LINCOLN CITY, Ore. – Lincoln City Beach is among the best in the country for vacationing families, according to a new ranking created by the Family Vacation Critic website.
The online travel magazine compiled the list after researching several factors, including family activities, safety, cleanliness, and proximity to restaurants and entertainment.
In particular, Lincoln City earned high marks for its fresh seafood restaurants, kite festivals and tide pools full of colorful starfish and sea urchins.
"Known at the Kite Capital of the World, the area's coastal winds provide prime conditions for kite flying and kite festivals, along with surfing and windsurfing," the article praised. "Other activities include crabbing, clamming and beach-combing for agates."
The nearby Chinook Winds Casino Resort even got a special thumbs-up for its play facility created just for kids.
"When choosing the top family-friendly beaches, we consider a number of factors – it's not just beautiful sands and picturesque views," said Lissa Poirot, editor-in-chief of Family Vacation Critic. "Beyond clean, safe beaches, we're looking for beaches that offer a well-rounded experience for families – accommodations, dining and entertainment within close distance of the beach, and plenty to keep the whole family entertained while in town."
The website also offered "insider tips" for anyone planning to visit beaches in its Top 10. As for Lincoln City, the staff recommended searching the sand for glass floats.
"They're part of a program called Finders Keepers, in which 'Float Fairies' disperse beautiful ornaments on the beach for vacationers to find and take home," writer Amanda Geronikos explained.
The Family Vacation Critic website shares reviews for family-friendly hotels, resorts, destinations and attractions. It also offers tips on getting the best deals and traveling with kids.
Here are the other 9 beaches named in the Top 10:
- Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach, Va.
- Ogunquit Beach - Ogunquit, Maine
- Manatee County Beach - Holmes Beach, Fla.
- Carlsbad State Beach - Carlsbad, Calif.
- Fort De Soto Park - St. Petersburg, Fla.
- Rehoboth Beach - Rehoboth Beach, Del.
- Crescent Beach - Block Island, R.I.
- Cape May Beach - Cape May, N.J.
- Kings Beach - Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Other notable "Best" & "Worst" Ore. Top 10 lists:
