appreciation for the vital habitat estuaries provide. it’s an experience you won’t soon forget, which is why I consider this one of the best things to do in Lincoln City.
Explore Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area
Just off the coast in Lincoln City lies Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area. Consisting of two small parks, this area is perfect for days when you’d like a break from beach activities.
This is the perfect place to set up for the night if you plan to spend more then one day exploring Lincoln City. East Devil’s Lake has a day use site and quiet footpaths that take hikers through a secluded wetland that attracts a stunning variety of birds.
The lake itself is calm year-round, making this a go-to spot for folks looking to launch boats or paddle around on boards and kayaks.
Devil’s Lake is also idea for fishing, as the water is stocked with rainbow trout, perch, bass, carp, and more. Bonus: Devil’s Lake empties into the ocean by way of D River, “the world’s smallest river.” At just 120 feet long, you can walk most of this waterway right on the sand.
You might enjoy reading: 15 Most Beautiful Oregon Coast State Parks (Helpful Guide)
Enjoy the Sandcastle Contest (August 10, 2024)
Lincoln’ City’s Sandcastle Contest is the pride and joy of the Oregon coast. Admire talented artists and amateurs alike sculpt creations out of the sand right in front of your eyes. The amateur contest takes place annually in front of Mo’s, join the fun or simply watch in amazement (the adventure is up to you!).
Visit the North Lincoln County Historical Museum
If you’re visiting Lincoln City during a rainy day, I suggest making a beeline for the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. You’ll get a deep dive into the interesting saga of this small coastal town and the surrounding area.
Originally designated as the village of Taft, Lincoln City underwent a tremendous transformation to become the bustling little town you’re visiting today. Find out more at the museum which has been lovingly curated by passionate locals for nearly a century.
Rotating exhibits, an art gallery, research room, mini-theater, and gift shop are all tucked inside this little building. Visiting the musuem is one of the best things to do in Lincoln City for history buffs.
Check Out Robert’s Book Shop
Easily my favorite used bookstore on the entire west coast, Robert’s bookshop is much bigger on the inside than it seems from the outside. Entering this shop immediately feels like entering your grandma’s cluttered attic, but in a good way.
This one-story blue building on highway 101 would be inconspicuous if not for the giant nose of an airplane sticking out the north side of it. The oddly-placed airplane nose is just the tip of the wonderfully unexpected oddities you’ll find as you meander the stacks of this charming local bookshop.
Memorabilia from films, old photographs and brand signage, comic strips cut from newspapers, and all sorts of funky items line the walls (and ceilings), giving you much to peruse as you wander between the rooms. Get lost browning used books under odd and interesting genres like “paranormal romance” and “pirate history.”
Shop for Antiques While Visiting Lincoln City
Antique lovers unite! You could spend hours getting lost in the numerous antique shops sprinkled throughout the town. Hordes of valuable treasures are waiting to be discovered in these charming storefronts (what, you didn’t drive out to the coast for an authentic leg lamp for your bedside table?).
Take it a step further and visit Prehistoric Rocks Fossils Minerals, a one-of-a-kind shop right on the highway that is packed to the brim with a massive collection of fossils and rocks for sale.
Another big draw is the Lincoln City Outlet Mall where popular brands like Columbia, Eddie Bauer, and Pendleton offer closeout prices on great products. Shopping at the outlets is one of the most popular things to do in Lincoln City, so arrive early or expect crowds.
Enjoy the Delicious Seafood on Offer
We all know how dire of a situation an otherwise pleasant weekend trip can turn into when hunger sets in. Luckily, while visiting Lincoln City you’re never too far from great restaurants.
Stop by Kyllo’s and grab a booth by the window where you can overlook the ocean as you tuck in to some buttery crab legs or a giant basket of fish n’ chips. Right on the highway is Barnacle Bill’s, which offers salmon lovers some of the best smoked salmon in the state, refining their recipes since the 1940s.
If seafood doesn’t sound like it’ll hit the spot, Thai Bay is my favorite joint to head to when I need a big plate of fresh veggies and tender chicken satay.
For lunch, the ever-popular Hwy 101 Burger is a sure bet for even the pickiest eater in the group. Chow down on a classic burger with fries then save some time to play pinball, pool, or one of the handful of arcade games they have available.
Visit Local Art Galleries
The art scene is thriving in Lincoln City. There seems to be a gallery on every corner, which means a ton of opportunities to discover unique artwork inspired by the wonder of the Oregon coast.
Even if you’re not in the market for art this time around, it’s a fun pastime to wander between galleries in awe of the impressive talent of some of the local artists featured in these spaces. Many artists use their skills to depict the splendor of the beach itself, and others use objects literally found on the beach to form awesome driftwood sculptures.
From pottery to glass sculptures to traditional mediums like paintings and drawings, you’ll be sure to get your art fix after stopping by a few of Lincoln City’s highly esteemed galleries. If you’re an art lover, add this to your list of the best things to do in Lincoln City.
Learn About Drift Creek Covered Bridge
On your way into town, drive up a short road to the well-preserved Drift Creek Covered Bridge. It’s a neat little structure of a bygone era, when covered bridges were all the rage.
One of the few surviving covered bridges left in Oregon, the Drift Creek bridge is not open to cars but people can freely walk along it. The little bridge is especially picturesque in fall when the bright red wood matches the vibrant maple leaves surrounding it.
Visiting Lincoln City Things to Do (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick list of the best things to do in Lincoln City Oregon.
- Hike God’s Thumb
- Enjoy a Plethora of Beach Activities
- Pop into Robert’s Book Shop
- Enjoy the Sandcastle Contest
- Explore Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area
- Visit Local Art Galleries
- Visit the North Lincoln County Historical Museum
- Go Antique Shopping
- Enjoy the Delicious Seafood on Offer
- Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Learn About Drift Creek Covered Bridge
Map of the Best Things to Do in Lincoln City, Oregon
Enjoy!
Antonina
You failed to mention the enchanting Christmas store in Lincoln City that is a must to explore.
No need to visit the Christmas store. It isn’t anything special, unless you’re looking for unique tree ornaments.
The Christmas Store is very fun and unique!! Also they have one of the biggest selection of puzzles for every occasion you will ever find!! It is a must to visit!!!!!