Lincoln City is one of those rare spots that keeps every age happy, from toddlers to teenagers to the grandparents who came along. The beach does most of the heavy lifting, but there's plenty more to fill a few days — and the best part is how much of it is free and outdoors. Here's how we'd plan a family trip.
Start on the sand. The beach is the main event: building driftwood forts, splashing in the shallows, and hunting for the hand-blown glass floats hidden along the shore year-round as part of the Finders Keepers program — kids are usually the best spotters. Kite-flying is practically a local sport thanks to the steady coastal wind, and the wide beach at the D River wayside is the perfect launch pad. At low tide, drive up to Roads End to explore tide pools full of sea stars, crabs, and anemones.
When everyone needs a change of pace, Devil's Lake, right in town, is a freshwater playground for paddling, swimming, and easy shoreline fun. There are go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade in town for the classic beach-vacation afternoon, plus the arcade and family dining at Chinook Winds. Rainy day? Book a session to blow your own glass float at the Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio — a hands-on activity kids talk about long after the trip.
A few tips from hosting lots of families: pack layers and rain jackets no matter the forecast, keep a tide table handy so beach walks and tide-pooling line up with low water, and always keep an eye on the ocean, since sneaker waves can catch little ones off guard. Mornings on the beach and afternoons for activities (or naps) tends to be the winning rhythm.
It helps to have a home with room to spread out, too. Several of our homes are built for families — Americana even comes with four beach cruisers, and Ebb and Flow has beach bikes, kayaks, and a ping-pong table — and every one has a private hot tub for warming up chilly kids after the beach. Browse our homes and book direct at stepawaylodging.com.
