Lincoln City is a classic Oregon Coast town that’s always a super fun time. Just a two-hour drive from Portland, it’s perfect for groups heading to the coast because it has everything you need: waves, quirky shopping, and fun places to eat and drink. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite spots to help you plan a great day trip or weekend!
Stroll the Shores & D River Beach
Head straight to the beach access near the D River Recreation Site (the world’s shortest river!) or Taft Waterfront Park for classic coastal energy.
- Tip: Bundle up, grab a warm morning coffee, and walk the stretch where the river meets the ocean before heading into town to explore. It’s a gorgeous walk that will give you beach access and time to search for agates along the water.
Hike God’s Thumb
For sweeping, bird’s-eye views of the Oregon Coast, head just outside Lincoln City to hike God’s Thumb. You’ll wind through the trees before popping out onto a dramatic, high-altitude grassy headland. Bring a windbreaker and your camera, the coastal scenery from up there is unreal.
From the official trailhead, the God’s Thumb hike is about 4.3 to 4.8 miles round-trip with around 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It takes most people around 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Go to the Outlets & Antique Malls
When you need a break from walking on the beach, Lincoln City Outlets offers fantastic indoor and open-air shopping options that span brand-name deals to multi-dealer vintage halls.
- Lincoln City Outlets: I love an outlet mall, and this place has it all. Hit up any of the big name or local stores in search of a good deal.
- The Antique Malls: If you love treasure hunting, spots like the Little Antique Mall and the Rocking Horse Mall are packed with quirky decor, great kitchenware, and fun trinkets. I typically plan to pop in for ten minutes and accidentally stay for an hour haha.
Where to Eat & Drink: The Ultimate Coastal Food Tour
Lincoln City’s food and drink scene has gotten so good over the last few years. Here are the spots you cannot miss on your trip:
- A classic, family-owned spot perched right on the edge of the beach. Grab a window table for unbeatable panoramic ocean views while you eat fresh seafood and yummy yummy plates.
- A classic diner with great comfort food.
- A fantastic outdoor food cart pod featuring a great mix of local eats, casual seating, and a fun community hangout vibe. It is the best spot when everyone in your group wants something different for dinner.
- This is the newest Pelican on the Oregon Coast and it took over a gorgeous piece of land with a great view of the Siletz Bay. My favorite thing to do at this Pelican is order a beer from their outdoor bar and sit on one of their adirondack chairs while looking at the view.
- A new wine bar located right near the Taft Waterfront Park. Stop in for some yummy curated wines and light bites after your walk on the beach.
- A cute cottage cafe that has comfort food on lock. I had an amazing omelet there and am hoping to go back soon.
- Located just a short drive south in Gleneden Beach, this family-run favorite serves incredible, thoughtfully sourced New American dishes in an airy, art-filled space with a lovely garden patio.
Where to Stay: Top Beachfront Resorts & Big Group Airbnbs
The Inn At Spanish Head Resort Hotel:
- An iconic resort where every hotel room has a gorgeous view of the beach. It has beach access from the hotel and an on-site restaurant.
- An awesome beachfront hotel with an indoor pool and sauna. They have super cozy fire pits that are overlooking the waves. It’s a good value for the location.
- If you want a true resort stay, Salishan is hands-down the place to book. Between the 18-hole golf course, a gorgeous spa, farm-to-table dining, ziplining through the trees, and quick beach access, there is so much to do without even leaving the property. It’s an Oregon Coast classic resort for a reason & my recommendation if you’re not on a tight budget.
Rental Houses for Large Groups:
- You can easily find large rental homes on Airbnb or Vrbo just a block or two away from the beach. I’d recommend checking for houses in the Nelscott or Road D neighborhoods, as many of them feature hot tubs and are perfect for accommodating bigger groups.