Visitors to Lincoln City in summer are really spoiled for choice between setting, sea food and assorted sunsets. Spread out along seven miles of scenic sandy beaches, the east side of town drops down to Devil's Lake, trafficked during warmer months by skiers, paddleboats, and windsurfers. Six miles north of town, the Salmon River finds a  Pacific ending, a great spot for kayaking and fishing. On typical summer days, winds reliably pick up mid-morning which helps keep the fog at bay and creates conditions ideal for kite-flying, a pastime celebrated with three annual kite festivals (two outdoors and one indoors).

In winter, mild temperatures make beach-wandering pleasant and spectacular winter weather systesm provide unparalleled entertainment. Between storms, surfers ride the waves at spots south and north of Lincoln City.

For those who would rather see water than ride it, Drift Creek Falls trail, just out of town, offers a moderate hike but highly rewarding views of a cataract. For a more strenuous climb, head north of town to Cascade Head where viewpoints above the trees offer unrivaled vistas of the Oregon Coast.

In addition to beachcombing opportunities, sandy stretches are punctuated with low-lying rocks that reveal all sorts of sea life when the tide is out. Particularly low tides make hidden coves north of the main beach accessible. The less adventurous can enjoy a sunset beachside or over a bowl of clam chowder at any number of cozy restaurants.

A short way down the coast, fishing boats navigate out of the world's smallest harbor in Depoe Bay. Charter a day-trip to catch rockfish or sea bass in shallow water, or head out farther for some deep-sea fishing and whale spotting when the skies are clear and the seas are calm enough to allow boats in and out of the port.

Lincoln City is 55 miles west of Salem, and 110 miles southwest of Portland. To learn more about the area, please select a topic of interest from the navigation bar on the left.