Lincoln City Travel Guide
City Coastal Oregon city known for beach access
Oregon’s central coast draws visitors for sandy beaches, seafood shacks, glass-blowing studios and windy headlands. Watch for the famous glass floats, explore tide pools at Siletz Bay, or cast for salmon from a jetty.
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Why Visit Lincoln City? #
On Oregon’s central coast, this seaside town is known for its broad beaches and dramatic coastal features like the Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area. Artisans and visitors converge on local glass-blowing studios and seasonal events such as kite flying, while nearby state parks offer tidepooling and cliffside walks. The town’s easy access to beaches, coastal viewpoints and hands-on glass art experiences makes it a relaxed Pacific getaway.
Best Things to Do in Lincoln City
All Attractions ›
Lincoln City Bucket List
- Roads End State Recreation Site - North Lincoln City beach with tide pools, grassy dunes, and viewpoints.
- Devil's Lake State Recreation Area - Popular lake with kayaking, picnic areas, and forested trails minutes from town.
- Lincoln City Glass Center - Hands-on glassblowing studio where visitors carve or blow their own glass.
- Chinook Winds Casino - Coastal casino offering gaming, live entertainment, and multiple dining options nearby.
- Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Quiet tidal marshes and trails for birdwatching and peaceful shoreline walks.
- Taft District Murals - Cluster of public murals and small galleries showcasing local coastal artists' work.
- Local Glass Float Finds - Search for handcrafted glass floats along the strand, a beloved local pastime.
- Depoe Bay & Devil's Punch Bowl - Short coastal drive to whale-watching viewpoints and the iconic Devil's Punch Bowl.
- Newport's Yaquina Bay - Historic bayfront with lighthouse, aquarium, seafood restaurants, and maritime museums.
Best Time to Visit Lincoln City #
Summer (June-September) is the sunniest, driest stretch for beach combing and hiking. Winters are wet and stormy-spectacular for storm‑watching but bring waterproof gear and layers.
Best Time to Visit Lincoln City #
Lincoln City's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (2259 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (345 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (264 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (253 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (337 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (365 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Lincoln City
Lincoln City, on the central Oregon Coast, is easiest to reach by car from Portland (PDX) or via the smaller Newport airport (ONP) for closer access. The coast has limited rail service, so road and local bus/shuttle links are the practical options.
Portland International Airport (PDX): PDX is the largest airport serving the Oregon Coast region and is about 2-2.5 hours’ drive to Lincoln City (roughly 90-100 miles depending on route). Renting a car at PDX is the most common way to reach Lincoln City.
Newport Municipal Airport (ONP): Newport (Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport / ONP) is the closest smaller airport to Lincoln City-about 30-45 minutes’ drive. ONP may have limited scheduled/regional service; many travelers still prefer PDX for more flight options.
Train: There is no Amtrak service directly to Lincoln City; the Oregon coast is not covered by passenger rail in this corridor. The nearest Amtrak stations are inland.
Bus: Lincoln County Transit operates local bus routes serving Lincoln City and regional connections along the Oregon Coast. Additionally, regional shuttle services and seasonal private shuttles connect Lincoln City with larger hubs-this is a valid low-cost option if you don’t want to drive.
How to Get Around Lincoln City #
Lincoln City is a coastal town where having a car is the most convenient way to get between beaches, viewpoints and outlying attractions. The central beach areas, the promenade and some shopping streets are easy to walk. Public transit exists but runs on limited schedules-check Lincoln County transit times if you’re relying on buses. Taxis and rideshares are available but can be slower outside peak season.
Where to Stay in Lincoln City #
- Inn at Spanish Head - Popular affordable oceanfront choice
- Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites - Reliable budget chain on the coast
- Sea Gypsy Motel - Comfortable mid-range, beachfront
- Surftides Lincoln City - Solid mid-range with coastal views
- Inn at Spanish Head (upgraded suites) - Top suites and ocean views
- Windows on the Sea - Higher-end oceanfront rooms
Where to Eat in Lincoln City #
- Mo's - Classic Oregon chowder by the water.
- Kyllo's Seafood & Grill - Family-owned seafood and steak house.
- Chinook Winds Casino Resort (dining) - Multiple casual dining options on-site.
- Lincoln City Brewing Company - Local craft beers and pub food.
- Sea Level Bakery - Fresh breads, pastries and coffee.
- Nelscott Café - Laid-back breakfasts and sandwiches.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Lincoln City's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Lincoln City #
Nightlife is modest and seasonal. Outside the summer months evenings are generally low-key; the Chinook Winds Casino hosts the town’s largest live shows and late-night options, while several pubs and hotel bars offer quieter nights.
- Chinook Winds Casino Resort - Casino complex with bars, live acts and occasional evening entertainment.
Shopping in Lincoln City #
Shopping centers on coastal crafts, galleries and outlet-style stores. Expect souvenir shops selling glass floats, coastal art and locally made goods; galleries and small boutiques are sprinkled through town and along the shoreline.
- Lincoln City Outlets & Shops - Cluster of outlet and coastal gift shops for souvenirs and basics.
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