Lincoln City is a small tourist town on the central Oregon Coast that hosts a wide array of fun things to do. Whether you’re looking for history, entertainment, delicious food, or beautiful beaches, Lincoln City has something you’ll enjoy! Below is our list of the best things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon.
The North Lincoln County Historical Museum was founded by the North Lincoln County Pioneer and Historical Association in 1987 to give the public a resource to educate and preserve the history of North Lincoln County. The NLCHM houses a vast collection of artifacts and documents acquired over decades through the hard work of the Pioneer and Historical Association and donations from local residents. The museum has had to relocate or make additions to their building multiple times since its founding to accommodate the influx of donations it has received. You can check here to see the types of local artifacts they currently have on exhibit.
The museum is closed from mid-December to the end of January but is open 11am-4pm Wednesday to Saturday the rest of the year (and Sundays during the summer). Admission to the museum is free, but the museum does have a gift shop full of local crafts, historical books, and gifts that are unique to North Lincoln County, so you can purchase your own piece of the area’s history while you’re visiting.
Just north of Lincoln City, you’ll find Road’s End State Recreation Site. The coastal scenery at Road’s End State Recreation Site embodies all of the features that make the Oregon Coast unique from the other beaches around the country. You’ll find coastal rock formations, islands, tide pools, and even a hidden cove around the shoreline of the site. The beach at Road’s End Recreation Site is an especially great spot to visit if you aren’t a fan of the crowdedness of Lincoln City’s beaches as the beach here is generally quiet and open.
If you’re visiting during any non-summer month, be on the lookout for glass floats hidden between the high-tide line and the beach embankment. Each year from October to May, over 3,000 hand-crafted glass floats are hidden in an event known as Finders Keepers. Since 2015, local glass artists have been hiding floats around the area as a fun way to spread positivity and kindness. If you happen to find one of these glass floats, you are more than welcome to keep it! The artists hope that you’ll spread the kindness and pay it forward to others.
Road’s End State Recreation Site is completely free to enter and is a great place to explore while you’re visiting Lincoln City. We highly recommend making a trip there during your stay!
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Chinook Winds Casino Resort is one of the most popular things to do for adults in Lincoln City. Whether you’re looking to take a shot at the slot machines or experience the resort’s many other amenities, you can’t really go wrong with an evening at Chinook Winds. The casino offers everything you can think of. With table games, bingo, poker, and sports betting, you’ll have plenty of ways to enjoy yourself and hopefully walk out with some profit.
If gambling isn’t really your thing, there are tons of other things to do at the resort. Chinook Winds regularly hosts concerts and other events, some of which are completely free to attend. You can check out all of their upcoming events here. If that’s not enough, there’s also an 18-hole golf course, eight different restaurants, an arcade, and a kids play palace all located on the resort’s property.
If you’re thinking about visiting the resort a few times while in Lincoln City, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to sign up for their Winners Circle program to receive discounts and earn reward points while playing games.
We highly recommend stopping in for a lesson on glass blowing at Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio if you want a unique way to spend a few hours in Lincoln City. The studio was established by local glass blowing artists to give everyone who’s interested a chance to learn the ins and outs of the craft. You can stop in at the studio anytime for a demonstration or schedule a lesson if you’d like to give glass blowing a try for yourself.
The studio is located on the south side of the Taft District right across from the Volta Gallery, which is where the artisans from the studio display their work. You can check out the images on their Facebook page if you’d like a glimpse of some of the cool things you’ll see being made when you visit the studio.
With over 50 designer and name brand stores, Lincoln City Outlets is the perfect place to find what you need for your next great adventure. With Coach, The North Face and Pendleton, to Nike, Columbia Sportswear and other unique independent stores —you’re sure to find something you love.
Whether you’re looking for a new pair of hiking boots, a stylish new handbag or some cozy new sweaters for the colder months ahead, Lincoln City Outlets has everything you need to gear up for your next great adventure.
Lincoln City Beaches
If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, there are plenty of options available. Agate Beach is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Or if you’re looking for something a little more active, Cleawox Lake Beach is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Lincoln City Cultural Center
The Lincoln City Cultural Center is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the arts in Lincoln City, Oregon. The Center offers a variety of art classes, workshops, and events for all ages, as well as a gallery featuring local artists. Everyone is invited to the events.
Stay with OBV in Lincoln City Oregon
With Oregon Beach Vacations, you can enjoy all that the Oregon Coast has to offer without having to worry about where you’re going to stay. We have a wide variety of vacation rental homes and condos available, so you can find the perfect place to stay for your trip. Plus, our experienced staff is always available to help you plan your vacation and make sure everything goes smoothly. So why wait? Book your stay with Oregon Beach Vacations today!
