Activities
Discover Our Area
Searching for Blown Glass Floats
Everyone loves a scavenger hunt and Lincoln City created a real winner with only one item to find. In cooperation with the artists at the Glass Center in nearby Taft, beautiful hand-blown floats are hidden (in plain sight) amidst the driftwood and sand of our beaches. Each is unique and yours to keep. Early-bird beachcombers have the best luck, but the balls could be hidden most anytime of the day. Our eagle eyed resident manager, Ann, found one and displays it in our Lobby hallway.
Shopping
Many wonderful stores are just down the hill in the Nelscott retail area. All are small locally owned businesses. Antiques, chocolate, eclectic gifts, surfing gear, cannabis and artistic gifts are some of the offerings that await you. Not to be missed are the great values offered by numerous national retailers in the nearby Outlet Mall. Included are Oregon’s own Nike and Columbia stores. In the main section of our city are many nautically oriented home decor stores. Of special interest is the newly opened Prehistoric Gallery. Not only can you see and buy amazing fossils, but T Rex will greet you.
Dining
In Nelscott: La Roca, Mexican; Dory Cove, Seafood and Breakfast; Foon Hing Yuen, Chinese; Mr. Bills, Smokehouse.
In Taft: Fathoms and Bay House, both fine dining.
In Downtown: Many ethnic restaurants, pancake houses, fast food and more.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
This world class operation in Newport has been educating and fascinating visitors for decades. Remember the killer whale, Keiko? This was his home while the scientists worked to plan his return to the wild. We recommend allowing half a day for this excursion.
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Gambling, dining, entertainment! The Siletz Tribe has brought this all together at the north end of town. Complimentary transportation is available with arrangements made in advance.
https://www.chinookwindscasino.com/
Hiking
The most convenient hiking “trail” is the beach right in front of the Overlook. A favorite walk of some of our owners is south on the beach to the mouth of the Siletz River and the town of Taft. Perhaps the most beautiful and invigorating is the Drift Creek Falls trail, a forty minute both-hands-on-the-wheel drive to the trailhead. For an easy hike in the nearby forest, the Spyglass Ridge Trail is a 1.3 mile loop that starts about ten blocks away.
Beachcombing
Agates, starfish, anemones, gnarled driftwood, Spanish doubloon (maybe?) can be discovered. Low tide is always the best time. https://www.oregoncoast.org/events/exploriences/beachcombing-exploriences/
Surfing
For the adrenaline lovers, the waves in front of the Overlook usually shape up nicely. In the rare chance that you are ready for the ultimate challenge, the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic takes place each fall when and if perfect conditions prevail. This attracts the best surfers in the world. Be sure to bring your binoculars and enjoy a virtual surf experience from nearby bluffs just north of Overlook.
Fishing
Bring your own gear and enjoy surf fishing right in front of Overlook. Charter boats are another option and available out of Depoe Bay and Newport.
Whale Watching
You have your own front seat for whale watching perched on a bluff at Overlook. However, the most popular spot for this activity is in Depoe Bay where there is a Whale Watching Center located in a state park and charter boat excursions for those who want a closer view.
Cultural Center
Five minutes north of us is the Lincoln City Cultural Center. With constantly changing programs and exhibits, this non-profit facility has so much of interest, local performing and visual arts, handmade gifts, farmers’ market, and visitor information.
https://lincolncity-culturalcenter.org/
Theater West of Lincoln City
This is our community theater, founded in 1975, putting on classic and new plays, comedies and musicals. Luckily for Overlook guests, the theater is easy walking distance. But be sure to use the crosswalk.
Robert’s Bookstore
Right next to the Theater West is one of the best used book stores anywhere. Are you finished with your book? They will buy it from you or arrange a donation to the library.