Welcome to Explore Lincoln City’s Industry eNewsletter, where we keep you informed on initiatives and resources related to tourism in Lincoln City. Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and business associates to help strengthen our outreach.   


Kim Cooper Findling
Director, Explore Lincoln City

As interest in astro-tourism continues to rise, partners across Lincoln City are working to meet the growing demand. Preserving dark skies supports stargazing, wildlife, human health, and the city’s identity as a nature-focused destination.

To support these efforts, Explore Lincoln City will host Dark Sky Community Engagement Sessions to gather public input. The first session will be held on Monday, April 28, in the community room at the Lincoln City Police Department. Additional details and dates will be posted on the Dark Skies webpage.

Adding momentum to the dark sky movement is the Central Oregon Coast Friends of the Night Sky, a new volunteer group promoting dark sky awareness through education and community events. During International Dark Skies Week
(April 21–28), the group will host the first Dark Skies over Devils Lake event on
Thursday, April 24, from 7–10 p.m. at Regatta Park, featuring telescope viewing, live music, luminarias, and storytelling. All are invited to attend.  

The design process has begun for the new Explore Lincoln City Welcome Center. The center will relocate from City Hall to a new building at the D River State Recreation Site, with early concepts shaped by input from community engagement sessions.

While final plans are still in development, the vision includes creating a space that reflects the coastal environment and serves as a welcoming hub for visitors. Design prototypes and community engagement results can be viewed here. 

As visitation increases during the summer months, Lincoln City is placing a strong emphasis on public safety and community well-being. A range of efforts are underway to support a safe and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors. 

Initiatives include a focus on fireworks reduction, with a
drone show planned in place of traditional fireworks on the
4th of July, as well as new signage at beach access points and city parks to help inform visitors of local laws and expectations.

Ocean safety remains a year-round priority, with ongoing messaging reminding visitors to watch tides and surf conditions.