I grew up spending a great deal of time in Lincoln City (my grandparents retired there when it was still three separate cities) and Pacific City. I hated LC as a kid and I’m not much fonder of it now. Twenty Miserable Miles that needed a bypass 50 years ago (before the outlet mall and the casino) and needs one now even more so. It just boggles my mind on how much of a bitch it is to get from one end to the other. It has great beaches but access leaves something to be desired. My late uncle was a successful businessman in LC for almost 50 years and used to be on the casino’s “Wall of Fame” for all his winnings. His total was impressive.......until one realized he still hadn’t won anywhere near what he had spent......
Pacific City is more my speed. It used to be one of the best kept secrets on the coast, especially once they banned the dune buggies in the late 60’s. Despite being off the beaten path, it’s getting more crowded every year. But it’s still funky (and less crowded than most places) and the tourists usually congregate at the Cape and the Pelican Brewpub. I go down at least monthly to run the dog and then hang out at the Sportsman Pub. I hate giving away my secrets but..... Sporty’s at the 4 way stop in PC is one of the greatest dive bars in Oregon (if not the West Coast.). The food is outstanding (fresh line caught ling cod fish and chips), portions generous and the prices amazingly reasonable. And it’s only recently that they upped their price of a good pint to $4.25. Mixed drinks are a bargain also. All that and the best part is that the vast majority of tourists avoid it like the plague based on appearance alone. Just the way the locals like it........it’s a great place to while away a few hours in relative peace.
And casino buffets are an acquired taste. I have yet to find one worth the price......