Family Activities and Things to Do in Lincoln City

July 25, 2022

Categories: Lincoln City | Central Oregon Coast

Lincoln City, Oregon is a beautiful coastal town that offers plenty of activities. There are many things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon for family fun. Of course, the beaches are a must-see, and there are plenty of parks and hiking trails to explore. 

Families can also enjoy the many shops and restaurants downtown or take a short drive out to one of the nearby attractions. There's something for everyone in Lincoln City, making it the perfect place to spend quality time with your loved ones.

 

Things to Do for Family Activities in Lincoln City:

 

Explore Tide Pools

Kids of all ages will love discovering various colorful sea life in Lincoln City’s popular tide pool areas. Please take note; there is a look but don’t touch rule and never take anything home with you. 

You'll find the best accessible tide pools in Lincoln City at the NW 15th Street beach access. The tide pools are just across from the beach access at the oceans edge. There is plenty of street parking and a public parking lot nearby. 

You can also find amazing tide pools at Roads End, north of Roads End State Park beach access. It’s just over a mile walk north along flat sandy beach with beautiful views of Cascade Head.

Tide pooling is best at low tides, so be sure to pick up a tide table at the visitor’s center or view the NOAA tide predictions.

 

Discover Lincoln City's Historic Taft District

Visiting Lincoln City's Historic Taft District is one of the things to do in Lincoln City. This charming district on the Siletz Bay beachfront features unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Enjoy dining with bay and ocean views while having a bowl of the famous clam chowder at Mo’s Restaurant.

Plus, there are many things that you can do in the district, such as browsing the North Lincoln County Historical Museum, play on the beach at the Taft Waterfront Park featuring easy beach access and a fishing and crabbing dock.

Photo: Dock of the Bay Condo 108

 

Hunt for Hidden Treasures

A unique experience you wouldn't want to miss is hunting 'hidden' treasures on the beach. Over 3,000 glass floats are hidden along the seven miles of Lincoln City's sandy beach each year as part of the Finders Keepers Glass Floats program. It becomes all yours if you find any floats designed by local artisans.

Photo: Explore Lincoln City FB

 

Visit the Lincoln City Outlets

There's no better way to bond with your family than by spending quality time together. And what better place to do that than at the Lincoln City Outlets? With over 60 stores to choose from, you're sure to find something for everyone.

Plus, the outlets are located just minutes from the beach, so you can make a day of it and enjoy some fun in the sun. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up the car and head to the Lincoln City Outlets for a family bonding experience you'll never forget.

 

Lincoln City Day Trips

If you are looking to take a day trip and enjoy a scenic drive along the Oregon Coast Hwy, be sure to add these to your list of fun activities:

 

Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of the must-see attractions, just 25 miles south of Lincoln City. It’s located in Newport, on the Central Oregon Coast, and it's a great place to learn about the local marine life and ecosystem.

The aquarium has a wide variety of exhibits, including a touch pool where you can pet stingrays, an octopus exhibit, and a shark tank. There's also a tidepool where you can look for crabs and other creatures that live in the intertidal zone. The aquarium also has educational programs for kids and adults, so it's a great place to visit if you're interested in learning more about the ocean.

If you're visiting Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a must see. It's a perfect place to learn about the local marine life and ecosystem, and it's also a lot of fun for the whole family.

 

Take a Hike on Cascade Head

If you're looking for a breathtaking hike with stunning views, look no further than Cascade Head. Located in the Oregon Coast Range, approximately 10-miles north of Lincoln City via SE East Devil’s Lake Road. This trail offers hikers of all levels a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature.

The first mile of the hike is relatively easy, but the elevation increases as you get closer to the top. This is a moderate to challenging trek, so take plenty of water and snacks. The payoff is worth it, though, as the views from the top are truly incredible.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker, athletic, or just getting started, Cascade Head is a great hike to add to your list. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your gears and enjoy the great outdoors!

Photo: Oregon Marine Reserves

 

Go Whale Watching

Watching the sea mammals is an excellent experience for both parents and kids. There are plenty of whale watching boat tours just 12-miles south of Lincoln City in Depoe Bay. However, each offers a different experience, so choosing the right one for your family is essential.

The whale watching charters offer a variety of experiences. Some are more geared towards families with small children, while others are better for older kids and adults

Whale watching is a great way to bond with loved ones. It's an opportunity to spend time together in nature and learn about these fantastic creatures. There are also plenty of photo opportunities, so bring your camera.

Spring Whale Watching Week in March, around spring break is the perfect time to go whale watching. This is when the whales migrate north to their summer feeding grounds.

Lincoln City is beautiful with plenty of activities to keep you busy. The beach and scenery are stunning, and you will never run out of things to do. Lincoln City is worth visiting whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or family vacation. So, plan your next vacation and choose from our collection of private rental home accommodations at Beachcombers NW.