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What can Explore Lincoln City do for you? Gain access to tourism resources, events and networking opportunities, and partnerships that strengthen our communities.
A Thriving and Prosperous Lincoln City
Explore Lincoln City is the tourism department of the City of Lincoln City and the official Destination Management Organization (DMO) for the Lincoln City area, serving as a resource for Lincoln City’s tourism industry and promoting economic development through tourism marketing, destination management and stewardship initiatives. Explore Lincoln City is funded by transient lodging tax paid by visitors for overnight stays. Sign up for the Industry Newsletter, packed with information to benefit local tourism businesses, partners and stakeholders.
Announcements
Open House | Lincoln City Welcome Center
Join Explore Lincoln City, Lincoln City Public Works, and the Bremik Construction/Bearing Architecture design-build team on December 9, 2025 for an update on the planned Lincoln City Welcome Center at the D River State Recreation Site.
The new Welcome Center will offer an inviting space for visitors and residents to learn about local activities, destinations, and Lincoln City’s cultural and natural history. Planned improvements will enhance the entire site with updated indoor and outdoor amenities, improved visitor resources, and a more functional and visually appealing experience at one of the city’s most visited locations.
Event Location: Lincoln City City Hall | Council Chambers | 801 SW Highway 101, Third Floor
Time: Event begins at 4:00 PM
Panel-style presentation to begin at 4:30 PM
Light refreshments will be served.
Partner Resources
Explore Lincoln City supports local tourism-related businesses and organizations through a variety of services.
Industry Newsletter
- The Explore Lincoln City industry newsletter is distributed six times a year and provides updates about local and regional tourism initiatives, upcoming events and networking opportunities, profiles of local tourism businesses and organizations, and prospective partnerships to strengthen our communities. Subscribe now!
- Read the October 2025 edition of the industry newsletter. The 2025 Fall Kite Festival reached new heights this year with the debut of a lighted night fly, bringing fresh energy to a 45-year Lincoln City tradition and extending visitor activity into the evening, with hotel occupancy rivaling the busiest summer weekends. Summer visitation data showed guests stayed an average of 2.3 days, with July seeing the highest numbers and most visitors coming from Portland, followed by Seattle-Tacoma and Eugene. Occupancy rates rose to an average of 65% through mid-September, peaking at 83% in late July and mid-August. As the off-season begins, Explore Lincoln City is preparing fall and winter marketing efforts to boost tourism during the slower shoulder season, working to help sustain the local economy year-round. Lincoln City’s long-standing outdoor lighting ordinances reflect the City's commitment to being advocates for night skies — preserving clear, peaceful coastal nights through shielded, downward-facing lights that reduce glare and light pollution. Looking ahead, the holiday season kicks off with Deck the Dock festivities in Taft, and applications are now open for the Community Partnership Fund supporting tourism-focused local projects.
- Miss an issue? No problem - find past issues in our Industry News Archive.
Oregon Tourism Information System
- Reach out to Explore Lincoln City to get your local tourism-related business listed in the Oregon Tourism Information System, a service of Travel Oregon that feeds information into a multitude of online resources for visitors.
Weekly "Hot Sheet"
- Released each Thursday, this resource for Lincoln City guests and local businesses is a weekly guide to local events and activities. Email visitors@lincolncity.org or call 541-996-1274 by 12:00 p.m. every Thursday to be added to approved listings on Explore Lincoln City's events calendar.
Explore Lincoln City Visitors Guide
- This full-color magazine-style guide is the go-to resource for visitors to discover all of Lincoln City's best destinations and activities. Request a guide for yourself or as many as you wish to be distributed at your business.
Have a particular question or special request? Give us a call!
Economic Impact of Travel
Tourism is the #1 industry in Lincoln City, bringing $600M in direct spending to the county and supporting over 6000 jobs. Curious about how Explore Lincoln City is funded, how initiatives are prioritized, and the economic benefits of tourism? Read on.
- Economic Benefits of Tourism in Lincoln County
- Lincoln City Tourism Initiatives and Funding Breakdown | 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
- Economic Impact of Tourism on the Oregon Coast | Travel Oregon
- Economic Impact of Travel in Oregon, 2023 | Travel Oregon
- City of Lincoln City Budget | Fiscal Year, 2024-2025
- Lincoln City Transient Lodging Tax Report
- 2023-2024 Explore Lincoln City Strategic Marketing Plan
- Oregon Transient Lodging Tax 20 Year Anniversary Video
Tourism Research & Resources
Travel Oregon, the Oregon Coast Visitor Association and Explore Lincoln City regularly conduct research into visitor behavior and preferences, resident sentiment, and the economic impact of tourism on our communities. Learn more here.
- 2024 Oregon Tourism Industry Partner Survey Report | Travel Oregon
- Oregon Coast—Summary of Results | 2024
- Statewide Lodging Summary Report | Travel Oregon
- Travel Oregon Resident Sentiment Study Results | 2024
- Travel Oregon Tourism Workforce Sentiment Study Results | 2024
- Oregon Coast 2023 Industry Survey Results | Oregon Coast Visitors Association
- Economic Impact of Oregon Arts and Cultural Industry | 2022
- Oregon Travel Impacts 2003-2022 | Dean Runyan Associates
Sustainability & Stewardship
Explore Lincoln City strives to protect and provide for the very environment that makes our community such a desirable destination.
- Lincoln City Dark Skies | Stewardship, Advocacy and Certification
- Oregon Becomes First State to Earn ‘Accessibility Verified’ Status from Wheel the World | September 22, 2025
- The Accessible Oregon Coast Film Tour: Lincoln City | May 8, 2024
- Explore Lincoln City with Wheel the World—featuring verified accessible activities, hotels, and restaurants.
- Community Sustainability Plan | City of Lincoln City
- Be Kind to the Coast—How to Visit Responsibly | Oregon Coast Visitor Association
- Take Care Out There Toolkit | Travel Oregon
- Surfrider Organization Ocean Friendly Restaurants | Information and Sign-up
- Travel Impact Calculator | Oregon Coast Visitors Association
- Oregon Coast Car–Free Travel | Oregon Coast Visitor Association
- Oregon Coast Electric Vehicle Travel | Oregon Coast Visitor Association
Grant Resources
Grant opportunities abound for tourism-related businesses and organizations doing great work that benefits visitors and our communities.
- Explore Lincoln City Community Partnership Program | 2025-2026
- Explore Lincoln City Fondo de Asociación Comunitaria Ciclo de Subvención | 2025-2026
- Travel Oregon Recreation Ready Program
- City of Lincoln City—Urban Renewal
- Travel Oregon Competitive Grants Program | 2024-2025 (Grant recipients will be announced on June 17, 2025)
- Travel Oregon Matching Grant Program (Award announcement made prior to June 30, 2025)
- Oregon Coast Visitors Association Strategic Investment Fund
Education and Training
Are you looking for professional development opportunities or expert industry advice? Here are resources.
On The Horizon
- Spring in Lincoln City: There's no better time to experience the magic of Lincoln City.
- Discover a World of Events and Experiences
- Lincoln City Welcome Center at D River State Recreation Site
- Road Construction Updates | ADA curb ramps to be installed along Highway 101
- Travel Oregon Wine Country License Plates Matching Grants Program Awards fund to Lincoln
More to Explore
Contact Us Whether you have a question or want to register a Finders Keepers float, we would love to hear from you by phone or email or in person.
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Official Visitor Guide Your Lincoln City adventure starts here! Grab your free Explore Lincoln City Visitor Guide and discover all that the Oregon Coast has to offer.
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