CALLING ALL OREGON EXPERTS::: Husband and I have 6 nights to travel the Oregon Coast to end up at Mount Hood. We love scenery and quaint towns with activities. I have read all the posts and have come up with these towns:
Gold Beach
Bandon
Florence
Yachats
Newport
Cannon Beach

If you could only choose 3 to stay (2 nights each), which would they be? I realize some may be good for a drive through. But I need the best overnighters (home bases). Also what lodging is the best in your towns???

Bandon by the Sea
Cannon Beach
Newport

Geographically it makes sense you'd overnight at Gold Beach, Newport, and Cannon Beach.

Depending on preferred activities, you might choose Bandon instead of Gold Beach. Among other things, Bandon is known for a couple very fine golf courses, whereas just about everyone going to Gold Beach does a jet boat trip up the Rogue River.

If you want the best accommodations on the Oregon coast, stay at Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach.

You ask about certain coastal towns and this is how I would rank those myself(not going by driving convenience though);
1)Yachats 2)Newport 3)Bandon
4)Cannon Beach 5)Gold Beach 6)Florence

As for recommendation on lodging would that be in motels or B&B?

Preferred lodgings are B&B, or a hotel with something worth seeing (different or unique)

In Cannon Beach we stayed at Surfsand Resort. It's right on the beach facing haystack rock. Our room was very nice with king bed and fireplace. http://www.surfsand.com/

The Oregon coast is unbelievably spectacular, but I did not find any of the towns themselves to be impressive. That was my only disappointment with our trip there last week. Enjoy the natural beauty of the state, but don't expect too much of the towns. You will still have a great time.

Had a great 2 night stay at Nye Beach right near Newport. Beautiful, huge beach, very small beach town, great hotel (Nye Beach Hotel) and great restaurant right across the street (April's maybe?). Quick drive (you could almost walk) into Newport.

I keep reading that people are not impressed with Oregon coastal towns, while trying not be insulted on behalf of my beautiful state, I think people might be expecting too much. Oregon coastal towns are generally working towns, with real fisherpeople, the weather can be pretty harsh in the winter and can beat up buildings and houses. The towns on the coast are not like those I have experienced on the east coast. So don't expect 'cute' towns, expect working towns, though I do think Florence, Newport, Cannon Beach and to a lesser extent Bandon cater to tourists more and might fulfill expectations a little more.

I agree with myfavs. Bandon is not my favorite but I think it is better than Gold Beach (unless you are doing the Rogue, which I recommend). Florence has nice dunes, I don't see the attraction to Yachats but lots of people posting on here seem to like it. Newport is my favorite and I spend every Thanksgiving there. Great beaches, fun downtown. Cannon Beach is 'artsy' with lots of art galleries.

Since you mentioned B&Bs there is a website that I often use. http://www.bbexplorer.com/

Sorry I can't be more helpful with lodging we always stay in the same place in Newport or rent houses for a longer period in the other cities.

Enjoy!