Lincoln City Epic 2-Day Itinerary
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Lincoln City sits alongside seven miles of pristine Oregon Coast beaches. The long, sprawling town was once five separate communities that grew together over the years. Only two hours from my home in Portland, I’ve visited many times. At first glance, it’s utilitarian. Once you get exploring, you’ll find more than enough to fill a weekend itinerary, from natural wonders to excellent restaurants and art galleries. Here’s how to spend two perfect days in Lincoln City.
Road’s End Beach
Day 1: Scenic drive, Devils Punchbowl, Depoe Bay, Taft Waterfront Park, and dinner with a view
Day 2: Big breakfast, hike or beach walk, and exploring Lincoln City
Day 1
Breakfast and coffee
Salt
We’ve got a full first day in Lincoln City, so I’m starting the itinerary with an easy breakfast stop. Salt is a charming local cafe and gift shop in an otherwise standard outlet mall. The drink menu has fruit smoothies and decadent coffee drinks, like the Jacobsen honey & sea salt latte. If you visit Lincoln City on a rainy day, you might want to linger inside. It’s a cozy place to enjoy a breakfast burrito, bagel sandwich, or scratch-made quiche, then browse artisan candles. To get exploring faster, pick up something from the grab-and-go counter. We’re heading to viewpoints with picnic areas next.
Scenic drive and viewpoints
Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
Lincoln City is less than 20 minutes from one of the most memorable drives on the Oregon Coast. Even if you're only in town for two days, it’s worth heading south to see the stunning viewpoints and beaches along US-101. Stop at any or all of them. You can’t go wrong. Boiler Bay and Rocky Creek overlook wave-buffeted cliffs and panoramic ocean vistas. Fogarty Creek Beach has cool rock formations and tide pools. As you make way south, be sure to take the detour on Otter Crest Loop. The one-way road has spectacular views of the coastal bluffs on the way to Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, perched 500 feet above the Pacific.
Parking info: Fogarty Creek requires the Oregon State Park Pass to park ($10/day). The other stops are free.
Devils Punchbowl
King tides at Devils Punchbowl
The only downside of the scenic drive south of Lincoln City is that you won’t want to turn around. It’s too awesome. Devils Punchbowl is a satisfying finale with enough wow factor to make you believe nothing more extraordinary could be just down the road. It’s not exactly true. Yaquina Head isn’t far. Still, we’re spending two days in Lincoln City, so I won’t try and tempt you into a week-long road trip down the coast.
Anyway, back to the Devils Punchbowl. The fenced viewpoint next to the parking lot is a safe place to admire it from above at any time. At high tide, the ocean fills the enormous hollow cylinder in the sandstone coastline. Low tide reveals the fallen boulders at its base. If the tide is very low (below zero and falling) and the ocean is calm, you can hike down and enter the Devils Punchbowl. I don’t recommend it with younger children.
Parking info: Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area requires the Oregon State Park Pass to park ($10/day).
Lunch in Depoe Bay
Tidal Raves
Depoe Bay is a small town with a giant seawall that looks like the defenses of a Medieval castle. It’s a great place to stop for lunch on the way back to Lincoln City. The best views in town and, I’m told, seafood are at Tidal Raves, where large windows overlook the ocean. For something more budget-friendly and, in my case, vegetarian-friendly, I like The Horn and Mazatlan. For ambiance, Gracie’s Sea Hag is a longtime Oregon Coast staple and exactly what you’re picturing. After lunch, take a walk along the seawall and watch for whales. At the free Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center, volunteers will loan you binoculars and help you look.
Taft Waterfront Park
Harbor seals at Siletz Bay
After lunch, we’re heading back to Lincoln City. Taft Waterfront Park has one of the most interesting access points to the town’s seven miles of public beaches. The driftwood-strewn sand along Siletz Bay is a hotspot for harbor seal sightings. Look for heads bobbing in the water and blobs lounging on the sandy spit across the bay. Since a body of water separates you from the seals, you can watch them from the beach or the wheelchair-accessible dock without disturbing them. Nearby is the Historic Taft District, where you’ll find restaurants, art galleries, and glass-blowing studios.
Dinner at Pelican Brewing
Pelican Brewing
We’ll wrap up the first day of our Lincoln City itinerary by having dinner with a view. Pelican Brewing is at the south end of town, close to Taft Waterfront Park. The restaurant’s large windows face Siletz Bay. The menu offers Pacific Northwest pub fare with suggested beer pairings from the brewery. The food is good, if a little pricey. You’re paying some for the ambiance. The service has been great when I’ve gone, and the servers have helped accommodate my travel companions' dietary restrictions. I’d suggest going before you’re very hungry. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, and there’s often a wait at dinnertime.
Or, for something more budget-friendly, check out the Pines Dine. Ten food trucks serving different types of cuisine are outside a communal beer hall and seating area. No views here, but a fun atmosphere.
Watch the sunset, maybe
Wecoma Beach
Depending on when you visit Lincoln City, the day may end with dinner. Frequent drizzle makes sunsets on the Oregon Coast hit-or-miss. In winter, short daylight hours mean the sun goes down in the late afternoon, usually behind a wall of clouds. If you get a nice night, head to any of Lincoln City’s beaches to watch the sunset.
Day 2
Breakfast at the Wildflower Grill
Wildflower Grill
We’ll start day two of the Lincoln City itinerary with a hearty breakfast. It’s going to be an active morning. The Wildflower Grill looks like a cottage with a lovely front garden. Inside, large windows overlook the woods out back. The meals are satisfying, and portions are generous. Think American-style brunch: French toast, omelettes, pancakes. The coffee comes from one of my favorite Oregon roasters, Sisters Coffee Company. I went early and had the place almost to myself. Around mid-morning, expect a wait.
Go for a hike or a beach walk
Roads End Beach from the Thumb
This part of the trip itinerary is flexible depending on the weather and how active you want the day to be. Lincoln City is near some incredible hikes. These are my favorites.
The most famous hike in Lincoln City is the Thumb, aka God’s Thumb. The family-friendly and official version is a 3-mile loop to the Knoll, a grassy hilltop overlooking Lincoln City. An optional, unofficial spur trail leads to the top of the Thumb and panoramic ocean views. The whole thing is about 5 miles. If you go beyond the Knoll, proceed with caution and bring an offline map to avoid trespassing.
If you head east of Lincoln City, a 3-mile hike leads to 75-foot Drift Creek Falls, one of the most memorable waterfalls in the Coast Range. Just before the waterfall, you’ll pass over a 240-foot suspension bridge. Parking requires a NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass ($5/day).
About 10 minutes north of Lincoln City, Cascade Head is a place of rare plants, frequent elk sightings, and unforgettable views. Stay on the trail and leave no trace. Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
For easier terrain, consider a walk on Roads End Beach. It’s always beautiful, but it comes with a bonus during low tide. If you head north on the beach for about a mile, you’ll reach a hidden cove where intertidal life covers the rocks and sea stacks. Check a tide table before going. Make sure to be on the south side of the headland when the tide comes in. Parking requires an Oregon State Park Pass ($10/day).
Explore Lincoln City
Freed Gallery
After your hike, grab lunch and explore the town. Visiting the art galleries is one of the highlights of a weekend in Lincoln City. A standout for fine art is the Freed Gallery, just off US-101. Nearby, two more are tucked back in the woods. Mossy Creek Pottery has wonderful handmade ceramics. Next door, Alder House Glass offers free glass-blowing demonstrations in a combined store and studio. Back in the Taft District, check out Lincoln City Glass Center and Volta Gallery.
Connie Hansen Garden
Lincoln City’s most beautiful non-beach place is the Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy. Once the home of skilled gardener Connie Hansen, volunteers now maintain the property in her memory. It’s free and open to the public, with donations welcome. The best time to go is late spring when the rhododendrons bloom.
D River, the world’s shortest river
I’d let your interests and the weather guide the rest of the afternoon itinerary. Lincoln City has some nice shops for antiques, fossils, used books, and gifts. On a nice day, you’ll probably want to be by the ocean as much as possible. It’s worth stopping at D River State Recreation Site in the middle of town. The big draw is the beach, but you’ll also be able to say you’ve seen the world’s shortest river. Watch your friends turn green with envy when you tell them.
Dinner at Hearth & Table
Hearth & Table
For dinner, we’re going to one of my favorite restaurants in Lincoln City, Hearth & Table. This European-inspired bistro is welcoming and intimate. Their delicious wood-fired pizzas are finished with olive oil from Durant Vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The drink menu offers beer, wine, and craft cocktails, including some NA options. Since the restaurant is small, it often has a wait.
Where to stay in Lincoln City
Lincoln City has lodging options for every budget. As with anywhere on the Oregon Coast, prices are highest in summer and lowest in winter. If you’re visiting in the summer, I’d suggest booking as soon as you know your dates.
The Surfland Hotel has oceanfront rooms, easy beach access, a buffet breakfast, a pool, and a hot tub.
For something special, the Inn at Spanish Head has some of the best ocean views in town. It’s built vertically, with the ground-floor rooms right on the beach. The top level has a restaurant perfect for watching the sunset. Amenities include a pool and hot tub.
The Looking Glass Inn has cozy rooms in a great location by Taft Waterfront Park. Breakfast is included.
If you’re traveling on a budget, check out the Sea Echo Motel. Rooms are basic, but it’s clean and comfortable, and prices are very reasonable.
Wildlife in Lincoln City
Sea stars on Roads End Beach
A weekend in Lincoln City has tons of wildlife-watching potential. Here are the hotspots:
The most interesting intertidal area is at the north end of Road’s End Beach. Visit at a low, falling tide to avoid getting trapped on the wrong side of the headland.
The best whale-watching spots are Depoe Bay and the elevated viewpoints outside of Lincoln City. I’ve had good luck spotting them at Boiler Bay and Rocky Creek.
Taft Waterfront Park is the best place to look for seals and sea lions.
Anywhere around Lincoln City has birdwatching potential, especially Devils Lake, Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and the viewpoints south of Lincoln City. If you get as far as Newport, large colonies of seabirds nest at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in late spring and early summer.
Roosevelt elk often hang out at Cascade Head.
Rainy days in Lincoln City
Lincoln City Glass Center
Lincoln City is one of the better places to be on the Oregon Coast if you get a rainy weekend. My favorite thing to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate is to visit the art galleries and glass-blowing studios. Some have glass-blowing demonstrations. At Lincoln City Glass Center, you can create your own glass float.
Lincoln City’s restaurants with ocean views are great places to watch winter storms safely. Kyllo’s by D River State Recreation Site is right on the beach. Fathoms is at the top of the Inn at Spanish Head.
Scenic drives can still be fun if it’s drizzling. Rain and fog bring out what’s unique about the Pacific Northwest. Since the weather can change quickly, you might end up at just the right spot when the clouds break.
For a quiet recharge day, Robert’s Bookshop is a used bookstore with a big selection. Browse the books, pick up a novel or two, then head to a coffee shop.
Lincoln City packing list
Camera
Water bottle and hiking snacks
Bring layers, including a waterproof rain jacket, like these for women or men.
Getting there
Lincoln City is on the central Oregon Coast. US-101 runs through town. The drive from Portland takes about 2 hours. You’ll need a car to get there and see the area.
Explore nearby
Spend the perfect day in Depoe Bay.
Check out the best things to do in Newport
