20 Things To Do In Lincoln City Oregon

Lincoln City sits along Oregon’s Pacific coast near the state’s northwest corner. Officially incorporated as a city in 1965, this small seaside town of fewer than 20,000 residents is one of Oregon’s most popular summertime destinations, attracting visitors from US states like Idaho and Nevada.

The city has a diverse range of attractions and sights, from a UNESCO-recognised reserve established by a US President to a glassblowing centre where visitors can make their jewellery and vases. It’s a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Here are the best things to do in Lincoln City.

Lincoln City, Oregon

20 Things To Do In Lincoln City

1- See the Drift Creek Covered Bridge

Constructed in 1914 to carry the Drift Creek County Road across Drift Creek, the Drift Creek Covered Bridge is one of Oregon’s oldest covered bridges.

The bridge was destroyed in 1930 by floods and rebuilt three years later, however, it became redundant in 1960 after a new concrete bypass bridge was constructed.

Saved from demolition by fundraisers and volunteers, the bridge was moved to a different location on the property of the Sweitz family and is now a National Register of Historic Places landmark that visitors can see throughout the year.

Drift Creek Covered Bridge is at 1111 Bear Creek Road, Lincoln City, Oregon, 97367.

2- Explore The Magical Drift Creek Falls

Drift Creek Falls is a 75-foot (23 m) waterfall surrounded by towering Sitka spruce trees in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic locations.

Reachable thanks to the 3.7-mile (6 km) round-trip Drift Creek Falls Trail, the falls are, without a doubt, one of Lincoln City’s must-see outdoor attractions.

Just as famous as the falls is the nearby suspension bridge, which straddles the creek more than 100 feet (30 m) above the ground.

The bridge takes hikers to the edge of the falls, providing unrivalled views of this mystical Lincoln City landmark and the surrounding ferns, trees and rocky cliffs.

Drift Creek Falls is at BLM Rd 1770, Otis, OR 97368.

3- See a Film at the Bijou Theater

Opened in 1937 as the ‘Lakeside Theater’, the Bijou Theater has been a culturally and historically significant landmark for residents since the venue’s grand opening.

Screening everything from Hollywood blockbusters to timeless classics, the theatre is open every day of the week.

It still serves up that authentic cinema feel, with freshly made popcorn, snacks and sodas.

Bijou Theater is at 1624 NE Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

4- Stop by the Lincoln City Kite Flying Festival

Held bi-annually, the Lincoln City Kite Flying Festival attracts thousands of locals, visitors, and pro-kite flyers to Central Oregon’s favourite coastal destination.

The festival takes place over two days in June and October every year and treats visitors to a kite-flying spectacle of some of the largest kites in the world.

The festival is organised at the D River State Recreational Site and features all sorts of fun activities.

With a host of planned entertainment on offer every time the festival is held, don’t miss one of Lincoln City’s most significant bi-annual events in June or October.

Lincoln City Kite Flying Festival is at 101 US-101, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

5- Relax at the Lincoln City Beaches

Stretching for over 7.5 miles (12 km), Lincoln City’s beaches are some of the best on the West Coast.

Bordered by the Pacific Coast on the west and Devils Lake to the east, Lincoln City is sandwiched between scenic coastlines and fantastic beaches for visitors to this charming town to enjoy.

Stretching from the Salmon River in the north to the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the south, the city’s immaculate coastline, divided into separate beaches, provide beachgoers with all the amenities and beachside activities one could think of.

6- Discover the North Lincoln Historical Museum

The North Lincoln Historical Museum was established in 1987 to provide Lincoln County with a dedicated venue where its history and past would be exhibited and retold to all who wanted to learn more about it.

Housed inside the old Taft fire station, the museum’s displays and exhibits recount the history of the county and its people from the 1800s to the present day.

Exploring the museum is like taking a journey back in time, starting with the first-floor Native American and Pioneer exhibits, which detail life in Lincoln County from the 1800s through to the 1920s.

The museum’s upper level recounts the county’s more recent history, featuring artefacts and items from the 1920s until Lincoln City was officially incorporated in 1965.

North Lincoln Historical Museum is at 4907 Oregon Coast Hwy, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

7- Hang out in the D River State Recreation Site

Home to various attractions and activities, the D River State Recreation Site is centred around the shortest river in the world, the 120-foot (37 m) D River.

The river flows from Devils Lake into the Pacific Ocean, running right through the recreational area’s Wecoma Beach along Highway 101.

The recreational area is the home of the bi-annual Lincoln City Kite Flying Festival.

It is renowned for its great surfing conditions, making it an excellent outdoor destination.

D River State Recreation Site is at 101 US-101, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

8- Stroll around at the Lincoln City Farmers and Crafters Market

The Lincoln City Farmers and Crafters Market is the city’s most extensive showcase of locally produced and sourced produce, foods, handmade trinkets, and baked delights, held on the lawn of the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

Open every Sunday between May and October, the market features live entertainment and music in addition to the many stalls and tables selling their goods.

The market is a fantastic place to pick up fresh and organic items or homemade treats, not to mention one of the top free attractions to visit in the city.

Lincoln City Farmers and Crafters Market is at 7755 US-101, Gleneden Beach, OR 97388.

9- Spend time at Roads End State Recreation Site

Roads End State Recreation Site is Lincoln City’s less crowded and quieter alternative to the city’s busy beaches and downtown area.

Situated at the town’s northern edge, the recreational site features miles of golden sand, idyllic isles and romantic coves to explore on foot or by bike, complete with all the amenities you’ll find at one of Lincoln City’s busier beaches.

The site features several hiking trails varying in length and difficulty, as well as a beach perfect for surfing, beachcombing and picnicking.

Forming part of the Cascade Head Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Areas, the site’s unspoilt landscapes and more low-key atmosphere makes it an absolutely delightful Lincoln City destination to visit during your stay in Lincoln County.

Roads End State Recreation Site is at 5901 NW Logan Rd, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

10- Get Creative At Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio

Located at the Lincoln City Glass Center, the Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio offers visitors the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to blow their own glass floats and witness free glassblowing demonstrations by expert artisans in one convenient place.

The studio doubles as a shop where visitors can browse and purchase beautiful glassware and jewellery made in-house.

Open Monday to Sunday, the venue is always busy with visitors, so be sure to allocate plenty of time to experience this unique attraction.

Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio is at 4821 SE Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

11- Explore Lincoln City Cultural Center

First known as the Lincoln City Arts Forum when it was established in 1992, the Lincoln City Cultural Center is the arts and culture capital for Lincoln City and the surrounding area.

The venue is within the former DeLake School, a historic building dating back to 1929.

On the programme are classes in art, dance, theatre, literature and music to encourage and inspire artists of all ages.

You can watch plays and musicals led by local artists and performers, making it an excellent cultural destination.

Lincoln City Cultural Center is at 540 NE Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

12- See The Stunning Cascade Head

Halfway between Lincoln City and Neskowin, the 270-acre (110 ha) Cascade Head Experimental Forest is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of the most significant ecological areas in the United States.

The area was formed in 1974 by then-US President Ford to preserve the region’s estuaries, forests, headlands and rivers for future generations.

Today, this magnificent outdoor wonderland has an incredible variety of fauna and flora, nature trails and unrivalled views across the Pacific. 

13- Relax In Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy

A treasure trove of beautiful flowers, idyllic ponds and tall trees, the Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy is a free-to-visit outdoor wonderland open to the public year-round.

The garden was formed in 1993 after the death of Connie Hansen, who loved gardening and planting trees after moving to Lincoln City in the 1970s.

It features several blooms, trees and shrubs planted by Hansen herself before her death and benches and small bridges to top off this immaculate botanical landmark.

Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy is at 1931 NW 33rd St, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

14- Tour Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Possibly one of the oldest existing structures in Lincoln City and one of the oldest lighthouses in Oregon with attached living quarters, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of the city’s most famous historical buildings.

The lighthouse sits high on a bluff at the mouth of the Yaquina River and is still operational after undergoing extensive renovations in 1996.

Open to the public for tours, the lighthouse is one of the quintessential landmarks to visit in Lincoln County and a fantastic place to enjoy scenic views and rich history in one convenient location.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is at 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365.

15- Discover Nature At Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge is one of six National Wildlife Refuges along the Oregon coastline.

In 1991, it was created as a protected habitat for the native animal and plant species of the region.

Home to endangered species of birds and fish, the refuge spans well over 500 acres (202 ha) and is one of the best wildlife refuges on the West Coast.

This slice of protected Oregon coastline is bound to delight nature enthusiasts.

16- Shop At Lincoln City Outlets

With over 40 name and designer brand stores, the Lincoln City Outlets is the top shopping venue in Lincoln County.

The venue is home to brands such as Nike, Harry & Davis, Columbia Sportswear and other brands locals in the Pacific Northwest know and love.

If you’re in the mood for shopping during your trip to Lincoln City, put aside a couple of hours for outlet shopping.

Lincoln City Outlets is at 1500 SE East Devils Lake Rd, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

17- Step Back Into History In The Nelscott District

Lined with Lincoln City’s quaintest homes and cottages, the Nelscott District is one of Lincoln City’s most charming neighbourhoods, located right next to the beach.

The area is south of the D River and is the region’s fourth district in the chain of Lincoln City areas as you drive north to south.

The neighbourhood was created in 1920 when significant efforts were made to transform Oregon’s coast into a seaside retreat, with many of the area’s buildings and sights still seemingly stuck in that time.

Today, this area is delightful to explore on foot and is one of Lincoln City’s top neighbourhoods.

18- Be Mesmerised By Devil’s Lake

Nestled inside the Devils Lake State Recreation Area, the 685-acre (277 ha) Devils Lake is in Lincoln City’s eastern edge, sandwiching the city between the freshwater lake and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The lake feeds the D River, rumoured to be among the smallest rivers in the world, and provides visitors with sublime calm waters to kayak or boat on.

The lake is one of the biggest attractions in Oregon and an excellent destination to visit for leisure activities.

19- Stop By Regatta Park

The Regatta Park is the ultimate family-friendly outdoor location in Lincoln City, featuring a large wooden play area and swimming area for kids to enjoy.

Although it isn’t one of Lincoln County’s biggest public parks, its scenic views over Devils Lake and proximity to the top attractions and beaches of Lincoln City make it a fantastic destination to visit.

Enjoy grassy hills, picnic areas and spots for fishing, all just a stone’s throw away from Devils Lake.

Regatta Park is at 2700 NE 14th St, Lincoln City, OR 97367.

20- Spend some time at the Lincoln City Glass Center

Lincoln City Glass Center is one of Lincoln County’s unique attractions.

Opened as a glassblowing studio and education venue, the centre teaches the glassmaking process by allowing you to make your own objects.

Covering the entire glassmaking process from smelting and blowing to cooling, the venue is home to a couple of glassblowing studios, each with something different to see, do and buy.

Whether you’re looking to buy jewellery, sculptures or paperweights or prefer to make your own, this Lincoln City attraction is worth a visit.

Lincoln City Glass Center is at 4821 SE Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367.