2025 Ultimate Guide: Things to do in Lincoln City Oregon With Your Pup This Winter
Pick a favorite town on the Oregon Coast? These things to do in Lincoln City Oregon that sealed the deal. My answer is the Kite Capitol of the World!
First Timer’s Guide to Lincoln City
Let’s be honest. There’s so much to see on the Oregon Coast. It’s over 350 miles of scenic splendor – with uniquely shaped seastacks, temperate rainforests, and picturesque seaside towns.
If you’re planning a trip but aren’t sure where to start, let me suggest Lincoln City. This small town (which is actually moderately sized by coastal standards), rests in the central part of the Oregon Coast. It is located just west of Salem.
We visited with our pup, Lilo, for a relaxing weekend getaway in the winter. While snowy mountain destinations often get most of the attention this time of year, I love a refreshing trip to the ocean – even if raincoats are required. (Thankfully we totally lucked out with the weather, and jackets were hardly needed at all!)
To help you get your itinerary started, here’s our favorite things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon!
Where to Stay
We haven’t had the pleasure of trying out many of the hotels in this area, but the one we have stayed in delivered everything we were looking for. The Coho Oceanfront Lodge is a pet-friendly hotel perched on a bluff overlooking the beach – and is only steps away from a pedestrian access point to get down to the sand.
Our room was on the first floor, and had a sliding glass door with views of the waves. Also, there was grass right outside which was convenient for letting Lilo out for potty breaks. At check-in, we also received a few treats and a tennis ball for Lilo.
In terms of design, we loved the midcentury modern vibes of the room – it was updated but did not loose its character. And, the fireplace was the perfect touch!
Evenings were probably my favorite time at the resort. We watched the sun go down from the elevated sandy fire pit area. A little later on, I enjoyed popping my head out to count how many ships I could spot on the horizon. Oh and if you don’t mind setting an alarm, it is well worth waking up for sunrise here (even if you hit snooze after a few minutes of fresh air).
Complimentary hot breakfast is available, which we found to be excellent!
{RELATED POST: Oregon’s Best Rustic Retreat in the Mountains}
Things to do in Lincoln City Oregon
Go for a beachcombing tour
There are many fun year-round activities, but this one is exclusively offered during winter. Dubbed an “explorience” this free guided tour offers the chance to discover how the Oregon Coast is connected to Yellowstone, teaches how to identify agates, fossils, and minerals you find on the beach, and is as great way to tap into the local rockhounding community. Hosted by Laura Joki, owner of the Rock Your World gallery in town, these 2 hours will be quite fascinating – and you can carry the knowledge you learn on to future beach walks.
View the 2025 Beachcombing Explorience schedule.
Hunt for Glass Treasure
While you’re out and about exploring the 7 miles of public shoreline, keep your eyes peeled for colorful glass floats. They are placed on beaches throughout the year, but even more so during winter. They are part of the Finders Keepers program, which hides over 3,000 every year! Lincoln City was the first town to become known for their generous glass art program, and I honestly love how it supports artisans in the Pacific Northwest and encourages people to go outdoors!
Hike on Epic Trail
One of my favorite types of trails on the Oregon Coast are ones that give a birds-eye view. The Knoll, a 3 mile roundtrip hike with 630′ of elevation gain, leads you to a grand overlook of Lincoln City. I’m not sure if it’s just the perspective, but I swear the waves seem to roll in slower from up here.
Be sure to wear waterproof boots as this easy to moderate trail is often muddy this time of year.
{RELATED POST: How to Explore Crater Lake During Winter}
Browse Glass Art Galleries
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t come across a glass float on the beach. If your heart is set on taking one home with you, it’s easy to do by visiting:
- Lincoln City Glass Center: Watch glassblowers in action and you can even create your own art!
- Volta Glass Gallery: Shop glass orbs, jewelry, and home decor (located just across the street from the Lincoln City Glass Center, and ran by the same owners)
- Summer Gap: Be amazed at nature-inspired stained glass by Connie. She also is open to custom orders!
Grab coffee from Pacific Grind Cafe
Hands down my favorite place to slip a latte is this eclectic, family owned coffee shop. The baristas are super friendly, and create some darling latte art – which never fails to bring a smile to my face.
During our visit, they also had plants for sale from a local nursery and beans from LEFT COAST Coffee Co.
{RELATED POST: Best Coffee Shops in Portland}
Enjoy a Meal at Mo’s
This beloved seafood spot absolutely has earned a spot on the best things to do in Lincoln City Oregon. Mo’s Seafood & Chowder is a longtime chain that serves up comfort food like burgers, pasta, and seafood favorites. It was pretty much love at first sight for me and the Cannonball – a sourdough bread bowl of delicious clam chowder. I can’t think of a better way to warm up in the wintertime!
Cozy up with Takeout from Thai Bay Restaurant
Another place we loved was getting thai takeout to eat in our room one night after the sun had set. The pad hot basil stir fry and pineapple fried rice were especially good – and so flavorful! Sometimes when you’re traveling, all you want is to stay in your pajamas and watch the waves crashing. This was the perfect way to do that!
Eat the Best Fish & Chips
For one last food recommendation, you have to try the halibut or cod fish and chips from Pub Fish & Chips. This friendly, casual eatery is quick to serve great bites that will keep you coming back. It’s basically a tradition for us to stop by for lunch every time we’re in town.
This post was all about the best things to do in Lincoln City Oregon during winter.
