With 7 miles of pristine beaches and 17 beach access points, tiny Lincoln City, Oregon, packs in more than its share of outdoor attractions. It comprises several districts — many of which were individual towns before they were incorporated — which explains why the “city” feels like a series of villages, each with its own personality.
That just means that there’s more for visitors to explore, including the hiking trails and estuaries of Cutler City, the cafés of Wecoma and the arts community in Taft.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Take a Hike — and Get a Little Crabby
Begin your adventure with breakfast at Pacific Grind Café, right on Highway 101. The quaint, shingled spot has a lovely espresso bar and a menu of bagels, schmears, granola and more. Head south on 101 for 3 miles and you’ll be in Cutler City, which, despite its name, is not at all citified: While there are a few residential streets, the area is all about its parks, forests and waterfront.
Drive inland to find the trailhead for Drift Creek Falls, an easy 3-mile hike that’s suitable for just about anyone. Along the way you’ll pass a large suspension bridge with beautiful views of the forest before arriving at your destination — the nearly 70-foot waterfall that plunges onto large basalt rocks. In the summertime — and for polar-bear types all year round — the pool is a great place to cool off.
Lunch is going to taste great after all that exercise. Especially since you’ll be sitting down at the family-run Beachcrest Brewing Company, located directly on the water in Gleneden Beach, just south of Cutler City.
The food and drink couldn’t be more local. The beers are named after the area’s natural wonders (Siletz Bay Hazy IPA, Proposal Rock Porter) and the simple but delicious menu includes sausages, bratwurst, buttery German pretzels, house-made beer cheese and sauerkraut.
Alternatively, if you happen to have your shellfish license, you can dig for your lunch by crabbing or clamming in the mudflats of Siletz Bay.
Heading back to Lincoln City, don’t miss a visit to the Freed Gallery, host to a charming outdoor “wind garden,” where the pieces are set motion by the breezes coming off the ocean, directly below. Inside, browse the work of nearly 100 artists, specializing in everything from pottery and metalwork to blown-glass sculptures and weaving.
For your first evening in Lincoln City, visit Oceanlake. Here you’ll find the retro Bijou Theatre, where both new movies and classic films are shown. One of the perks of enjoying an evening show here is that the theater serves burgers, onion rings and hot dogs from its next-door neighbor, Grill 1646. After the show, stop by Candyland for the shop’s famous saltwater taffy.
Saturday: Shop Local Businesses and Gallery Hop
Start your Saturday morning in the exhilarating surf at Nelscott Reef. This area is beloved by experienced big-wave riders looking to catch the rare 50-foot swell (most common during the winter months). Beginners can take a lesson from the team at Safari Town Surf in a group or private setting.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to head to Wecoma, a district known for its cuisine. Go to Wildflower Grill, one of the most popular eateries in the area, offering hearty seafood served in a homey cottage setting. Specialties include a seafood omelet stuffed with crab, shrimp and three types of cheese and a crab cake Benedict served with poached eggs and hash browns.
In the afternoon, head to the district of Delake, known for its cultural offerings. In the warmer months, the Lincoln City Farmers & Crafters Market is a great place to peruse local delicacies and handmade goods like salves, creams and soaps.
Browse work by local and regional artists at the nearby Pacific Artists’ Co-op Gallery and stop into the Lincoln City Cultural Center, a historic red brick building that now houses galleries, performances spaces and art classes.
For dinner, join the line outside of J’s Fish & Chips for your chance to dig into the joint’s same-named specialty, shrimp baskets and clam chowder. Then, stop into the Olde Line Lanes & Kitchen for a game of retro bowling in the 1930s-era alley.
Sunday: Channel Your Inner Artist
Begin your day at the famous Nelscott Breakfast House. Enjoy oat-crusted French toast topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream or house-made cinnamon rolls drizzled with a tangy citrus glaze.
After your meal, hit the beach at SW 35th Street or SW 33rd Street. Say hello to the town’s famous statue, Joe the Sea Lion, then take to the sand to beachcomb for rocks and minerals, including quartz and jasper.
In the afternoon, drive to Taft’s art district to visit the Lincoln City Glass Center. Here you can watch artists practicing their glass-blowing techniques. And if you make an appointment, you can work with an expert to design your very own glass creation. Before you go, browse the center’s line of products, ranging from votive holders to heart-shaped paperweights.
There’s no better place to end your evening than at the oceanside Mo’s Seafood & Chowder. You’ll take in views of Siletz Bay and the Pacific Ocean while enjoying a delicious bowl of clam chowder. Finally, stop by Rusty Truck Brewing for a local craft beer or two (the Fender Bender Amber Ale is a local favorite, as is the Road Wrecker IPA).
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