• Nelscott Beach stretches along the southern part of Lincoln City
• The beach offers beachcombing and tide pools exploring
Nelscott Beach stretches nearly three miles along the southern section of Lincoln City, bordered by Siletz Bay to the south and the D River to the north. The beach is named after the small community of Nelscott, established in 1926, which existed as an independent town until it merged with four other small communities to form Lincoln City in 1965.
Today, Lincoln City is a popular tourist destination. A row of cottages and hotels sits atop a bluff along the coastline, and many of these vacation rentals provide direct access to the beach.
For day visitors, several public access points lead to the shoreline. The north beach entrance is at SW 11th Drive near Canyon Drive Park, while southern access is available via SW 33rd or SW 35th Streets. Canyon Drive City Park offers eight parking spots, and the southern entrances have small parking areas for three to four cars.
The broad, nearly flat Nelscott Beach is perfect for a variety of activities, including hiking, beachcombing, exploring tide pools, surf fishing, and surfing.
During summer and fall, Lincoln City hosts numerous events, such as annual Kite Festivals, “Clamming and Crabbing Clinics”, and Taft Beach Sandcastle Contest.
Beachcombing Treasures
Nelscott Beach is an excellent destination for those seeking hidden treasures. Agate, jasper, and fossils can be found here year-round. In summer, the beach is covered with sand, but minerals are still discoverable. Winter months, when tides and storms shift the sand, are often the most productive for collectors.
Both ends of the beach feature gravel bars exposed by winter ocean forces, offering additional opportunities for mineral and fossil hunting.
From mid-October through Memorial Day, 3,000 hand-blown glass floats are placed along Nelscott Beach, as well as other Lincoln City beaches north to Roads End Point.
Wildlife viewing
Nelscott Beach is an excellent spot to observe a variety of ocean wildlife. The most notable residents are the harbor seals at the mouth of the Siletz River, with a population estimated in the hundreds. The best way to watch their daily activities—hunting for fish, socializing, or simply resting in the bay—is with binoculars.
Surfing
Lincoln City attracts experienced big-wave surfers from around the world for the annual Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic. Held in winter when ocean and weather conditions permit, the event showcases massive waves ranging from 30 to 60 feet. Located about one mile north of the beach, Nelscott Reef creates a surf break with relatively predictable conditions for big-wave surfing.
Cautions: Always, beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwoods, sneaker waves and never turn your back to the ocean.
Camping, Lodging & Vacation Rentals
Camping is not allowed at Nelscott Beach itself. The nearest campground is at Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area. Visitors can also find lodging and vacation rentals in Lincoln City, many of which offer convenient beach access.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Lincoln City
Nelscott Beach | Facts
Open: Year-round, day-use
Managed by: Lincoln City
Ametities: Restrooms
Activities: Hiking, rock collecting, tide pools exploring, surf fishing
Day-use fees: None
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Nelscott Beach is located:
- 24 miles north of Newport
- 60 miles west of Salem
- 90 miles southwest of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Nelscott Beach
From Highway 101 in Lincoln City,
- Take 35th Street and go to the small parking area.
35th Street Parking Directions
For Canyon Drive City Park from 35th Street the parking area,
- Follow north along the coastline on SW Anchor Avenue for 0.6 miles to SW Coast Avenue
- Bear right and continue 0.7 miles to the park.