My son and I will be visiting Eugene to look at schools, and I was thinking of staying one or two nights near the beach. Is this worth doing? Is there a cute town nearby?

Florence is the nearest cute town - about 1 1/2 drive and yes its worth doing. Several shops and restaurants-
its even a nice day trip from Eugene
The Driftwood Shores is the only hotel right on the beach - havent stayed there in awhile so cant comment

I ususally drive a little farther north to Yachats and stay at the Adobe or the OverLeaf -

I live in Eugene so let me know if you need more info

Be careful though, Kate. Once you see the Oregon coast, you might just get hooked. Especially if you do as sunbum usually does, and stay at the Overleaf.

Heres a link to the Driftwood Shores

http://www.driftwoodshores.com/

Sunbum has set you straight.

The stretch of coast between Florence and Newport includes Cape Perpetua (amazing), the Seal Caves, lighthouses, a world-class aquarium in Newport, and much more.

Yachats is "cute," whereas Florence, in my opinion, is not.

We are flying into Eugene on Saturday to visit Eugene, Corvallis (and perhaps Salem). This is for my son to visit schools. I'm trying to work out an itinerary and any comments would be appreciated.

Saturday night - stay in beach town (Yachats?)

Sunday - drive to Salem or Carvallis, stay one night. (What route recommended?)

Monday - visit colleges in Corvallis (maybe Salem), drive to Eugene Monday evening, to stay one night.

Tuesday - visit school in Eugene, fly home in the afternoon.

I went to grad school at Univ. or Oregon and while the campus and surrounding area is beautiful, unless you're there in the summer, or enjoy cool temperatures, I don't know that the beach is worth a special trip.

I think the Oregon Coast is spectacular no matter what time of year - and sometimes in the fall and winter the weather can be great while in the summer its frequently cold and windy - so I think its something not to miss unless of course its pouring rain.

I think you will like your decision to stay in Yachats - and there is much to see between Florence and Yachats so that will keep you busy.

I dont visit Salem or Corvallis often so no recommendations for them.

In Eugene a nice place to stay is Valley River Inn - right on the river, walking path, bike path - shopping mall with theatres next door and several restaurants close by
Another place I recommend is Residence Inn by Marriott.

I suggest you drive up the coast to Newport from Yachats ( also a beautiful drive) and cut over on HWY 20 to Corvallis -

I concur with sunbum's routing--Newport/Highway 20.