When people hear Oregon in a conversation their first thoughts probably turn to Portland. Yet, there’s much more to the state, including a vast coastline that looks over the Pacific Ocean.
Along that coastline are numerous towns and resorts that draw in more than locals. They are locations that tend to have the same mild weather in the summer as California, except with fewer crowds. In addition, the vacation rentals in these areas can be far less expensive.
One of these areas is Lincoln City. Less than 90 miles from Portland, the municipality is off Highway 101 between Depoe Bay and Neskowin. It is a city with wide, white sandy beaches as well as a rich and diverse culture.
History
Lincoln City is fairly new. Once a stretch of coastal towns that included Cutler City, Wecoma Beach, and Oceanlake, it was brought together and incorporated in 1965 to stabilize the local government. It has a permanent population of 9,000 across a span of only 5.4 miles. During the summer months, when hundreds of vacation homes are available for rent, the population swells to over 30,000.
Climate
Lincoln City sits in a mild maritime climate. During the summer, temperatures average between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and the 50s in the evening. The period between June and September also has the least amount of rainfall — approximately six days per month. So, when packing for your vacation rental, a rain jacket and sweatshirt are a must.
In the fall and winter, average highs in Lincoln City are in the 40s and 50s with lows in the 30s. However, it may seem colder if it rains, which is about 16 days each month. If renting during this period, make sure to pack warm boots, moisture-wicking jackets, hats, and gloves.
Vacation Rentals
Rentals are available year-round, although there may be fewer in the colder months. Those who stay in one of Lincoln City’s vacation homes and condos have free access to the beach. Renters can also participate in the city’s Finders Keepers season. If you walk along the beach and find a hidden handmade glass float it is yours to keep, courtesy of Lincoln City.
You can find vacation homes and condos for rent through the city and online. For instance, Keystone Vacations Oregon (keystonevacationsoregon.com) lists these by rating, cost, and amenities. Furthermore, these rentals span the gamut from two-bedroom condos to several room homes that accommodate multiple families.
What to Do
Thanks to its incorporation into one city almost six decades ago, Lincoln City has much to do beyond the sand and the waves of the Pacific. Whether it involves sightseeing, culture, dining, or shopping, there’s something for everyone and every age.
For instance, the city holds two all-ages festivals in June. The Summer Kite Festival offers two days of kite flying activities. Later in the month is Pixiefest — a celebration that honors the city’s past with a recreation of Pixieland and the Pixie Kitchen.
One of the reasons so many visitors find glass floats along the beach is due to the Lincoln City Glass Center. It allows patrons to both learn and experience the art of glassblowing. In addition to seeing how blown glass is made, those daring enough can create their own keepsake.
Travelers interested in Lincoln City’s past can visit the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. It features permanent and rotating exhibits about the city and its county. The good news is admission is free.
Those interested in outdoor activities have options beyond the beach. For example, at 685 acres, Devil’s Lake is available for boating, swimming, or fishing. On the southwest corner of Lincoln City is Siletz Bay. Here, visitors can birdwatch, swim, or dig for clams at low tide.
Outside of the water, the area around Lincoln City is filled with miles of hiking trails among its open spaces. You can hike in neighborhood parks, forests, wetlands, and along the Oregon Coast itself.
If travelers have shoppers in their group, the place for them to go is the Lincoln City Outlets. There are approximately 50 designer and name brand stores that sell their wares for less than the standard department store.
Should visitors be on the lookout for something older, they can stop in the antiques and collectible shops of Lincoln City. Once known as one of the undiscovered places to antique in the U.S., the city celebrates each year with a ten-day event.
At some point, you will get hungry. Luckily, Lincoln City has plenty of places to dine that are a short walk, bike, or drive from your vacation rental. Going the classic route, people visiting the glass center can take a quick stroll to Hwy 101 Burger. It features burgers made fresh and shakes to wash them down. Diners can relax on the patio while they watch the sunset over Siletz Bay.
Not too far from Hwy 101 Burger is Mo’s Seafood & Chowder. If you are a lover of clam chowder, you want to stop here. You can get the soup in a sourdough bread bowl or served with Oregon Bay Shrimp. The bay shrimp also comes in a sandwich or melt.
Across town, visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Wild Flower Grill. Some of the specialties include a Crab Cake Benedict for breakfast, Wildflower Oyster Po’Boy for lunch, and Marionberry Hazelnut Duck for dinner. Everything is included with amazing views.
Overall, Lincoln City should be your vacation rental destination no matter what the season. To get an idea of available locations, visit or call:
Keystone Vacation Rentals
1723 NW Harbor Ave
Lincoln City, OR 97367
(503) 443-1414
