How to get to the Oregon coast
 

My husband and I want to drive the Oregon coast. We will only have three days so, the basic plan is to drive as much of the coast as possible stopping along the way to take in the sights then staying in hotels along the coast also.
Originally we thought it best to fly into Portland and drive straight out to the coast from there, but then thought of flying into Seattle.
Is it better to fly into Seattle and drive to the coast from there? Essentially I am looking for the quickest most efficient route to the coast. If you have any inexpensive hotel recommendations to that would be lovely!

Definitely fly into Portland, not Seattle. The WA coast from the Seattle area on down south is not near as nice as the OR coast.

From PDX over to Cannon Beach, which is pretty much a straight shot west, it takes about 2 hours. Cannon Beach is a beautiful area and is where I would overnight the first night. Then maybe around Newport for the second night and after that it just depends on how far south you think you want to go. Do you have 3 days, which is only 2 nights, or do you have 3 nights? Also, what time of year?

I agree with mms. US 26 west to US 101 and a few miles south to Cannon Beach. Try to catch a picture of Haystack Rock at sunset.
The next day make a stop at the Tillamook Cheese factory for some great ice cream and or cheese.
With your short time frame you could spend the night in Newport and see the Oregon Coast Aquarium in the morning before heading back to Portland via US 20 and I-5 and I-205 to PDX.
Come back to Oregon when you have a few more days to see a whole lot more of Oregon.
If Cannon Beach is too expensive for you, Seaside has some cheaper lodging (2 star instead of 3-4 star).

Would recommend you head toward Lincoln City from Portland your first night ( http://tinyurl.com/7yfdxsy about two hours) - and then stay a bit south of there - Depoe Bay, etc. I like the Surfrider. http://www.surfriderresort.com/

And then you can drive the most scenic part of the Oregon Coast - down to Florence and even beyond.

From Florence - you could head over to Eugene - and then back I-5 to Portland.

mms, we would have 3 days and 3 nights, leaving the 4th day and will be doing so at the end of August.

Thanks for all the helpful information. We are very excited to see the coast!

I think you can take in the entire coast from Astoria to Brookings in two days, but it will be rushed and you will need to pick your stops carefully to take in the highlights. The entire Oregon coast is fantastic and can be broken into 3 main sections. From Astoria to Florence you will find many nice beaches separated by majestic head lands. This is also the most popular and crowded section of the beach as it is easily accessible from Portland, Salem and Eugene. The middle section is predominately high sand dunes from Florence south to Bandon. My favorite section is the southern region for Bandon south to the California border. Depending on your flight times, it may be possible to squeeze it all in.

Since your time is very limited, get out of the Rose City as quickly as you can and head the 96 miles directly to Astoria to view or drive the Columbia River Bridge and the Astoria tower. Depending on the time of day you arrive, this may be a good place to overnight, but it would be better if you could begin heading south.

South of Astoria is the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park with an chance to bone up a little on our national and Oregon history.

You may want to spend a little time walking the promenade at Seaside, Oregon’s first seashore resort, and checking out the local crafts. Haystack Rock is a famous Oregon coast landmark located in Cannon Beach, and I agree with Tom that this is a great place for sunset photos, especially if you are lucky enough to catch it without the normal offshore fog bank.

If cheese is your thing, take a little time in Tillamook to at least sample some Tillamook Cheese, but also there are several other locally made food there such as the Blue Heron French Cheese Company, Debbie D’s Sausage Factory, Pacific Oyster, Tillamook County Smoker and Werner’s Gourmet meat.

From Tillamook, leave US Hwy 101 and opt for the Three Capes scenic loop that will lead to Pacific City. I consider this a must. Slow down a bit here and watch the sea otters play.

Lincoln City doesn’t offer too much for me, but there is the ‘D’ river, the shortest river in Oregon, maybe the US or the world.

Depoe Bay lays claim to being the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast” and having the smallest natural navigable harbor in the world. It is fun watching the fishing boat come and go through the narrow opening to the harbor.

Plan on spending a couple of hour in Newport at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, checkout Oregon’s tallest and second oldest active lighthouse at Yaquina Head and sample the clam chowder at the renown Mo’s Restaurant. If aquariums are not your thing, save the time and keep moving south.

Yachats is one of the favorite spots as it is the ideal spot for overnighting in the quiet unhurried atmosphere of this tiny (population 635) resort village.

Next comes Cape Perpetua with another favorite stop of mine, the Devil’s Churn. There also a short drive to the top of the head with a superb views and the not to be misses and other photographed Heceta Head lighthouse. There are many trails in the area that offer a good opportunity to stretch your legs.

Dropping off of the Heceta Head you will see the Oregon sand dunes stretching to the south for maybe 50 miles. Take the time for a sand dune buggy ride to get up close and personal or try your hand at sand suffering.

Once you reach North Bend, take the Cape Arago Hwy to Shore Acres State Park and take a stroll around the wonderful garden. Back track a few miles and continue heading south on the 7 Devils Road which will lead you back to Hwy 101 a little north of Bandon.

You may want to stop in Bandon waterfront area for a little shopping. Bandon also has a cheese factory where a family favorite is available, squeaky cheese, actually cheese curds.

Here you have a major choice to make, turn east to Myrtle Point and follow Hwy 42 to I-5 a little south of Roseburg and then north back to Portland, or continue south.

Between Bandon and Port Orford there is a nice side trip to Cape Blanco State Park, the western most point in the continental US. There is nice little lighthouse there to explore along with great scenery along the Sixes River.

The town of Port Orford has a rich history, but for me it is the only place I have the rain fall upwards. Ask a local to explain.

Many consider the stretch of Hwy between Port Orford and Brookings to be the most spectacular part of the Oregon coast. Keep your eyes open for little sandy coves that can be reached from the Hwy. You can often find spots with no footprints, besides the ones you leave.

Next is Gold Beach, located in the Oregon Coast Banana Belt, this remote little sea town features both ocean and river fun and has more sun hours than any other town on the Oregon or Washington coasts. If time allows and you need a little adrenalin boast and don’t mind getting a little wet, take a trip on a Rogue River Mail boat.

Next is the last town on the Oregon coast, Brookings. It is a nice little town, but besides Azalea State Park, doesn’t offer much for the visitor in a hurry.

Continue south for another six miles and you reach the California border. I recommend continue south until you meet US Hwy 199, just north of Crescent City and following it 82 miles to Grants Pass and I-5. This will end your 417 mile trek from Astoria and will also lead you by Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park and a chance to meet giant Redwoods up close and in person.

Although your time will likely not allow, you will be passing nearby the Oregon Caves National Monument. There are also many things to do and see in the Grants Pass/Gold Hill area.

Jump on I-5 and speed the 215 miles back to Portland, passing through my home town of Cottage Grove.

This will be a fast and hurries trip that provides a quick taste of the Oregon Coast, but I also know that it is doable for I have driven from Astoria to Crescent in a day, but only took short breaks at a few of the 86 Oregon Cost State Parks.

Two websites that may be of interest to you are http://visittheoregoncoast.com/activities/ and http://www.oregoncoasttravel.net/

The cheese factory in Bandon is no more. Not only closed, but the building is gone. Eat at the Crazy Norwegian in Port Orford. Beautiful view and great fish & chips.

I second Yachats overnight. there are any number of (rustic) hotels/motels.

Also second Cape Perpetua - one of the best views of the Pacific - and I've been up and down this coast a number of times, especially the California sections.

Great intro, leswhetham!