Keystone Vacation Rental's Blog

Oregon’s coast lines 363-miles of the Pacific Ocean. Filled with small, beach towns, the coast is a popular vacation destination for those traveling far and wide. Art, history, and diverse food and beverage scene are just a few of the highlights on Oregon’s coast. One of the most diverse states in the U.S., Oregon’s coast varies greatly from north to south offering a little something for everyone. Other popular areas in Oregon like the Cascade Mountain Range or the city of Portland are easily accessible from different points on the coast making it a central location for the avid adventurer.

While you may be able to spot Gray Whales along the Oregon Coast at any time of the year, there are two peak migration times that make for some amazing Whale watching. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Services, about 10 of approximately 80 whales, porpoises and dolphin species move along the Oregon Coast. It is said that about 18,000 whales migrate along the Oregon Coast every year. The spring/summer migration season begins in late April when most Gray Whales begin migrating from California to their feeding grounds in the Arctic – some do break off from the group and call the Oregon coast home until the next migration later in the year. The Gray Whales migrate again as early as October when they begin migrating back south from the Arctic. 

All 363-miles of Oregon’s beaches are designated as public lands. In 1967 Oregon passed a bill commonly known as the “Beach Bill” much to Oregonians relief. The decisive battle came after a Cannon Beach hotel owner exercised his property rights and blocked off a section of beach with large pieces of driftwood. Until this point, only the wet sand portion of the sand was actually designated as “public highway” and the rest of the beach could, in fact, be privately owned. The State Highway Commission, with the backing of Governor Tom McCall, set out to make Oregon’s beaches public and eventually succeeded when the Beach Bill was passed. 

In order to keep coastal wildlife safe, all of Oregon’s off-shore rocks are designated as wildlife refuges. Oregon’s rocky coastline is home to seabirds, tufted puffins, sea lions, and more. The Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of six national wildlife refuges along the Oregon Coast. The Refuge Complex provides protection to thousands of small islands, rocks, reefs, headlands, marshes, and bays totaling a whopping 371 acres, and 320 miles of Oregon’s coastline. The marine refuges are Three Arch Rocks, Oregon Islands, and Cape Meares and the estuaries are Bandon Marsh, Nestucca Bay, and Siletz Bay. Aside from Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and its surrounding rock, all other islands are closed to public access. Boats must remain at least 500 ft away, and aircraft must maintain at least 2,000 ft clearance

The beaches in Northwest Oregon, specifically the Clatsop Beaches, have one of the highest concentrated populations of razor clams in not only America but the entire world! Anyone visiting Oregon can purchase a shellfish license allowing for the digging of razor clams, and crabbing when permitted in Oregon. It is said that about 95% of Oregon’s Razor Clam digging occurs in Northwest Oregon because they have the most stable populations and beach stability. 

Beaches in Oregon also have one of the highest concentrated sand dollar populations in the world. You can purchase these popular beach finds in most beachy tourist shops along the coast, but they are (almost) just as easily found along the beach! When sand dollar hunting be sure you are educated on the differences between sand dollars that are alive, and sand dollars that are ok to take. Live sand dollars will typically be gray in color and appear fuzzy in texture thanks to the millions of little spines that help the sand dollars eat and move. 

Oregon is home to 11 lighthouses. 9 are designated as historic, and 7 of them are open to the public. The 2 remaining lighthouses are closed to the public and are still used for navigation purposes. The Heceta Head Lighthouse, which was constructed from 1892-1894, is a bed and breakfast allowing visitors to stay in the original keeper’s cottage. 

Lewis and Clark arrived in what is now Seaside, Oregon in the Northwest corner of the state. After a 4,000 mile long journey, the expedition set up camp in Clatsop County to bear the winter before heading home. “Ocian in view! O! the joy!” wrote Captain William Clark as he stood at the Columbia River Estuary. Fort Clatsop, a National Historic Park, is open to the public where they can check out artifacts as well as a replica of the original Fort Clatsop. 

Large groups of Tufted Puffins call Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach home. Like all of Oregon’s offshore rocks, Haystack Rock is a designated wildlife refuge thanks to the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. There are usually about 250 Puffins on Haystack Rock at any given time, but that number can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors. Their white faces, thick orange bills, and bright yellow eyebrow tufts make for some cool sightings!

 The northwest Oregon Coast has served as the backdrop to many famous films over the years. Some famous titles include The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Short Circuit, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Ring. Northwest Oregon has also served as the backdrop to some pretty famous TV Shows. Most recently Ghost Adventures aired a 4-part series showcasing Northwest Oregon (Specifically Astoria) and the spooky history the area entails.

Lincoln City, Oregon, is a great place to visit when you are in the need for a luxury getaway. Lincoln City is full of fun places to visit and sights to see. Not to mention the city is home to a large variety of luxury vacation rental homes to make your trip feel like the ultimate luxury experience. Today we’ll highlight a variety of vacation homes that would be perfect for your next getaway to Lincoln City. 

Pacific Winds – Seascape: https://www.keystonevacationsoregon.com/oregon-coast-rentals/pacific-winds-seascape/1510-49449

One of the highlights of Lincoln City is that it sits perfectly on the coastline which means that there is an abundance of oceanfront properties that you can call home for the duration of your stay. One of these properties is Pacific Winds. At Pacific Winds, you’ll find the ocean is just a few small steps out the door. Large windows provide ocean views at all times of the day. 

In terms of the home itself, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen with luxe granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. In this home, you’ll find two bedrooms both with king beds and two bathrooms. This home also features a private hot tub for the utmost relaxation during your stay. This home accommodates a total of four people and is not pet-friendly. 

Pacific Winds – Forever Sunsets: https://www.keystonevacationsoregon.com/oregon-coast-rentals/pacific-winds-forever-sunsets/1510-49487

Forever Sunsets is another great luxury option if you are traveling with a total of four people or less. This home features two bedrooms with one king bed in each, as well as two king baths. You’ll have access to a ready-to-use kitchen featuring an island to make cooking even more convenient. This home also has a proper dining area. You’ll also have your own private balcony with a hot tub. The open floor plan allows for breathtaking views of the ocean from almost any spot in the house. The living room even has a fireplace to make this home feel like your home away from home. 

Pacific Winds – Fair Havens: https://www.keystonevacationsoregon.com/oregon-coast-rentals/pacific-winds-fair-havens/1510-52610

Fair Havens is the perfect getaway option if you are traveling with a larger group. This home is great for parties of six or less. This home has a nautical decor scheme that fits perfectly with its location just steps away from the ocean. In terms of layout, the home features an open concept with plenty of windows to provide you with constant views of the ocean. Fair Havens has two bedrooms and two baths. The first bedroom has a king bed and the second bedroom has a queen bed. Fair Havens also has a sleeper sofa that is a perfect place for the kids to snuggle up for the night. Outside of Fair Havens you’ll find a private patio with a hot tub where you can enjoy the views and sounds of the ocean no matter the time of day.

Pacific Winds – The Tides: https://www.keystonevacationsoregon.com/oregon-coast-rentals/pacific-winds-the-tides/1510-65062

The Tides at Pacific Winds is another luxurious option for larger parties. At The Tides, you’ll find room for a total of six people. This home features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The first bedroom has one king bed and the second bedroom has two twin beds. You’ll also find a sleeper sofa in the living room. Each bedroom has a tv so you can catch up on your favorite shows during your vacation to Lincoln City. The kitchen is fully equipped so you can enjoy your favorite dishes in the comfort of your luxury vacation home. This unit is located on the top floor so you will have elevator access as well as your own private balcony. On the private balcony, you’ll find a private hot tub with relaxing views of the ocean just beneath you!

The Fun Never Ends In Lincoln City! 

When you choose to stay at any of the Pacific Winds properties, you will have access to wireless internet as well as an indoor heated pool. There is also a game room where you can let your competitive side run free and enjoy playing games with your friends and family.

In Case you were Wondering….

There are a few questions that guests often ask before booking there stay. The first of these is if the home is cleaned every day throughout the stay. The answer to this question is no. The unit will be cleaned prior to your arrival but not throughout the duration of your stay. Because of this, you’ll find basic cleaning supplies in each unit in case you have any accidental spills or messes to clean up. 

Something else guests often wonder is just how close they will be to the beach. Lucky for you, you will only be a maximum of 125 yards from the beach at all times! If you wish to park your car on the beach, you can do so from an access point not far from the complex. 

Ok, this all sounds wonderful! But how far in advance should you book to guarantee that you get the unit that you have been admiring at the exact date you want? Well, Pacific Winds recommends booking at January of the desired year or at least six months prior to your desired date. Please note that holiday weekends tend to fill up fast. Reservations are typically not accepted more than eighteen months in advance of the desired date of stay. 

Guests also frequently wonder about parking. When staying at Pacific Winds, each unit will receive one parking pass for the garage. Additional parking is availble outside if needed. 

Overall, Pacific Winds is a great travel destination if you are looking for luxury accommodations in Lincoln City right on the ocean. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Were To Book Your Vacation Home:

Keystone Vacation Rentals
1723 NW Harbor Ave
Lincoln City, OR 97367
(503) 443-1414

Luxury vacation rentals

Often, when one thinks of the makings of a relaxing vacation, they think of the ocean- sandy beaches, the rushing tide, and delicious sunsets over the endless water. Not all oceanside vacations need to be in the Caribbean or Maui. There are countless gorgeous beach spots stateside, and Oregon is a top destination for holidays centered around the ocean. Lincoln City, named for President Abraham Lincoln, is a seaside town on Oregon’s central coast. This picturesque town is on Highway 101 and only two hours from Portland. If you’re considering a beach holiday, Lincoln City, with its miles of sandy beaches, is a wonderful place to vacation. 

An excellent alternative to the standard hotel stay is a house stay and what better than a fully furnished, beautifully decorated, and totally self-catered house on the beach? Below are four beautiful beachfront vacation rentals in Lincoln City, Oregon that you can book quickly and securely at Keystone Vacation Rentals In Lincoln City.

Pacific Winds – Dancing Dolphins Vacation Rental

Located in the Pacific Winds condominium complex, this contemporarily styled vacation apartment has everything a traveler could need and want. A short walk will have you on the beach, and the oceanfront balcony has a private hot tub. If you wish to enjoy your morning coffee with gorgeous ocean views or you fancy watching the sunset over the water, while soaking it up in the hot tub, this balcony and its views have you covered. 

Along with easy access to the beach, guests can enjoy an indoor pool, games room, and fitness center in the communal area of the condominium. 

There are two king-sized beds, large living spaces and two bathrooms, which makes this the perfect location for two couples. The kitchen is stocked with amenities for cooking, and there is a full-sized washer and dryer. A vacation with the added bonus of the comforts of home makes this a winning beachfront property for your next vacation. 

Pacific Winds – Sea Dreams Vacation Rental

This beautifully appointed condo sleeps six, so bring the whole family or a group of friends. Two nice-sized bedrooms feature a king bed each and HDTVs for when you need some downtime. Enjoy wireless internet throughout the home and HD channels on each TV. The sofa converts into a sleeper to accommodate the kids or more friends. Each bedroom has its own modern and well-presented bathroom. If you plan to stay awhile, there is a stackable washer and dryer for your laundry needs.

The modern kitchen has a large island with additional seating options. Whether you are planning on cooking a gourmet meal or you just want the ability to make coffee in the morning, this kitchen has all the amenities and gadgets needed to feel right at home. 

The balcony, with stunning sea views, has a private hot tub that can be used any time of the day or night, but sunrises and sunsets are prime. 

Beach access is quick and close, so it is easy to utilize the beach for long walks or just lazy stargazing. This condo is an excellent choice for your next beach holiday. 

Pacific Winds – Sand Dollar Vacation Rental

Another condo in the Pacific Winds community, this 1st-floor corner property is an ideal spot for a beach vacation. With two bedrooms, featuring king beds in each and two bathrooms, there is plenty of room for a couples’ retreat, family getaway, or friend vacation. The contemporary style of the home lets the beautiful ocean and beach, seen from the many large windows, take center stage. 

The gourmet kitchen has anything you could ever need for cooking your own meals. The home is equipped with internet and HDTVs in every room to appeal to anyone looking for a relaxing night in. If looking to relax, the private hot tub on the balcony is the epitome of relaxing, especially when used during a spectacular Pacific sunset. 

All visitors have access to the community indoor pool, the games room, and the workout room. So, whether you want to hang out on the beach or the pool, this vacation property has you covered, and you are guaranteed to have a good time. 

Pacific Winds – Ocean Retreat Vacation Rental

This second-floor holiday condo is a great choice for families and friend groups alike. One bedroom offers a king-sized bed and the other two twins, so there are more bed choices for guests. The sofa sleeper in the living room also provides more sleeping options. Two well-equipped bathrooms ensure enough space and privacy for every guest. 

The modern kitchen has every cooking amenity one would need to prepare meals or to simply make coffee or open a bottle of wine. 

As is with all the properties at Pacific Winds, guests have access to the indoor pool, game room, and workout facilities. There is also wireless internet available in the property as well as HDTVs with Blue-Ray/DVD players. Handy beach access and a private hot tub on the balcony are the cherries on top of a great vacation retreat on the Pacific Coast. 

Lincoln City, on the beautiful Oregon Coast, is a favorite vacation destination of many. The above vacation homes are great places to consider when visiting thanks to their unbeatable ocean views, comfortable livings spaces, and amenities that make you feel at home.

For more information on our vacation homes in Lincoln City, contact us at:

Keystone Vacation Rentals
1723 NW Harbor Ave
Lincoln City, OR 97367
(503) 443-1414

Source:

“Visit Lincoln City on Oregon’s Central Coast.” Lincoln City, www.oregoncoast.org.

Oregon Coast family road trips are just around the corner, so it’s time to start planning. These trips offer plenty to see and do for all ages, but we’ve highlighted spots kids are certain to love.

Cannon Beach – Pacific City – Lincoln City

Cannon Beach is a great place to start exploring the Oregon Coast. It’s about an hour and a half drive from Portland and it is home to the spectacular Haystack Rock featured in the movie “Goonies”.

With miles of sandy beach to explore, kids can tide pool, fly a kite, or run until they burn off their pent up energy. It’s an ideal place for a picnic lunch and there’s a great chocolate shop in the town if you want a decadent dessert.

Head back onto Highway 101 and stop at Cape Meares and visit the lighthouse and octopus tree. Alternatively, zip over to Tillamook and tour the cheese factory.

After a full day of activities, you’ll probably want to have a good meal, clean up, and watch a movie with the kids. Lincoln City is a great home base for a family holiday, because you can do many day trips from the area and it has everything kids love to do. The city features a putt and bat, arcade, bowling alley, and movie houses, plus several state parks with countless activities. Lincoln City also hosts a huge kite festival every summer.

While on your Oregon Coast family road trips, stay in a great oceanfront condominium. It costs much less expensive than a hotel and you won’t pay hefty booking fees. Plus you’ll have more space and amenities for the family such as games, books, and a big flat screen TV.

Lincoln City – Depoe Bay – Newport

After you’re rested, head south again. You’ll pass through Depoe Bay, dubbed the whale watching capital of the Oregon Coast. Its huge sea wall runs the length of the downtown area and grey whales often hang out in the bay. The bay also has an impressive spouting water horn you can see when the sea’s churning. It can reach 60 feet high when the pressure from the water beneath the lava beds forces it upwards into a breathtaking spray.

While continuing your journey southward, stop at Cape Foulweather. It is the point where Captain James Cook first spotted mainland North America and a storm almost led to his ship’s demise. It offers a panoramic view of the Pacific and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

Following that, you’ll spot the Yaquina Head Lighthouse on a distant bluff. During the winter, spring, and fall you’ll need to call to make arrangements for a tour, but it is well-worth a visit. It is 93-feet tall and full of memorabilia children enjoy.

When you reach Newport, you’ll find the Oregon Coast Aquarium, definitely worth seeing. You can watch them feed the animals or even have an encounter with certain creatures on a tour. They even have a family-combo so you can sleep in the aquarium amongst an exhibit.

If you don’t fancy driving back to Lincoln City, you’ll find more great beachfront accommodation at Depoe Bay. Why stay in a cramped hotel, when you can have all the amenities of home and more!?

Lincoln City is a great place to visit anytime, but in September it is exceptionally good. The weather’s great, the sea’s warm, and you’ll find miles of sandy beaches with few or no people.

Nonetheless, Lincoln City won’t put you to sleep if you’re looking for something to do. Here are just a few of the events going on in Lincoln City this year that show you just how diverse and fun this place can be. Check a few out!

9^th Annual Cruisin’ the Bay Car Show

Sept 15

This event is a must-see for car enthusiasts. It runs 8am to 3 pm at the Bay House Restaurant on Highway 101. Feast your eyes on hot rods, muscle cars, classics, motorcycles, and trucks. You might even see a few makes or models that no longer exist or a Frankenstein car made from parts from many vehicles.

Whip Up A South American Meal

Sept 15

This hands-on cooking class at the Culinary Center in Lincoln City offers you a chance to learn how to cook many South American specialties such as pork and bean stew, ceviche, chimichurri sauce, beef skewers and a yummy dessert. If you arrive early, you’re also treated to a light breakfast. No experience necessary, but participants must be over 12 years of age.

Lincoln City Birdwalk

Sept 22

Do you have an interest in Oregon’s native birds? You can’t go wrong with an Audubon Society of Lincoln City birdwalk. You’ll pass through many habitats including river, lake, woodlands, and wetlands. It’s an easy two-hour walk suitable for all ages and an ideal learning opportunity.

These birdwalks are on rain or shine and they’re led by experienced birders. You don’t need to pre-register, they’re free and they provide the field guides and binoculars!

Get Your Toes Tapping

Sept 22

After your birdwalk, why not take in an evening with the 25-piece Lincoln Pops Orchestra? They’ll play three sets of the some of the finest Big Band tunes sure to get your toes tapping. The ladies get free flowers and there’s a no-host bar with beer, wine, sodas and sweet treats. It’s an affordable and enjoyable way to spend a fall evening. This venue is wheelchair accessible too.

Get An Adrenaline Rush

Sept 22 -23

Do you like speed? Get your adrenaline rush on Devil’s Lake as power boats flit across the lake attempting to qualify for American Power Boat Association (APBA) races in these sanctioned time trials.

The length of Devil’s Lake and the low altitude are conducive to speed. With so many speed records some call it the “World’s Fastest Water”. Drivers are hoping to set new regional and national speed records. It’s a straightaway course with speeds up to 175 mph!

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Lincoln City has plenty to offer in September. Celebrate in comfort in one of our Lincoln City well-appointed condos. They’re the ideal spot to enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific and to take in Lincoln City events. Why stay in a stuffy hotel when you can enjoy all the conveniences of home at an affordable price?

Oregon Coast natural phenomena are truly awe inspiring and unusual too. After all, who would think that you could find the remains of ancient well-preserved trees and 500 foot high sand dunes along the Oregon Coast? You can.

You’ll find both just off scenic Highway 101 which runs 363 miles through Oregon, along the coast. Make a vacation of it and check out these areas. You’re sure to take away amazing memories and photos.

Oregon Coast Ghost Forests

The name given to these forests is very apt. They’re eerie, somewhat unnerving, and are just a shadow of what they once were. Nonetheless, the Sitka spruce trees in these forests date back 1,400 to 5,000 years.

Originally, these trees were 150-200 feet high, but now all you see are the stumps that remain, but they’re still very impressive. How these trees became engulfed in sand and water is speculation. Some scientists propose a tsunami or earthquake buried the trees and preserved them for you to see.

While about 100 of these ancient stumps exist, most aren’t visible unless the tide is very low. However, the ones at Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site are visible year-round and it’s only 15 miles north of Lincoln City, worthy of a visit anyway since there’s so much to see.

Get Creative With Sand

Every year area merchants sponsor a fun, family-oriented event in the historic waterfront Taft District of Lincoln City. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a competition, this is your chance. It’s open to all ages and all skill levels, but you do need to register. If you prove you’re a master builder, you could also win a prize. Did we mention, you can also snack on a tasty s’more too? Check here for more information.

This year the event runs on August 11th. Bring a non-perishable food item when you register. Your donation goes to the Lincoln City Food Pantry, a very worthwhile cause.

Visit The Dunes

Most people have no idea Oregon has sand dunes, never mind how great they are. They’re the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America and the best of the best are between Florence and Winchester Bay, about a two hour drive south of Lincoln City.

This area lacks the steep headlands seen in other parts of Oregon, so the wind and tides freely eroded the land. Over the years, the dunes grew up to 500 feet high and traveled in some places as much as 2.5 miles inland.

Miles of sand dunes make this area for popular with ATV enthusiasts and July 24th to 29th offers Dunefest in Winchester Bay where aficionados show off their riding skills and their custom vehicles.

Of course, not everyone’s daring enough to cruise the dunes, but you can explore these sandy areas in many other ways. Take a walk, go on a tour, or try sandboarding. This sister of snowboarding offers everything from the beginner to the challenging. The Annual Sand Master Jam on July 21st in Florence is a great event to catch a few slalom or drag races or riders riding the rails.

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Exploring the Oregon Coast has never been easier and more comfortable when you stay in one of our many oceanfront condos with high-end amenities in Lincoln City and Depoe Bay.

These convenient locations offer easy access to Highway 101 and the entire Oregon Coast. Why stay in a cramped hotel, when you can relax in comfort affordably?