Memorable experiences in Lincoln City
Any day at the beach is a good day. That’s true along the Oregon coast, even in the dead of winter when rain and hurricane-force winds are common. Then again, our family experienced one of our best Oregon beach days in January with temperatures in the mid-60s and sunny skies, so you just never know! And while your family probably has no problem keeping busy at the beach, Lincoln City offers something more. In addition to seven miles of public beach, I think that your kids will find these four experiences truly memorable.
1. Fly a kite
Once named the “Kite Flying Capital of the World” by Kite Life Magazine, Lincoln City hosts annual summer and fall kite festivals which occur in June and October, respectively. Professional kite fliers demonstrate their skills, filling the skies with big, colorful show kites. But it’s more fun to try your own hand at kite flying… anytime of the year. Just visit one of the town’s kite shops where helpful employees will match your skill with the appropriate kite.
2. Hunt for treasure
Inspired by old Japanese fishing floats that once washed up on its shores, Lincoln City has enlisted volunteer “float fairies” to hide 3,000 stunning, glass-blown orbs along the town’s seven miles of beach and above the high tide line year-round. Additionally, there are special drops over holiday weekends like Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. The town commissions glass studios from around the region to create the translucent art pieces.
KidTripster Tip: There’s no schedule for when or where the glass floats are hidden, and the float fairies are pretty secretive about the whole process. You’ll want to look from the high tide line through the dune grass all the way to the embankment; floats are never hidden on the cliffs. The floats can also be hidden behind driftwood or tucked into the rocks on the embankment.
If you do find a float, you get to keep it! You can register your ball by calling the Visitor Information Center at (800) 452-2151, going online, texting FLOATS to 24587 or by visiting the Visitor Information Center in person. Each registered float comes with a certificate of authenticity and the artist’s biography.
3. Create your own treasure
If your kids don’t find a glass float on the beach at Lincoln City, they actually can make their own at Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio (4821 SW Highway 101) in town. To be honest, my sons enjoyed their 30-minute sessions even more than the beach hunt. You can choose what you’d like to make – glass float, paperweight, ornament, heart, fluted bowl or votive candle holder – and the color combination. Then an expert glass artisan will walk you through the process. I’m pretty sure that (safely) using a blowtorch was my 14-year-old’s favorite part! Each piece is stamped with the location and date of its creation. Cost: starts at $65; ages 8 and up; sessions available Wednesdays through Sundays only.
KidTripster Tip: You should make a reservation in advance. I’d recommend visiting here early in your stay, because your final product will need to cool and cannot be picked up until the following day at 10 a.m.; no exceptions. If you’re unable to pick it up, the piece can be shipped to your home for an additional fee.
4. Catch your dinner on Siletz Bay
Fresh Dungeness crabs can be caught right off shore at the SW 51st Street beach. You can purchase a crab trap in town at Ace Hardware South or Bi-Mart for around $30. And during low tide, the bay becomes a mud flat where you can take your family to dig for Purple Varnish clams. You need only a shovel and bucket.
Don’t have any idea what you’re doing? No problem. From June through September, the Lincoln City Visitor & Convention Bureau sponsors crabbing and clamming clinics. They’re hosted by local expert Bill Lacker, who has patented his own crab traps that he sells to visitors. Each clinic begins with a 45-minute presentation about regulations, identification, harvest methods, plus cleaning and cooking techniques. Then it’s off to get yourself some fresh seafood! While you don’t have to register in advance, do check here for dates, equipment needs, and license purchase information.
This writer received some complimentary activities for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
Pin to Pinterest & Read Later
