I have done an extensive search on this board for cities to stay in overnite, but have yet to find exactly what I'm looking for.

I am going in late September, and will start in Astoria, ending in Bandon. I have 4 nites for the coast, and I need to know which cities would be the best choice to sleep over in regards to travel distance, things to do, etc.

For the first nite I thought maybe Rockaway Beach after seeing Astoria, Seaside and Cannon Beach. Then overnite in Newport. Overnite in Florence and last nite in Bandon.
Does this sound like a good plan? I'm trying to figure out a good distance between cities. Any suggestions welcomed. Thank you!

If you are traveling with folks and would like a really comfortable centrally located spot one night there are some condiminiums in Gleneden Beach called Cavalier Condominiums. they are two bedroom - two bath on the beach - full kitchen with decks. Like being at home.
It is south of Lincoln City and north of Newport. they are older but very well cared for and privately owned.
Because of being centrally located you could stay two nights and go either direction exploring.
What type of activities are you into?

Do you need restaurant recommendations?

both Newport and Florence are good choices because they are larger and there are more shops, restaurants, etc. Newport has a new aquarium on the bay that is worth a stop if you are into that. There are nice places to stay all down the coast and you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a room that time of year...weather is usually good too. Cannon Beach is small and artsy and charming ....Seaside is larger and more touristy but fun.

I would guess that most of what you want to do is between Newport and the area around Florence: Oregon Coast Aquarium, Lighthouse visits, dune buggy ride, Sea Lion Caves

Oops! Accidently hit "post". To continue.....

So, I think Newport and Florence are good places to consider, but I might pick Yachats.

North of Newport there are fewer activities (unless you're into hiking), but still plenty of sightseeing opportunities. You could easily spend a day in Astoria/Seaside/Cannon Beach, especially if you include climbing the Astoria Column, Fort Clatsop and/or Stevens, and Ecola State Park. Why not spend the first night in Cannon Beach. The drive on day two would be longer than any other day, but much of that is inland, with fewer reasons to stop along the way (though I would recommend the 3-cape-loop-drive out of Tillamook).

beachbum- what hwy is the Tillamook cape loop? Do you know how long it is?
I have some friends coming from Canada this summer on motorcycles - would you recommend that as a scenic route for them -

sunbum,
I don't know the hwy number, but it's the same road as you'd take to Cape Lookout. Once you get on it, there are signs. It's maybe a 25-30 mile loop road from Tillamook to Lookout, Cape Meares, Kiwanda(?), and back. Oceanside is a neat little town along the route, with some of the most dramatic scenery on the coast IMO. I would think it'd be great on a motorcycle.

I think Newport is a good place to stop. If you can, get the Oregon Coast Tour Map put out by the AAA.

Andrew

Thank you for the replies; I think I meant Brookings for the last stop before heading back to Portland. I read that the stretch between Gold Beach and Brookings is quite beautiful, is this true?

If I stay in Cannon Beach the first nite, then Newport (the drive from Cannon to Newport is long, but you think there's not alot to see/stop along the way?) Then Florenece (isn't Yachats too close to Newport to stay overnight so soon?), then Bandon, then Brookings.

We're not doing a whole lot of hiking, just the general touristy stuff, I guess. Beachbum, any reason you prefer Yachats? I guess I'm trying to get an idea of driving distance between cities and enough time to see what should be seen along the way.

Knowing that Cannon to Newport is mostly inland definitely helps!

The scenery between Gold Beach and Brookings is more ruggedly spectacular than most of the northern coast. But, adding that to your itinerary changes things. First, you should consider a jetboat trip up the Rogue River from Gold Beach. Second, if you're going that far south, go the extra 25 miles to see the redwoods in northern CA. I think you need to figure out what you want to do before deciding where to stay.

As far as driving distances: Cannon Beach to Yachats is approx. 135 miles; Yachats to Gold Beach, about 150. When you're not crawling through Lincoln City traffic, you can expect to average 40-50 mph, maybe a little quicker. Most of the drive between Florence and Bandon is inland (or without coastal views) too, so that goes pretty quick. Any reason you picked Bandon for an overnight?

When I look on a map, I was going by the distance between cities and those mentioned looked like equal distances to overnite.

I don't want to drive too far in one day or too short. I know alot of the towns along the way are short stops, and some may be longer, (some no stop at all) so I was trying to find happy mediums inbetween to stay the nite in, I guess.

I have seen the Redwoods before, so I thought I can just shoot over (5 hrs later!) to the Portland airport after Brookings and spend the nite there; that way I would have seen most of the coast. I know that Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach are musts. Newport, Florence, Yachats, Coos Bay-it sounds like those are musts too.

Should I stay in Coos Bay over Bandon? Then drive to Brookings for the final nite?

I would stay in Bandon over Coos Bay -
and I would definately do the Rogue River Jet Boat trip - the whole day trip - I think its a must do in Southern Oregon -

I agree with sunbum, definitely don't choose Coos Bay over Bandon!! If you're just trying to equalize drive times, Cannon Beach, Newport, Bandon, and Brookings are probably good choices for overnights. But the day between Newport and Bandon will be a full one. And it's tough to fit the Rogue River trip in.

If you do end up in Newport, consider staying in Nye Beach. It's a tiny, tiny little beach town a very easy drive into Newport (you could almost walk) and it has a couple great hotels and restaurants. We stayed at the Nye Beach Hotel (I think that's what it was called) and had a great meal at April's right across the street. Great views from the hotel.

Actually, I can probably swing 5 nites. How about Cannon Beach, Newport, Florence, Bandon, and Brookings? Thanks for the info on the Rouge River jet boats; any particular company you recommend? Thanks again!

I have always done Jerrys Jet boats out of Gold Beach- and stay in Gold Beach as they leave pretty early for the whole day trip- so there's another kink in the plan- a night at Gold Beach

Again, I agree with sunbum; stay in Gold Beach. So overnights would be Cannon Beach, Newport, Florence, Gold Beach and Brookings. If you want to treat yourself, stay at Tu Tu Tun Lodge a few miles up the Rogue from Gold Beach.

I guess I can stay in Gold Beach and do the river boat day trip, then get up the next day, head to Brookings for the drive (29 miles) and then make my way back to Portland Airport. This is the most complicated trip I have tried to plan! I have been thinking about this trip for a long time, and I want to do it right.

Thanks again for the info. Those inside tips are why I come to Fodors!

If you stay at the Tu Tun Lodge I believe the jet boat will pick you up at the dock if arranged prior - at least we picked up people there last time I went -

Or take the drive to Brookings and back in the late afternoon/early evening of the jetboat trip day. Take a bottle of wine, find a quiet beach, and watch the sun set. Shortens the trip back to Portland a little too.