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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.

Beach House Rentals Booking Up as Limited Events Return to Lincoln City

Spring is here, summer is on the horizon and Oregon beach house rentals are steadily booking up on the Coast as more outdoor and indoor events are being planned and announced. With Lincoln City slowly reopening as the weeks go by, it’s a perfect time to book your beach vacation rentals. Oregon has seen many limitations on travel and recreation in the past year or so, but visitors are currently welcome to book lodging and partake in a variety of events and pastimes. Guests are encouraged to book now and make the most of the upcoming summer fun happening on the Oregon Coast!  

Sampling of Spring & Summer Events in Lincoln City, Oregon

The following events signal a shift towards normalcy in Lincoln City and throughout the Oregon Coast. More importantly, these events should be a whole lot of fun. Just remember to bring your face masks and try to keep a distance of at least 6 feet from people not in your party so everyone can enjoy these activities safely and comfortably.

  • Great Oregon Coast Garage Sale. If you love garage sales, this 3-day event is for you! All sorts of unique treasures and amazing deals will be available from Friday, April 16 to Sunday, April 18 thanks to this citywide event hosted by the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce. Visit LCChamber.com or stop by the Lincoln City Chamber Facebook page for a detailed map. More information is also available by calling (541) 994-3070. 
  • Late Night Comedy on the Coast. Chinook Winds Casino Resort is hosting its Comedy on the Coast series once again, bringing laughs and good times to this popular venue that attracts locals and visitors alike. The 2021 comedy series will kick off with upcoming shows on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 featuring headliner Derek Richards, opening act Jeff Bodart and host Alfonso Ochoa. (This is a 21+ event.)
  • June Free Fishing Days 2021. Fishing fanatics should mark their calendars for June 5 and 6 to take advantage of two free days on the Oregon Coast. Those wishing to clam, crab or fish on the Oregon Coast normally need a license, tag and/or endorsement to fish for any given amount of time. On free fishing days, though, all you need is your equipment and some free time! All bag limits and area restrictions still apply. Visit MyODFW.com or contact the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife at (503) 947-6000 for more information.

Accommodations to Suit Every Visitor’s Needs

With properties ranging from cozy Oregon beach condo rentals to 5-bedroom vacation homes, there are lodging options to suit the wants and needs of virtually any single visitor or group. Don’t wait too long to book your stay and make your spring or summer plans, though, as properties are booking up fast. Call (503) 232-5984 or simply book your stay at www.A1BeachRentals.com today!

Before It Was a Land of Beach Vacation Rentals: Lincoln City’s History

Today the Oregon coast is a vacation wonderland filled with fabulous beach house rentals. Lincoln City, Oregon, and other coastal towns also make wonderful places to live for those who prefer a more relaxing pace of life in a scenic environment marked by stunning beaches, crashing waves, and inland wonders including lakes and rivers. This beautiful part of the world is more than just a nice place to live and visit, though. Lincoln City has a rich cultural history, from the basket-weaving of the First Peoples to the Japanese-inspired glass blowing that is integral to today’s tourism trade. So, how did Lincoln City and the surrounding areas become a hub for art, culture, and tourism? The following should explain the key points in history that made Lincoln City what it is today.

The Early Days  

Long before anyone even dreamed of building beach vacation rentals, Lincoln City and County was occupied by what is now known as the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The first European explorers traveled through the area in the 1500s and many more came from England, France, Portugal, and Spain in search of the area’s rich resources over the decades. It wasn’t until the 1700s that European explorers first documented contact with local Native American tribes, though, when Captain Robert Gray’s first mate recorded an encounter with two men in a canoe. By 1837, the undeveloped coastal area would see its first tourists, when two prominent couples traveled on horseback with a guide from the Willamette Valley to the Oceanlake area to enjoy a belated honeymoon where they camped in a grove of trees and prepared clam and fish bakes. It would be many more years before it became a tourist destination, though. The area would become part of the Coast Reservation and then the Siletz Reservation in the 1850s before homesteaders started arriving to develop small parcels of the land in 1887. It would be at least another decade before anything resembling a town developed.

The Makings of Lincoln City

The first town in what is now Lincoln County was known as Kernville and was founded in 1896 when Daniel Kern established Kern Brothers Cannery above Coyote Rock on the Siletz River. The area also quickly became a popular destination and place to live for fishermen, just as it continues to be today, though overfishing during those early days necessitated a ban on net fishing in 1935. The next big industry to develop in the area was logging, which flourished during WWI when the local Sitka spruce was found to be a perfect material for airplanes. It was also around this time that Japanese fishing boats started using glass floats for their nets, which washed ashore on the Oregon Coast for many decades, even after they were no longer in use. Now one of Lincoln City’s claims to fame is its glass floats on the beach, which are hidden by “float fairies” for visitors to find periodically throughout a typical year, a tradition that started shortly before the new millennium.

Tourism is now the main trade in the area that brings many guests to vacation homes and beach condo rentals. Lincoln City may not be able to welcome guests from far afield right now, but the beaches are still a stunning treat for local visitors to enjoy and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world once again very soon.

Hike One of Lincoln City’s Many Trails on a Future Beach Vacation

A1 looks forward to welcoming guests like you to its beach house rentals. Lincoln City, Oregon is a fabulous place to visit any time of year and will make a wonderful winter getaway when you’re able to visit. Hiking is one fabulous way to spend time in this beautiful part of the Oregon Coast and planning now can ensure that your upcoming visit to Lincoln City and County is full of splendid views on outings that can range from pleasant strolls to mountain expeditions. The following list includes some of the top hiking trails so you can plan your future trip wisely.

Drift Creek Falls Bridge off Highway 101 south of Lincoln City

Drift Creek Falls

The car journey to find Drift Creek Falls Trailhead can be a bit bumpy as you head off Highway 101 and down Forest Road 17 for 10 miles, but that just adds to the adventure. Once you make the drive and head three miles down the trail, you’ll see the big payoff – a 240-foot suspension bridge that directs hikers to a massive waterfall shredding mist into the air.  

Agnes Creek

This 2-mile trail is a perfect outing for the whole family when staying in one of A1’s beach vacation rentals. Lincoln City visitors can easily find Agnes Creek at the end of Southwest Dune Avenue or Southwest 19th Street and will be instantly greeted by an expansive forest setting with Sitka spruce. You might even be lucky enough to spot a deer or witness nesting birds in the trees if you visit at the right time.   

Alder Island Nature Trail

The trail is only a half-mile loop, but you can easily spend hours exploring the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge while visiting the Alder Island Nature Trail five miles north of Lincoln City. Meander on and off the trail through marshland and forest areas that are home to marsh birds such as egrets and herons as well as many other types of local wildlife. The alder trees with their impressive height will also leave an impression after your first visit to this trail that starts just off Highway 101 on Millport Slough Lane after passing the Siletz River Bridge.

Cascade Head

This nature park should not be missed next time you check into one of our beach houses or beach condo rentals. Lincoln City is only three miles south of Cascade Head and its stunning views of the Salmon River Estuary and the Oregon Coast. There are four main trails for walkers to choose from, but it’s important to remember that bicycles, dogs, camping, fires, and the removal of any natural items are not allowed on any of these trails. The Lower Nature Conservancy Trailhead offers a two-mile uphill walk ending with views of the Salmon River Estuary and Oregon Coast year-round, while the one-mile Upper Nature Conservancy Trailhead walk is only open from July through December 31 to protect the Silver Spotted Butterfly. Harts Cove Trail is also only open from July 16 through the end of the year, but it is a far more challenging trail than the Upper Trailhead that ends in a beautiful cove where you might even spot sea lions and seals. The final trail, which takes you through these forests of Western hemlock and Sitka spruce, is the long and easygoing Cascade Head Inland Trail. It is open year-round and goes on for six miles.

The Knoll

This little gem of a trail is found on a smaller headland adjacent to Cascade Head where walkers of all ages and fitness levels can make their way up the half-mile incline to find themselves at a pleasant, meadowed hilltop with magnificent ocean views. The trailhead that leads to The Knoll, as it is affectionately called, is found by following Northeast Devils Lake Blvd. off Highway 101 until you reach a cul-de-sac that leads to the beginning of a forested trail.   These are among the most popular hiking trails in the area, but there are several other hiking trails in Lincoln County that are also worth exploring. The Cutler City Nature Trail, Friends of the Wildwood Trail, Regatta Grounds Park, and Spring Lake Trail are beautiful hikes for all sorts of walkers, and the surrounding counties offer many more options to choose from. A1 Beach Rentals looks forward to welcoming hikers and walkers like you in the future!

Enjoy a Round of Golf in a Beautiful Setting in Lincoln City, OR

Right now, there are so many reasons to book a getaway in one of our beach house rentals. Lincoln City, OR  is a great place to get away from it all with miles of nature to enjoy, leaving a lot of room for outdoor and leisure pursuits that you may not be able to enjoy in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Golf is a perfect example of a leisure activity that you can enjoy in the great outdoors safely and away from the crowds. Why not book a beach rental today and enjoy a round of golf in a beautiful coastal setting?

Golf on Seaside Bluffs at Salishan

Salishan Golf Course has been a popular local course since it was first built in the 1960s, but it really came into its own after a multimillion-dollar renovation and reimagining overseen by the design firm of PGA Tour Pro and famous Oregonian Peter Jacobsen. While the restoration project involved serious upgrades to increase the playability of the course and the visibility of the ocean, the design team made sure to maintain the general layout and feel of the space. With a convenient location off the 101 near Siletz Bay, Salishan is also just a short drive from any of our beach vacation rentals. Lincoln City is only 10 minutes away by car from this tree-lined wonderland within a beautiful coastal lodge.

Enjoy a Round at the Casino Resort

Chinook Winds Casino Resort with its hotel, gaming, dining, and entertainment is one of Lincoln County’s most popular attractions and is currently welcoming guests in a safe and responsible way. Just north of the casino, you will find the lush green links of Chinook Winds Golf Resort, which is currently open for socially distanced golf for groups of up to four people. The course is known for its mountainside setting among old-growth trees that is bordered by natural wetlands with water features and bunkers throughout. Chinook Winds Casino Resort is also a short distance from some of our finest vacation homes and beach condo rentals. Lincoln City is less than a 10-minute drive away.

Explore the Area Between Rounds

If you’re set on golfing all weekend long, the Agate Beach Golf Course in Newport, Oregon is another option only 16 miles south of Lincoln City. Neskowin Beach Golf Course in Neskowin, Oregon is unfortunately closed for 2020 due to wet conditions but will reopen in 2021. There is much more to enjoy in the outdoors of Lincoln City, though. The city’s 7½ miles of beautiful beaches, adjoining rivers, peaceful parks, and virtually endless hiking trails are other great ways to enjoy the outdoors. With local cuisine, wine, and beer, it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy Oregon’s bounty, whether you dine out or utilize the full kitchen in your beach house rental. The links are waiting, and so is Lincoln City, so book your vacation rental today and look forward to getting away for a few great rounds of golf.

Lincoln City’s Coastal Air Quality Offers Guests a Place to Breathe

While the air quality throughout much of Oregon remains unhealthy, the team at A1 Beach Rentals is pleased to report breathable air in and around our beach house rentals. Lincoln City, Oregon is currently experiencing air quality considered “moderate” to “good” with the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast predicting an AQI as low as 17 in the coming days. To put things in perspective, many localities throughout the state of Oregon have recently experienced air quality readings between 300-500 on the AQI scale and remain dangerously smokey. Thanks to the onshore flow returning to the coast, one of the best places to be in Oregon is one of A1’s beach vacation rentals. Lincoln City is truly offering local Oregonians a place to breathe.   

Lincoln City Becomes the Place to Escape the Smoke

Many evacuees that came to Lincoln City to flee the fires in nearby towns including Otis and Rose Lodge have found that the air quality here is making it possible to rest, relax, and even enjoy some outdoor activities without discomfort or health concerns. There are still concerns about the Echo Mountain Complex Fires in Lincoln County, but firefighters have been able to maintain the fire line from spreading further and evacuation orders have either been lifted or downgraded throughout Lincoln City. It’s now possible for locals to go for walks, visit the beach, and enjoy local cuisine. Authorities are still encouraging non-locals to wait until the fires are contained to vacation in Lincoln City, but with weather cooling down and precipitation on the way, it’s safe to say visitors can once again book a stay here within the coming weeks. 

Lincoln City Beaches Will Provide a Respite this Fall

The first day of fall this year is just around the corner. September 22 will bring a season of cooler weather and all the fun of autumn, making it a great time to get away from it all in one of A1’s coastal homes or beach condo rentals. Lincoln City is expected to have better air quality than much of Oregon for weeks to come, and the 7½ miles of beaches with plenty of room to spread out and walk around continue to make it one of the safest places for a vacation or long weekend.

If you’re considering planning a trip to Lincoln City in the future, contact A1 Beach Rentals today to see what options are available. This stretch of the Oregon coast is bound to be a breath of fresh air.    

Lincoln City Beach House Rentals Spared from Fire and Sheltering Evacuees

The team at A1 Beach Rentals is grateful to report that all of their people and properties, including all 26 beach house rentals, have been spared from the Echo Mountain Fires. Residents and business owners all throughout Lincoln City had fears of losing it all, and the team at A1 certainly shared those fears as the fires raced towards town. It is saddening to hear of all the homes that burned just over the hill, but one silver lining is that some evacuees have been able to find solace in A1’s beach vacation rentals. Oregon is going through a tough time right now, but the local reactions have been filled with random acts of kindness and the onshore flow is bringing clean air back to Lincoln City.

Stories of Kindness from Lincoln City

Members of the A1 team were out with hoses ready as the Echo Mountain Fires threatened Lincoln City. While the fire never made its way to town, many from nearby towns such as Otis came to stay in Lincoln City as the conditions were not safe for them to return. One of the largest properties, The Pirate’s Lookout, was able to shelter 21 people (more than is normally allowed for vacation rental) during these extreme and unexpected circumstances. Many smaller beach condo rentals were available for evacuees, as well. And while the fires are now nearing containment, the stories of random acts of kindness continue to pour in. One example is a property owner, who resides in California and almost lost her home to fires last year, who sent a $500 gift to the person who cleans her property in Lincoln City to help offset evacuation costs. Many different people and organizations spring to life immediately and started organizing donation drives and other relief efforts, and such stories of generosity continue pouring in as the firefighting and cleanup efforts continue.    

What You Can Do to Help

Want to know how you can help those affected by these recent fires? The Lincoln County Emergency Management website now has a donation and volunteer section you can visit to learn more. There is currently a need for cash donations. If you are in or near Lincoln City and would like to personally drop off a donation to help those affected by the Echo Mountain wildfire, many local churches and charities are currently accepting donations. The Lincoln City church community has also opened a central distribution center in the Lincoln City Outlets for those in need of donated supplies, but this is not a donation drop-off center. Call (541) 265-0621 to inquire about donation pickups and volunteer opportunities. As these efforts continue, there is no doubt Lincoln City will be back to its glorious coastal state in a short time. The good news is that air quality is already better here than many other parts of Oregon, thanks largely to the onshore flow, and it continues to improve every day. Call (503) 232-5984 or contact A1 Beach Rentals online to learn more about available beach house