Oregon Coast Recommendation

I'd probably recommend going south to Newport or Yachats. It's less than a 4 hour drive from Newport (direct on US 20) to Redmond, so it's not exactly way out of your way to drive that far south. Newport is quite a big town with a lot to do (e.g. Oregon Coast Aquarium) while Yachats is much smaller. I'm well acquainted with Newport - it has some great beaches. However, Cannon Beach (north near Seaside) has a fantastic beach and is very picturesque. Not sure about your schedule but that would be a nice place to stay, too.

Make sure you bring sweatshirts - the Oregon Coast may not be that warm in July. It can be windy and cool, even overcast, while I'd expect it to be quite hot in Redmond in July.

I'm not sure you'll find too may sand dollars on the beaches in July on the Oregon Coast - I seem to think they wash up on the beaches earlier in the season.

I'm a bit confused.... Are you starting the coastal drive from Portland, or Redmond? And given this, "(I don't think we will take the 3 hour trip north to/from Seaside as it will add too much driving in 2 days)", how does Astoria fit in since it's north of Seaside?

Thanks for the suggestions. I think we will try the Cannon Beach area.
BTW-great tip about sweatshirts....can't fathom that right now with our 95 degree days in NM!
beachbum....sorry about the confusion...we will be starting the coastal drive from Portland and noticed the towns of Astoria and Seaside on the map. However, they would be an extra drive north (off of 126..there and then back down) and do not think our time will allow the extra drive. Have heard such nice things about those two coastal town, will have to save for a later trip.

Ok, I guess I'm still a bit confused.... which isn't at all unusual. But, it sounds like you're planning to spend a night in/around Cannon Beach? If that's the case, you should be looking for a place now! And be advised that most of the nicer lodgings in town have minimum stay requirements during the high season. That said, if you're happy with soomething like Ecola Creek Lodge, it's got a great location close to the small downtown, and accesses the north section of beach, which is quieter, and I think, more scenic. http://www.cannonbeachlodge.com/v2/new.html

If you have trouble finding a place in Cannon Beach, consider the Sunset Surf in Manzanita. Nothing fancy here, but a great value for an ocean view. And Manzanita is a cute little town. http://www.sunsetsurfocean.com/

Back to Andrew's suggestion for the central coast, specifically Yachats. I think the Overleaf Lodge there has probably the best setting of any place on the coast. Just spectacular crashing surf, right outside the patio/balcony door. And a long, wide beach just a couple hundred yards north. http://www.overleaflodge.com/

Don't know what you've heard about Seaside and Astoria, but I'd choose Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Yachats, or Newport over either of those two towns. Astoria isn't even on the coast. And Seaside's appeals mostly to a younger (pre-teen thru high school age) crowd.

A good trip for a short time is - Portland to Lincoln City, I-5 to Hwy 99 to Hwy 18. Although this is only about 90 miles you need to allow about 2 1/2 hours. Since it sounds as if you only have one night to spend at the coast Florence would be a good stop. Driftwood Shores is the only beachfront hotel in Florence, Pier Point Inn is a great riverfront choice. From there the drive to Redmond would be using Hwy 126. The route that we have suggested gives you a good variety of long sandy beaches, rocky shore, is heavily forested and takes you past 3 lighthouses.