Things to Do in Oregon

Strolling down bustling (ok, bustling in a laid-back beach town kind of way) Laneda Avenue, it’s hard not to notice the stylish glass garage doors, outdoor firepits and all the happy faces and happy pups at the Winery at Manzanita.  A pup-friendly winery and restaurant offering great food, strong coffee and a selection of wines that pair perfectly with beach weather – no matter the season.  We love to sip our favorites on the outdoor deck upstairs, offering large tables and ocean views.  It’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike make raising a glass at Manzanita Winery a regular reason to celebrate.

Oswald state park stretches along four miles of beautiful coastline and thick, lush rainforest…and offers visitors miles of trails with breath-taking views and easy access to Short Sand beach – popular with surfers and surf-watchers alike.  The park connects miles of pristine coastline from Arch cape to the North and Manzanita to the south and includes Cape Falcon and Neah-kah-nie Mountain headlands within the park grounds. Short Sand is an easy ½ mile walk from the parking lot along US Hwy 101 – and several trails are accessible from that point too.  There is no camping but day use facilities such as restrooms and picnic tables are available.

This pristine, seven-mile stretch of beautiful beach is one of Oregon’s treasures – and its picturesque oceanfront is one of the most photographed in the state.  This beach is beautiful, easy and seems a bit frozen in time in the best way…an easy stroll from downtown or any of our Meredith Lodging Manzanita vacation rentals.

Zydeco is self-described as featuring “…great American food with a Southern twist, focusing on quality ingredients that are hormone-free, pesticide-free and organic. ZYDECO kitchen & cocktails also features a full Gluten Free menu for guests with allergies to wheat.” We describe it as delicious!  Located in downtown Bend on Bond Street and open for lunch and in the evenings, we like to get there in time for a blueberry lemon drop before dinner! Learn more things to do or places to eat or drinking by checking out our Bend Area Guide

Explore the Deschutes River & Deschutes National Wilderness Area – and enjoy some special deals for Meredith Lodging Guests! There are so many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the Deschutes – from the trails to the river to the mountain-tops. Some of our favorite tour companies are below – and several include options to stop for local favorite food and drink, too. These companies also offer guests of Meredith Lodging special deals and discounts. Happy Adventuring! Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe: Imagine floating on a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or canoe through a completely undeveloped, pristine and aqua-blue section of river in the heart of Deschutes National Forest. Paddling among lava flows stretching to Paulina Peak in Newberry Crater National Monument, Aspen groves, tranquil lagoons and side channels, the Half-Day Deschutes River Tour is the perfect mini-adventure for visitors who want to fit in another activity in the afternoon.  *Group rate (10 or more people) $65 per person. (541) 317-9407 Wanderlust Tours: offers year-round guided tours and trips in Central Oregon. In the summer months, options include kayaking, canoeing, caving and volcano sightseeing and numerous evening tours.  In the winter months, options include brewery tours, day and evening snowshoeing tours. *Mention Meredith Lodging for a 10% discount on tours.  Minimum 4 people and the discount is not valid on holidays and special events. www.wanderlusttours.com (541) 389-8359 Big Mountain Heli Tours: Rediscover unique adventures with a private helicopter tour to a local winery, or visit our stunning high desert backcountry, lakes, and mountains from the air with carved volcanic flows and raging rivers below. *Mention Meredith Lodging for $50 OFF a one hour trip for 2 people or $100 OFF a one hour trip for 3 people.  Need more ideas for planning your trip to Central Oregon? Check out our Area Guides! Bend Area Guide

Don’t let the world-class rock climbing opportunities at Smith Rock State Park intimidate you – as long as you enjoy being surrounded by breathtaking beauty, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  From an easy stroll through the river valley to the more challenging Misery Ridge route to rappelling from Monkey Face…hikers and climbers of every skill level (and every age) find something to love about this Pacific Northwest treasure.  Be sure to pack your camera – the light against the canyons is always a stunner and you might even spot golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer river otter or beavers on your hike! Learn more on their website. 

Do you like your craft cocktails, Dungeness crab Louie and oyster shooters with a side of stunning ocean and sunset views?  There is simply no better place to feast with all of your senses than Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill. Offering oceanfront dining at every table and a menu of fresh seafood and other local specialties, Kyllo’s is our first choice when dinner out is part of your Lincoln City vacation plan.

OK, OK…it’s not officially a beach, but if you are looking for water, opportunities for fun and epic sunsets, you might just want to move inland a bit and enjoy the magic of Devil’s Lake in Lincoln City.  This Oregon State park provides seemingly endless opportunities for recreation – including boating, kayaking, water skiing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and jet skiing. Lake Life is a great life! View our Meredith Lodging Devil’s Lake Vacation Rentals! 

Tide pools in Lincoln City are one of our favorite sights to see at the beach – and they are fun for the whole family! We love the beauty and accessibility of the 15th Street Tide Pools.  Remember to check the tide tables to make sure you are visiting at an optimal time – at or just before low tide.  Although parking on the beach is legal here, conditions can change quickly, so we strongly suggest you use the street parking or the nearby public parking lot for your car and walk the short distance to the beach. 

The Culinary Center in Lincoln City provides a great place to explore your culinary side – from cook-offs to classes there’s something to fit everyone’s experience level. The culinary center can even provide a private class! The Culinary Center features seasonally-inspired cooking and focuses on the abundant foods of the Pacific Northwest. They feature locally grown and raised foods…from organic vegetables to grass-fed natural meats, prairie-raised chickens, and of course, the Oregon coast’s vast array of fresh seafood and shellfish.  The Culinary Center works to foster the connection between food producers and the consumer which could include a field trip to an oyster farm or having a farmer help teach a class. Make sure to call or email as classes fill up fast! Discover the Flavors of Lincoln City at the Culinary Center Lincoln City boasts a diverse array of dining options, from fresh seafood eateries to cozy cafés. Whether you’re craving clam chowder, artisanal pastries, or international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore local farmers’ markets, where you can sample regional produce and handcrafted goods. Engage with the Culinary Center Enhance your culinary skills at Lincoln City’s Culinary Center, where interactive classes and demonstrations await. Led by experienced chefs, these sessions cover a range of topics, from seafood preparation to baking techniques, providing both novices and seasoned cooks with valuable insights. It’s a perfect activity for individuals, couples, or groups looking to immerse themselves in the local food culture. Indulge in Local Treats Beyond savory dishes, Lincoln City offers a sweet escape with its array of bakeries, drinks and dessert shops. Treat yourself to freshly baked goods, handcrafted chocolates, and other confections that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. Ready to Embark on a Culinary Adventure? Experience the flavors of the Oregon Coast like never before. Your culinary adventure awaits!

Check out the Lincoln City Community Center where you can enjoy the swimming pool, basketball court, and fitness center. Located on NE 22nd Street (behind Oceanlake Elks), the Community Center has a heated swimming pool with a waterslide (open during recreational swims), plus a kiddie pool for smaller ones. The facility also houses a fitness center, and a state-of-the-art basketball court, walking track and rock climbing wall. Click here for the schedule of recreational swims, laps and classes. 

Great shopping is available throughout Lincoln City but the area may be best known for the Lincoln City Outlet Mall located in the south central part of town.  Right on Hwy 101, this large, outdoor shopping center is easy to find and offers ample parking.  Shop the outlet versions of many big brand names including Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, Gap, Coach and Nike.  The shops at the Lincoln City Outlet Mall are a great place to find quality items at discounted prices.  What’s New in 2025 Store Highlights Explore a diverse range of stores, including: Stay Nearby with Meredith Lodging Enhance your shopping experience by staying in one of our comfortable and convenient vacation rentals: Book your stay today and enjoy exclusive amenities, including hot tubs, fireplaces, and easy beach access.

Located on the north end of Lincoln City and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Chinook Winds Casino offers locals and visitors entertainment year round.  The 157,000 square foot facility offers multiple restaurants and 24-hour gaming including slot machines, table games and poker.  Special events held throughout the year include big-name concerts, comedy shows and professional tournaments.  The casino also offers it’s own Golf Course and pro-shop, located just north on Hwy 101.  Check with the casino’s website for a calendar of events and more information.

The Shops at Salishan feature unique, upscale shopping giving you a wonderful way to spend an afternoon while away on vacation. The Shops at Salishan also feature a short hike that goes from the parking lot, along the golf course and ends up at the beach. Enjoy beautiful Siletz Bay views while experiencing one of the top spa’s in the area.