Vacation Blog

When you picture the perfect vacation, what comes to mind? Long walks on the beach, fresh ocean air, unforgettable meals, and time well spent with family and friends all fit naturally into a Lincoln City getaway. This beloved stretch of the Oregon Coast blends scenic beauty with vibrant local culture, outdoor adventure, and easygoing coastal charm. From miles of sandy shoreline and scenic hiking trails to shopping, dining, and hands-on arts experiences, Lincoln City offers something for every travel style. Whether your plans lean toward relaxation, exploration, or a little of everything, the hardest part of your visit will be deciding where to start. When you stay with Meredith Lodging, you’ll be perfectly positioned to experience it all. Our Lincoln City vacation rentals offer comfort, convenience, and coastal style, making your beach escape feel effortless from arrival to departure. There are so many fun things to do in Lincoln City, Oregon, and you can experience all of them when you book your stay with Meredith Lodging. We offer a wide array of luxurious vacation rentals along the Oregon Coast. If you are planning a trip to Lincoln City, we would love to help you find your perfect home-away-from-home. No matter which of our lodging options you choose, we guarantee that your vacation will be one for the books! Top 10 Things to Do in Lincoln City, Oregon 1. Relax at the Beach When it comes to beautiful beaches, no place can compare to the Oregon Coast. In Lincoln City, you’ll discover miles of pristine shoreline and inspiring ocean views. The area is also a prime destination for surfing, whale watching, deep sea fishing, crabbing, clamming, and more. Lounge on the beach, catch some waves, or simply sink your toes into the sand and soak up the sun. The fresh sea breezes will transport you to a state of pure bliss! 2. Enjoy Entertainment at Chinook Winds Casino Resort The Chinook Winds Casino is your one-stop-shop for year-round entertainment. The facility features over 1,100 slot machines, a 1,000-seat bingo hall, a high-stakes lounge, and an enormous Convention Center. Test your luck at the poker table, enjoy a variety of table games, or play a game of Keno. The Convention Center also hosts many concerts and performances throughout the year that are suitable for many ages. 3. Explore Lincoln City’s Dining Scene When you visit Lincoln City, you won’t be hungry for long. From fine dining to casual seafood shacks, there are hundreds of excellent dining options to choose from. Dig into the fresh catch of the day at Blackfish, enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at Thai Bay, or grab a quick bite to eat at Grand Central Pizza. Make sure to request our complimentary Vacation Guide for a complete list of great restaurants in the area. 4. Take a Class at the Lincoln City Culinary Center The Lincoln City Culinary Center offers cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes led by professional chefs. These experiences highlight seasonal ingredients and regional flavors, making them a fun and interactive activity for couples, families, and food lovers alike. 5. Visit the Lincoln City Farmers & Crafters Market The Lincoln City Farmers & Crafters Market showcases local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and artisan products. Live music and a welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite stop during market season, and it’s a great place to support local makers while picking up something unique to bring home. 6. Dive into the Oregon Coast Aquarium Did you know that you can go swimming with sharks at the Oregon Coast Aquarium? An underwater adventure like no other awaits you at the aquarium in Lincoln City. Dive into the water and swim with the fish, explore the exhibits, or kiss a sea lion! The Aquarium is open almost every day of the year and is definitely one of the area’s must-see attractions. 7. Learn the Art of Glassblowing If you would like to explore Lincoln City’s arts scene, then we highly recommend visiting the Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio. Learn about glassblowing from local artisans, or watch as the glass masterpieces come to life before your very eyes. You can even sign up for a lesson and blow your own glass. During the class, an experienced artist will help you create your own floats, bowls, paperweights, hearts, or votive candleholders. The studio is open every day, but classes are offered Wednesdays – Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 8. Shop at the Lincoln City Outlet Mall Hit the beaches looking your best! There are many great places to shop in Lincoln City, but one of our favorite places is the Lincoln City Outlet Mall. From children’s apparel and jewelry to footwear and furniture, this outdoor shopping center offers a variety of quality items at a discounted price. Shop for the top brands, find the perfect new addition to your wardrobe, or search for unique gifts for friends and family back home. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it here. 9. Go Hiking Outdoor enthusiasts will love all of the great hiking options in our area. The Oregon Coast is filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and they are all just waiting to be explored. One of the most scenic hikes is the Cascade Head Trail. This trail offers stunning views of the craggy islands, estuaries, and a cove filled with sea lions. Another one of our favorites is the Drift Creek Falls Trail. At the end of this hike, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of a cascading waterfall. 10. Treasure Hunt during Finders Keepers “Finders Keepers” is a Lincoln City tradition that is cherished by visitors and locals alike. Between mid-October and May, you can search for blown glass floats along the stretch of shoreline from Road’s End to Siletz Bay. Nearly 3,000 floats are hidden along the beach each year, and they are all created by local artists. Come take a stroll along the shore and see if you can spot one.

If you are in the mood to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and exercise, here are some great hiking options in the Central Oregon Coast area: Hiking Trails in Lincoln City You’ll Love! 1. Cascade Head (South Trailhead) Length: 6 miles Directions: From Lincoln City, travel north on Hwy 101. Just north of the Salmon River, turn west on Three Rocks Road. After 2 miles, take the left fork and park in Knight Park. The trailhead is across the street. The trail crosses through private and US Forest Service property and over a narrow winding road. Please use caution and respect private property. 2. Cascade Head (North Trailhead) Length : 5.75 miles Directions: From Lincoln City, travel north on Hwy 101. About 2.4 miles north of they Salmon River, turn left on Cascade Head Road (USFS Road 1861.) Continue 4 miles, bearing left when the road forks. The upper trailhead is marked by a small parking lot sign. At the upper viewpoint, the trail drops steeply to connect with the lower trail. 3. Hart’s Cove Length: 2.7 milesSeason: July 15 to December 31 This trail traverses steep hillsides to a grassy meadows that overlooks the Pacific Ocean Directions: From Lincoln City, travel north on Hwy 101. After the junction of Hwy 101 and Hwy 18, travel north 3.3 miles to Forest Service Road 1861, west of Hwy 101. The trailhead is located at the end of the road, approximately 4 miles. 4. Drift Creek Falls Length: 1.5 miles This trail has a unique feature of a 240 foot suspension bridge that overviews a 75 foot free flowing waterfall with a birds eye view of the surrounding tree canopies. Directions: From Lincoln City, travel south on Hwy 101. Off Hwy 101 south of Lincoln City, north of Salishan, travel east on Drift Creek Road, right on South Drift Creek Road 1/4 mile. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 17. Stay on Forest Service Road 17 to trailhead, approximately 10 miles.

Are you dreaming about your next action-packed winter getaway? There’s no better place to play in the snow than Central Oregon! Nestled in the Deschutes National Forest and surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges, Sunriver is a winter wonderland just waiting to be explored.  From skiing at Mt. Bachelor to ice skating at the Village, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Sunriver, Oregon in winter. Check it out and start making your plans to visit! After you learn about the best things to do in Sunriver, Oregon in winter, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be notified about current happenings in Oregon. You’ll be the first to know about new rentals, vacation packages, and special offers at Meredith Lodging. 5 of the Best Winter Activities in Sunriver, Oregon! From skiing and snowmobiling to ice skating and dog sledding, you won’t run out of fun things to do in Sunriver, Oregon in winter. Here are some of our top recommendations to help you plan your next vacation! 1. Spend a Day at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon With over 4,300 acres of diverse terrain, the skiing and snowboarding thrill of your life awaits you at Mt. Bachelor. The ski resort is located just 25 minutes away from Sunriver and boasts the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington. From the bunny hill to the most challenging double black diamonds, there truly is something for everyone. They also offer lessons, snow tubing, sled dog rides, cross-country skiing, and more during the winter months. No matter which activity you prefer, this is one stop you won’t want to miss! 2. Ice Skate at the Village at Sunriver If you are searching for the best places to go ice skating in the area, look no further than the Village at Sunriver. The rink has been recently updated and features a modern sound system and skates for rent in all sizes. While you’re there, make sure to take a ride around the Village on the Alpine Express Train. It’s Central Oregon’s only trackless train experience that the whole family can enjoy. 3. Snowshoe at Swampy Lakes Bundle up! One of the best ways to explore our region is on a pair of snowshoes. There are countless places to go snowshoeing near Sunriver, but one of our favorites is the Porcupine Snowshoe Loop at Swampy Lakes. The loop is approximately 4 miles and winds through frozen forests and snow-blanketed fields. There are also wood-fired warming shelters that you can stop into along the way. 4. Enjoy a Sleigh Ride Is there anything more magical than a sleigh ride through the Central Oregon countryside? Whether you are planning a romantic evening with your special someone or a fun family outing, this is the perfect winter activity for any occasion. When you take a sleigh ride at the Sunriver Resort, you will see breathtaking views of the Deschutes River. We also recommend the free horse-drawn carriage rides at the Old Mill District, which are offered every December. 5. Visit SHARC Aquatic Center No matter what time of year you visit, the SHARC aquatics center is definitely a must-see attraction. Sunriver’s premier waterpark offers year-round activities that the whole family can enjoy. Take a break from the snow and splash with the kids at the indoor water park. The facility also features a seasonal winter tubing hill with three runs of varying steepness. On select nights, you can even go snow tubing on runs that are lit up with glow sticks and black lights. Check out their website for more information about admission and hours of operation. Plan Your Winter Getaway With Meredith Lodging After a thrilling day in winter wonderland, come warm up in one of our luxurious Sunriver vacation rentals. Meredith Lodging offers a wide array of privately-owned vacation homes and condos throughout Sunriver. Each of our accommodations features top-notch amenities and are just minutes from the best attractions. We even offer pet-friendly options for guests who are traveling with their four-legged friends! No matter which of our lodging options you choose, we guarantee that your stay will be an unforgettable one. In addition to endless winter activities, Sunriver offers premium spa services, excellent restaurants, and a variety of boutique shops. With gorgeous mountain views a variety of attractions, it’s the ideal choice for your next winter vacation. Make sure to take advantage of our current specials and book your stay. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Have you ever visited Central Oregon? Yes, they do have an amazing backdrop, lakes, hiking, warm and amazing weather all summer, but, here are two fun winter activities that may make you just have to take another vacation! 1) The Sunriver Resort Sleigh Ride (more information)  Cozy up under warm blankets and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride along the Deschutes River. Weather permitting, sleigh rides are daily through Jan. 3. 2) Old Mill District Horse Drawn Carriage (more information) The Old Mill District in Bend is already festive, and, now they added a horses and a carriage! And they are FREE! The carriage rides are offered between 1-4 p.m. on weekends through December. Check out all of vacation properties in and around Sunriver, Oregon!