When you’re on vacation in Lincoln City, Oregon, you can’t miss its pixies. They’re in full force during Pixieland, a 1969 amusement park that was dedicated by Oregon Governor Tom McCall. Pixieland featured a log flume ride, opera house, and steam locomotive. Some remnants of Pixieland can still be seen, such as the pink-roofed tide-gate house. For an artsy dining experience, try Pixie Kitchen, a retro restaurant inspired by Pixieland. Pixiefest, an annual event, pays tribute to the city’s pixies with a carnival of activities.
If you want to delve deeper into the city’s history, head to the Lincoln City Museum, which was founded in 1987. You’ll find exhibits focused on early settlers and Native Americans, while others are dedicated to automobiles, the Civil War, and Lincoln City in the 60s. The museum’s artifacts include fine beadwork, fabulous photographs, and films. And don’t forget to check out the museum’s free lectures and talks!
If you’re visiting in the winter, consider staying in a hotel near the coast, where you can enjoy all kinds of activities, such as skiing and snowboarding. The Inn at Wecoma recently opened rooms for the event, and you’ll want to book a minimum of 3 nights in advance so that you can fully enjoy the solar eclipse. If you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay, consider the Shearwater Inn, which has standard guest rooms and suites for every budget. The Inn is also pet-friendly and offers a daily wine social.
One of the many attractions in Lincoln City is a sea lion named Joe. Dave Dewey found the injured sea lion and kept it as a pet. Joe would often trawl the neighborhood for a tasty snack, and he loved getting his back washed and his picture taken. Now there’s a life-sized statue of Joe on the beach. If you’re a beach bum, you may want to take a stroll on the shore and find some seashells. There are glass ornaments from the “Finders Keepers” event, too!
A trip to the Oregon Coast would not be complete without a visit to the spectacular Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, a 40-minute drive from Lincoln City. A visit to this site includes the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, where you can enjoy postcard-worthy views of the ocean. It also contains an Interpretive Center and an active lighthouse. If you’re planning to spend the day on the beach, don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
The City of Lincoln City hosts a glass float drop every December, where local artists will drop off hand-crafted glass ornamental pieces. It’s a fun tradition that has attracted tourists year after year. And this year, the event returns with an additional 50 glass floats and glass art pieces. For a chance to win a jumbo glass float, you can purchase a weekend getaway package at Finders Keepers on the Beach.