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Sea Lion Caves Provide Year Round Entertainment

Whale Off the Oregon Coast

There is absolutely no shortage of things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon. The restaurants, the kites, the beaches, looking for shells, heading out to the wineries, and so, so much more for those staying in Oregon beach rentals.

But if you’re looking for something new for a day trip, one truly unique place to drive to from Oregon vacation rentals is the Seal Lion Caves which are about 90 minutes from Lincoln City, just north of Florence, Oregon.

Lincoln City Oregon Beach
Sand Water Coast Oregon Lincoln City Ocean Beach

Sea Lion Caves is America’s largest sea caves. It is a natural wonder, with the main cave more than twelve stories tall and a football field long.  The group of caves t is called “Sea Lion Caves” because it is the year-round home for the wonderful and entertaining sea lion. But the sea lions are always in the cave. In fact, they spend the majority of the spring and summer on the rocks outside the cave along the coast. 

But that means that if you come in the winter, you’ll be treated to the sight of hundreds of sea lions all around the caves.

What a wonderful way to spend a day or two when at Oregon coast vacation rentals!

But sea lions aren’t the only wildlife that you’ll have a chance to see when you’re at Sea Lion Caves.

Whale Off the Oregon Coast

But not only will you see sea lions in Sea Lion Caves, you’ll also be able to observe many sea birds as they fly in and out of the cave, plus, if you’re there at the right time, you’ll even see some whales off the coast. 

Now, Sea Lion Caves does require a bit of walking up and down hills and sets of stairs, so if you go there from Oregon beach vacation rentals, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. But the sights and sounds will be very worth the effort. 

Sea Lion Caves is open year-round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, but you should check their website or call ahead to make sure they’re open, and what might be going on. 

It’s just one more reason to look for beach condo rentals in Lincoln City, Oregon! 

Day Trips From Lincoln City, Oregon Beach Rentals

Oregon Wine Festival

Lincoln City, Oregon beach rentals provide the best accommodations for your stay in Lincoln City, of course. And we’ve talked about many places to go and things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon, and within a few miles of beach condo rentals in Lincoln City, OR.

But Oregon vacation homes near Lincoln City, OR are within a short drive of many great sites and experiences that make for nice day trips. So the next time you stay in one of the many Oregon coast beach rentals in Lincoln City, OR, you might want to try one or more of these great day trips!

First we go east, toward the mountains and wine country. The towns of McMinnville, Dayton, Carlton, and Dundee are all about a one-hour drive from beach home rentals near Lincoln City, OR. In each of them you’ll find welcoming, charming downtowns with interesting shops and winery tasting rooms. But don’t just stay to the downtown area, head out into the hills to find the wineries themselves, where you can see the grapes and see where the magic happens.

Second, don’t miss the majestic lighthouses along the coast. Driving in either along the stunning Oregon coast from the Oregon vacation rentals in Lincoln City, OR will bring you to both the shortest and the tallest lighthouses on the Oregon coast — among others. 

Hiking trails and lighthouses are nearby Oregon beach vacation rentals

About an hour and a half north you’ll find the shortest, Meares Head. This is just 38 feet tall, but in its day its light could be seen 21 nautical miles across the sea. But if you go just 40 minutes south from Oregon beach vacation rentals near Lincoln City, OR, you’ll find the tallest lighthouse along the Oregon coast. This one, at Yaquina Head, stands a mammoth 93 feet tall. This lighthouse is still in use, but tours are available, as is an interpretive center. 

Also within an easy drive, visitors to Lincoln City, OR beach vacation rentals are many natural wonders that visitors shouldn’t miss. These include — but are certainly not limited to — Proposal Rock (you get one guess how it got that name!), Neskowin Ghost Forest, Munson Creek Falls, Haystack Rock, Sea Lion Caves, Cape Perpetual Scenic Area, Thor’s Well, and so many more. 

Suffice to say, while you could spend your entire vacation enjoying Lincoln City, the Oregon coast boasts enough sights and sounds and wonders to bring you back to Oregon vacation beach rentals time and time again.

Historic Tours and Spooky Sites Near Oregon Beach Vacation Rentals

Oregon Beach Rentals Wagon

Yes, of course there are few places more relaxing than Oregon beach rentals. Lincoln City, Oregon is an absolutely fantastic place to come if you just want to relax, enjoy the rhythm of the surf outside your window, take in some stunning natural sites, and enjoy some great food.

But if you come to stay in one of our Oregon beach house rentals near Lincoln City, Oregon, you can also have a relaxing time learning some of the local history. And that includes some of the more spooky parts of our history, too.

Our beach condo rentals are an easy drive from the North Lincoln County Historical Museum, where tours begin — what they call the “Tour to Die For.” 

Oregon Beach Rentals Wagon

This tour, which is not available this year due to COVID, begins at the museum, then takes you on a journey over to the Taft Pioneer Cemetery. 

Many very early residents of Lincoln City are buried in this historic cemetery — the land for it was donated by, of course, Mr. Bones. And when the official tours are offered, actors and actresses aid in the tour experience by playing the part of some of these early residents, telling their stories, and helping history… come back to life.

There is a mountain man who was a friend and correspondent with major political figures — including Harry Truman. There is a Native American woman who helped the earliest settlers to survive and thrive on the Oregon coast. And more — like a couple who moved to the area way back in 1897.

Lincoln City Oregon Beach

So when you book Oregon coast beach rentals near Lincoln City, Oregon you’re just a few miles away from all of this history. You can partake in an official tour (when they’re offered again) or just take it upon yourself to explore a bit of the area near your lodging near Lincoln City, Oregon.

Those who are interested in history will find a lot of things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon that will satisfy their curiosity. And those who also find spooky experiences fun and stimulating can find what they’re looking for too!

Go Fly a Kite From an Oregon Beach Rental

Oregon Beach House Rentals

Lincoln City, Oregon has been named the Kite Capital of the World by Kite Life Magazine, and for good reason. Those who are looking to enjoy some of the best kite flying conditions available on earth should consider Oregon Beach Rentals! Lincoln City, Oregon has some great ones available.

Normally at this time of year the Fall Kite Festival provides delightful entertainment, breath taking demonstrations, and opportunities for fun for all members of the family staying at Oregon vacation beach rentals.

Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID pandemic has caused the cancellation of the 2021 Fall Kite Festival. However, this doesn’t mean that individuals and families who came for things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon can’t enjoy some kite flying on their own.

Oregon Beach House Fall Rentals

In fact, provided all rules and recommendations about safety in the age of COVID are observed, there are ample opportunities within just a few miles of beach condo rentals. Lincoln City, Oregon are pretty much all within seven miles of the best places to fly kites. 

One of the most centrally located is the D River State Recreation Site. It is accessible from the center of Lincoln City, which makes it one of the most convenient. It is also the site of the Summer and Fall Kite Festivals — when they are held. 

But D River may be too centrally located, and therefore too crowded for COVID safety, or just for your own style of rest and relaxation when you come to stay in an Oregon coast beach rental. Lincoln City, Oregon also has beach access at NW 26th Street, and at NW 15th Street. The latter allows visitors to drive right out onto the beach, while the former will involve navigating a long set of stairs. 

Oregon Vacation Condo Rentals

A few miles north, those staying in beach home rentals near Lincoln City, Oregon can find a great spot for kite flying at Road’s End State Recreation Site. This is a bit more secluded, and provides a better opportunity for space to spread out and try new things with your kites. 

And at the other end, if you’re staying at one of the available beach condo rentals near Lincoln City, Oregon at the southern end of town, public beach access is available at Taft Waterfront Park at SW 44th Street. 

But no matter which of the many Oregon beach house rentals you stay at, you will have ample opportunity to get out and enjoy safe kite flying with your whole family.

Beachcombing the Lincoln City, OR Coast in August Can Yield Beautiful Treasures

Oregon Beach House Rentals

The beaches along the Oregon coast aren’t the most hospitable to swimming and surfing. The waves are unpredictable, and rip tides are frequent. But the beach has other treasures for those staying in Oregon beach rentals

Lincoln City, Oregon lodging options will keep you close to the beach. If you come in August, you’ll be here for the warmest weather of the year. But even in August the temperature generally stays between highs of 70 degrees with overnight lows bottoming out in the low 50s. Also, it stays fairly sunny and hardly rains in August.

So those looking at Oregon beach house rentals can expect some of the best and most predictable weather anywhere. 

Oregon Beach House Rentals
Beachcombing in August while staying in an Oregon Beach House Rental can yield great treasures.

This is conducive to excellent beachcombing activities. If you get down to the beach right at low tide you’ll have a chance to get the sand dollars left behind by the surf. But you have to get there quickly, or the gulls will get them. 

In addition to sand dollars the attentive beachcomber will find lovely bits of washed and rounded glass and lovely softened driftwood. 

Seashells can be found, but they are rare. Seashells are less a thing on Oregon beaches than elsewhere. 

But two things that can be found on occasion on Oregon beaches that are very uncommon elsewhere are agates and fossils. 

Agates are stones that, as they are broken open, have a lovely banded pattern on their interior. They coming in many colors, always vibrant and usually glassy in appearance. The technical name for what they are is chalcedony, and if you stay at an Oregon beach vacation rental you just may see an agate or two used as decoration on a shelf or mantle. 

The fossils found are usually mollusk shells, whale bones, fish teeth, and even turtles. They come from the sandstone cliffs along the coast that break up due to weatherizing. The bits containing the fossil imprint then can be washed up onto shore. 

But whether or not you find a beautiful treasure while walking, you can’t go wrong if you make an Oregon vacation beach rental your home for a time during August. The weather is wonderful, the beach is beckoning, and the rest and relaxation you’ll find will make you want to come back for another Oregon vacation rental!

Beach Vacation with Great Seafood

Sunset in Lincoln City, Oregon

You pretty much have to make an effort to try the best local seafood when you go off on a beach vacation. Lincoln City, OR will delight your tastebuds with its many options for great seafood.

You’ll find many options for great seafood within a short drive of your beach condo. Oregon, with its long Pacific coast and its many interior waterways that are abundant with some of the best seafood and freshwater fish in the world, provides the seafood lover with many choices, both in variety, and in price.

Sunset in Lincoln City, Oregon

At the lower end of the price scale, you’re just looking for simple food in an unpretentious atmosphere. You don’t need all the bells and whistles, linen table cloths — plastic gingham is fine, thank you very much — and you don’t want to pay for what all of that presentation costs, anyhow. But you still want to be pleasantly surprised by how much you get for not much money. In this range you’ll find Shucker’s Oyster Bar, J’s Fish and Chips, Squatchsami, and Pub Fish and Chips. All three provide a simple and straightforward, but generous, menu, with food you’ll enjoy. And they’re all an easy drive from Lincoln City, Oregon vacation rentals.

If you’re looking for something a bit nicer, a place you can go and sit for a while and relax in a good atmosphere, but still near Oregon coast vacation rentals, Lincoln City, Oregon has that category well in-hand also. A few options include Chinook’s Seafood Grill, where the crispy oysters come recommended; Mo’s Restaurant, which is right on the water; and, Kyllo’s Seafood Grill, where everyone leaves happy. 

For those looking for something a little nicer, there are still lots of options near beach home rentals. Lincoln City, OR boasts a few nicer places where the food is excellent and the views outstanding. Fathoms Restaurant, on the tenth floor of its building, provides an exceptional dining experience with an extensive menu, delicious food, attentive service, and unmatched views of the beach and the coast. Bring a group, or just the two of you for a romantic dinner. And just a few miles away from your vacation rentals is Side Door Cafe and Eden Hall. The bright and airy atmosphere will lift your spirits, while the eclectic dishes come with eye-catching presentation.

But no matter what your fancy is — or your budget — you’ll find seafood options that suit you all around the beach home rentals, Lincoln City, OR.

Fourth of July Festivities Near Beach Rentals, Lincoln City, OR

Fourth of July in Lincoln City OR

Don’t miss your Fourth of July vacation with a beach house rental. Lincoln City, OR has long made a big deal about celebrating our nation’s birthday on and around the Fourth of July, and after everything was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it looks like festivities will take place this year.

In past years the festivities included fireworks on both July 3 and on July 4. In 2019, fireworks were done at Devils Lake on July 3, while they were fired off over Siletz Bay on July 4 itself. In either case, if they do similar fireworks this year and if you cannot see them from your Oregon vacation rentals, you wouldn’t have to drive far.

Fourth of July in Lincoln City OR

July 4 began in 2019 with a pancake breakfast, so, assuming they do it again, those who come out will not have to cook on that morning at their beach vacation rentals: Lincoln City, OR will take care of breakfast for you! Feel the freedom!

Throughout the day on July 4, 2019 those who came for the Independence Day festivities were able to take in the parade, and peruse the hand-made items and delicious food available at the craft fair and food court.

But the major events in 2019 included live music at the Taft Pavilion on July 4 itself. The music started at noon and ended with the beginning of the big fireworks show over Siletz Bay that night. The aritsts included Ty Curtis, the Mike Branch Band, and Blaze & Kelly. Should there be similar acts this year, folks staying at beach home rentals near Lincoln City will be in good position to get to see and hear the music.

Parking was made available for those coming into town — like those who booked beach condo rentals — at public lots and in the parking lots of the local high schools and community colleges. And to make moving around easier, shuttle service was provided to many of the important locations of the day’s events.

So you can see, Fourth of July is a great time to book Oregon coast vacation rentals in and near Lincoln City. Keep an eye out for this year’s schedule of events, and book your Lincoln City, Oregon lodging soon!

Benefits of a Beach Vacation in Lincoln City, Oregon

With restrictions on travel relaxing, now is a great time for a beach vacation. Lincoln City, OR remains a great destination for a month, a week, or even just a weekend, of time away for some much-needed rest and relaxation. 

And the reason to book your Oregon vacation rentals at the beach aren’t just because you or a loved one “really likes the beach,” it’s also science.

There are real health and well-being benefits to staying at a beach condo rental. Lincoln City, OR is well-situated to provide all of them. 

Better Sleep

First, you’ll sleep better. The air coming off the ocean has more oxygen and is generally cleaner. This certainly is true here in Oregon. Vacation rentals are a great place for a restful night, or a quick nap on the shady porch.

Oregon beach vacation

Cleaner Air Means Better Breathing

Second, your respiratory ailments will find relief. Since the air is coming off the salty sea, the air has far fewer irritants like mold and other organisms that make breathing ailments harder to deal with. So you’ll literally breathe easier at an Oregon beach rental.

De-Stress

Third is the mental ease that comes from being near the ocean. The regular rhythm of the waves and the beauty of the sunset has a way of calming the mind and slowing the heart. You’ll destress as you slow down at your Lincoln City, Oregon lodging at the beach.

Immune System Boost

Fourth is an improved immune system. Vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun, and there are few places where sun exposure is more common than at the beach! But beyond sun exposure, sea water also helps because it is infused with magnesium, which has a number of health benefits itself.

More Exercise, Unintentionally!

And as you’re either walking along the beach, letting the gentle surf lead you on a leisurely stroll, or you’re enjoying the waves with a little swimming or playing around with family, you’ll likely get in more exercise than you intended while staying at Oregon beach vacation rentals.

So book your beach home! Lincoln City, OR is a great place to experience life and the many benefits of a beach vacation, and A-1 Beach Rentals has many great options for you to choose from among.