Sitting on seven and a half miles of ocean beach, Lincoln City invites visitors along the Oregon Coast to search for hidden glass float treasures, take in the wonder of the night sky, or head out into epic landscapes.
Made up of seven historic districts, which together formerly became Lincoln City in the 1960s, the area is framed to the north by Cascade Head with Siletz Bay to the south. Coast Range forests featuring coastal rainforests and towering Sitka spruce groves rise to the east, and Devil's Lake sits just inland. It’s easy to reach as the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 101, runs right through the heart of town.
Families return to Lincoln City year after year for good reason, particularly as it is a treasure trove for exploration. Each year, volunteers hide more than 3,000 handcrafted glass floats on the beach, and anyone who finds one gets to keep it.
In 1965 the communities of Roads End, Wecoma, Oceanlake, DeLake, Nelscott, Taft, and Cutler City transformed into what is known as Lincoln City today. Each district offers a unique experience, from beach cottages in Nelscott to the oldest bar on the coast in Taft. Enjoy picnics on the sand in Roads End or kite flying in DeLake, where the D River is famously among one of the shortest rivers in the world at around 120 feet (depending on tides).
Plan around kite festivals that fill the sky at D River Wayside, or blow your own float at a local glass studio. Try your luck at Chinook Winds Casino Resort in the Wecoma district, or shop the tax-free Lincoln City Outlets.
History runs deep in this area. Indigenous peoples, including the ancestors of more than 30 individual bands and tribes today, lived here long before fishing and logging towns took root. In the late 1800s, this area began to draw attention as explorers headed to Siletz Bay. By 1887, settlers had made their way to this coast to homestead the land, fish, and hunt.
Today, Lincoln City preserves the heritage of its distinct communities, welcoming visitors to explore the great outdoors while protecting the region’s wildlife. Be sure to marvel at the night sky in Lincoln City, as the city is committed to Dark Sky Stewardship.
Pack your bags and see why so many travelers make Lincoln City their favorite escape on Oregon's Central Coast.
