Oregon coast

Lincoln City, Oregon

Things to Do

From world-class whale watching to hand-blown glass studios — your Oregon Coast adventure starts here.

Beach & Ocean
Arts & Culture
Nature & Hiking
Entertainment
Shopping
Seasonal

Host Picks

These are the experiences we recommend to every single guest. Each one is worth your time.

Lincoln City Kite Festival
Right Out Front
Beach & Ocean·On the beach

Lincoln City Kite Festival

Lincoln City is the Kite Capital of the World — and for good reason. The steady ocean winds make it a paradise for kite flyers of all skill levels. The annual festival draws thousands, but any clear day is a great day to fly. Pick up a kite at one of the local shops and head straight to the beach.

World-Class WindsAll Skill LevelsAnnual FestivalKite Shops Nearby

Insider Tip

The stretch of beach directly in front of the house is perfect for kite flying. Spring and fall have the best winds.

Whale Watching at Depoe Bay
Must-Do
Beach & Ocean·12 miles south

Whale Watching at Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay is home to the world's smallest navigable harbor and some of the best whale watching on the entire Pacific Coast. Gray whales migrate through December–January and March–June, but a resident pod stays year-round. The Whale Watching Center on the seawall is free and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.

Year-Round WhalesFree Viewing CenterScenic HarborSpouting Horn

Insider Tip

Arrive early morning for the calmest seas and best visibility. Binoculars are a must — grab a pair from the house.

Whale Watching Center: Daily 10am–4pm (seasonal)Website
Tide Pools at Roads End
Family Favorite
Beach & Ocean·2 miles north

Tide Pools at Roads End

The rocky outcroppings at Roads End State Recreation Site reveal a stunning world at low tide — purple sea urchins, giant green anemones, hermit crabs, ochre sea stars, and more. One of the most accessible and richest tide pool areas on the Oregon Coast, and a favorite with kids and adults alike.

Sea Stars & UrchinsFree AdmissionKid-FriendlyStunning at Low Tide

Insider Tip

Check the tide chart before you go — you want a minus tide for the best pools. Wear rubber-soled shoes and look but don't touch. How to Get There: Park at the Roads End State Recreation Site lot, head down to the beach, and turn right (north). The tide pools and Roads End Point are about 1.25 miles up the flat, sandy beach — approximately a 25-minute walk.

Open daily · Best 1–2 hrs before low tide
Alder House Glass Studio
Anchor Court Connection
Arts & Culture·3 miles east

Alder House Glass Studio

Watch master glass blowers create stunning hand-blown art glass right before your eyes at one of Oregon's oldest glass studios. Given the house's connection to the Lincoln City glass globe tradition, this is a deeply fitting visit. You can watch demonstrations and purchase beautiful pieces to take home.

Live DemonstrationsHand-Blown GlassGlass GlobesTake-Home Art

Insider Tip

Demonstrations run throughout the day — no reservation needed. The glass globes make incredible souvenirs and gifts.

Daily 10am – 5pm (seasonal)Website
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Evening Out
Entertainment·1.5 miles

Chinook Winds Casino Resort

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians' full-service casino resort offers gaming, live entertainment, multiple restaurants, and a hotel — all with ocean views. Whether you're a slots enthusiast or just looking for a lively evening out, Chinook Winds delivers a fun night on the coast.

24-Hour GamingLive EntertainmentOcean ViewsMultiple Restaurants

Insider Tip

Check their events calendar for live concerts and special shows — they book big names throughout the year.

Open 24 hoursWebsite
Drift Creek Falls Trail
Hidden Gem
Nature & Hiking·14 miles east

Drift Creek Falls Trail

One of the most spectacular short hikes on the Oregon Coast — a 3-mile round trip through old-growth Sitka spruce and hemlock forest to a 75-foot waterfall and a thrilling suspension bridge. The bridge sways gently as you cross above the canyon, with the falls roaring below. Absolutely unforgettable.

75-ft WaterfallSuspension BridgeOld-Growth Forest3-Mile Round Trip

Insider Tip

The trail can be muddy — waterproof boots are recommended. Arrive early on weekends as the parking lot fills quickly.

Open daily · Parking fee requiredOther Hiking Trails in Lincoln City
Lincoln City Outlets & Shops
Rainy Day Pick
Shopping·1–3 miles

Lincoln City Outlets & Shops

Lincoln City is a surprisingly great shopping destination. The Lincoln City Outlets feature 45+ name-brand stores, and the Hwy 101 corridor is lined with galleries, boutiques, candy shops, and coastal gift stores. Don't miss the local art galleries and the famous Barnacle Bill's Seafood Market for take-home treats.

45+ Outlet StoresLocal Art GalleriesSeafood MarketCoastal Boutiques

Insider Tip

The outlets are busiest on weekends. Weekday mornings are the best time to browse without the crowds.

Outlets: Mon–Sat 10am–8pm · Sun 10am–6pmDirections

Also Worth Exploring

Day trips, hidden spots, and a few further-afield adventures that our guests keep coming back for.

Devils Lake State Recreation Area

Nature·1.5 miles

Kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching on a freshwater lake just minutes from the ocean.

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife·2 miles south

Stunning estuary teeming with shorebirds, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Bring binoculars.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Family·28 miles south

World-class aquarium in Newport featuring sharks, sea otters, and a walk-through shark tunnel.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Nature·38 miles south

Dramatic headland with Thor's Well, Spouting Horn, and panoramic ocean views from 800 feet.

Hatfield Marine Science Center

Education·28 miles south

Free OSU research center with interactive exhibits and a giant Pacific octopus.

Cascade Head Preserve

Hiking·10 miles north

Rare coastal prairie and old-growth forest hike with sweeping views of the Salmon River estuary.

Don't Forget the Anchors Aweigh Glass Float Hunt

You can find your own hand-blown glass float at Anchor Court Beach House. Finding one is considered good luck! Anchor Court guests have their own exclusive hunt waiting for them at check in.

See the Scavenger Hunt Guide