Top Travel Tips for Visiting the Central Oregon Seaside

So you’ve looked at all the Oregon beach rentals, chosen the perfect accommodations, plotted your driving route, and planned a few activities to spend your time during an upcoming vacation. It seems like you’ve thought of everything. We all know that things rarely turn out as perfectly in reality as we’d hoped, though, even with have the best laid plans. But no need to worry. With a little foresight you can make sure your Oregon coast vacation goes as seamlessly as possible, even if the unexpected occurs.

Booking Your Lodging
Oregon beach house rentals are probably the most popular form of lodging on the Oregon coast, offering privacy, relaxing atmosphere, beautiful views, and a host of amenities. You don’t want to be hit with surprises when you go to check into your lodging, though, so always be sure to read the fine print. If you are under 25, you should be particularly careful before booking, because some lodgings don’t allow lodgers under 21, under 23, or under 25 without a parent or guardian. Also, make sure you know what amenities will be available onsite and never assume. That way you can pack or pick up anything you need before you arrive. 
Preparing for the Road Trip
There are all sorts of things that could go wrong on the road, such as running out of gas. What you think is enough gas may fall short. Or you may decide to go on a country drive and get lost or just stay out much longer than you expected. Most beach towns in Oregon have at least one gas station that’s open as late as 9 p.m. during the summer, although you may have a bit more of a problem late at night, in the off season, or when you get further from the beach. Even near the beach, there are long stretches without gas stations, such as the 40 miles between Portland and Tillamook on Highway 6. So, always make sure to gas up when you see a station, even if you think you have enough to make it. It’s always better to be sure you have enough! And if all else fails, make sure your phone is charged so you can call AAA or a cab.     
Packing Before You Go

Even if you’ve traveled countless times before and feel like a pro at packing, chances are you still often forget to pack at least one thing before you go. If you’re going to be staying at one of the quality Oregon coast house rentals on the beach, you will be fortunate to have many of the amenities of home and space to store everything you need to bring with you. The key here is actually remembering to bring everything you need. To avoid feeling uncomfortable or having to make unnecessary purchases while you’re away, make sure to bring plenty of layers so you’re ready for any weather, shoes for all the activities you plan on enjoying, sunscreen to protect your skin even when the clouds are out, toiletries to keep you feeling fresh and clean, and snacks to keep everyone happy on the road. Now you should be ready for your seaside getaway!

Art and Culture Offerings in Lincoln City This Summer

Every visitor has their own reasons for visiting the Central Oregon coast and staying in one of our vacation rentals. Lincoln City, Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific Northwest, if not the world. The coastline offers an endless variety of activities that families, couples, singles and groups of all sorts can enjoy. Or, visitors can simply use our Oregon beach vacation rentalsas an excuse to kick back and relax with some amazing views right outside the front door. But what about doing both? With many artistic and cultural activities that attract locals and tourists alike, many visitors also find that it’s the perfect place to stay entertained and enlightened while enjoying a completely relaxing holiday. These are just a few of the art and culture offerings on tap in Lincoln City this summer: 

Immerse Yourself in Glass Art

Lincoln City is known for its glass art, both on the beach and in the town. If you’re here between mid-October and Memorial Day, you may just find a hand-crafted glass float along the city’s 7½ miles of public beach as part of the “Finders Keepers” promotion. But not to worry if you miss the glass floats, because there are artisans making, sharing and teaching visitors about their glass art throughout Lincoln City year-round. Mor Art Glass Fusing Studio offers classes where students can learn how to create their own fused glass pieces, and leave at the end of the day with their own unique work of art. Or if you’re not in the mood to create your own art, Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio offers live demonstrations and a variety of glass floats and other artwork for sale, in addition to opportunities for visitors to create their own pieces. 

More Local Art Opportunities

If glass art isn’t your thing, or if you’ve already finished immersing yourself in the local glass scene, not to worry. There are still plenty of other opportunities to peruse, purchase and create art of all sorts in Lincoln City, Oregon. The Lincoln City Cultural Center is a good place to start, as this public venue offers classes on sculpting, painting, and the creation of textile art. Or, if you’re more interested in the intersection of art and ecology, you might prefer the teachings offered at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. The Artists’ Studio Association also offers a welcoming and cheerful environment to take art classes and purchase budget-friendly materials to continue your work at home. So get out there and start creating! 

A Taste of the Culinary Arts

Perhaps the culinary arts are more your thing, or maybe you’ve simply worked up an appetite by the time you’ve finished your day and are relaxing in one of our beach house vacation rentals. Oregon culinary artisans are here to help you explore your creative side through food, learn about the wonderful local seafood and produce available in Lincoln City, and demonstrate their own food artistry. The Culinary Center in Lincoln City offers all sorts of classes for cooks of every level, local professionals lead seafood harvesting sessions to help people catch their own cuisine, and several cook-offs are hosted here during each season of the year. There’s something for everyone here.