My wife and I are planning a weekend trip to Oregon coast (leaving on Saturday morning, returning on Sunday evening). We are mostly interested in natural beauty and would like to experience the best that Oregon coast has to offer in terms of natural beauty. We are therefore not interested in "touristy" stuff From what I have read on this forum, the coast from Newport to Florence is the best part. However, how long would be the drive to Seattle to Florence? Should we instead opt for Northern coast, since that is closer? However, I once went to Seaside and wasn't impressed; it felt more like Santa Monica pier than the Oregon coast I have always imagined.

Also, could someone suggest a nice place to stay in the area? Salishan Lodge would be nice, of course, but I can only envy the folks who can afford places like those

I would take I-5 to Portland and cut over to Lincoln City from there. The northern coast isn't as scenic as from Lincoln City down. There a lots of lovely spots to stay in - that aren't too expensive. We never make reservations (even on weekends) because there are lots of delightful motels with great views. I will see if I can find the names of some of our favorites and post them for you.
We found a great rate at Salishan one year but it was off season.

I regret to inform you that you have insufficient time to have an enjoyable trip to Florence, Newport, or Lincoln City. Also, if you want to avoid "touristy" stuff, you should put off your trip until November.

Manzanita, south of Cannon Beach, may be a town that will appeal to you. From there you can explore Hug Point, Ecola, Cannon Beach, etc.

Seeing the beauty of the coast is one thing, but experiencing it is quite another. It takes much more time. So, happytrails is right; focus on the north coast places s/he mentions, and maybe include Oswald West State Park if you can fit it in.

Are you planning the trip for this weekend? Popular places book up well in advance and/or have minimum night stay requirements, so you might have to spend time looking for a room. What's your budget?

Also, most places require two-night stays on the weekend.

Tolovana Inn at the south end of Cannon Beach (next to Mo's) sometimes has non-view, motel type rooms available for one night.

Seaside and Lincoln City are probably the most "touristy" parts of the Oregon coast. Too bad you stopped at Seaside before. Just south of there is Ecola State Park and the beauty starts there. And, while Canon Beach has tourists, I don't think of it as being "touristy." You don't need to go way down I-5 and cut over farther south for the good stuff.
The drive south from Canon Beach to Manzanita and beyond is beautiful.
And there are lots of wonderful places to stay besides Salishan Lodge, which is not really on the water, anyway.

My favorite place....Ecola State Park. Great place for a picnic on a sunny day...beautiful on any day....like being on top of the world

Thanks everyone for responding.

I ended up making reservation at Salisan resort afterall because I couldnt find anything else.

For those who have stayed there, could you please share your experience with this place?

We stayed at Salishan a few years ago. At that time they had a special promotion because it was off season. Our room was delightful - very comfortable bed and furnishings. We walked over to their dining room for dinner and had an excellent meal (can't remember what it was but I know we were impressed) My husband also played their golf course and enjoyed that as well. So, can't tell you anything else other than it was a great stay - but of course the price was right. Enjoy!!

How is the location? Is it serene, wooded, lush? How is the area, in general? Is it a pretty part of Oregon coast?

I would certainly call it wooded and it was very lush when we were there. The rooms themselves are in different buildings as I recall. We had a lovely king room with fireplace and the balcony had an ocean view. The lodge is up a hill from the highway so you are well off the road so it was very quiet. The grounds slope down to the highway and the golf course is across the road. The restaurant and lobby area were in a separate building from ours and I am not sure if there are rooms in that building or not. I just know we loved our accommodation. The drive is very pretty from the north and to the south. You are not right on the ocean as I said the golf course is on the other side but you can see it from the balconies. It doesn't take any time at all to drive down to Newport and that part of the drive is beautiful. You will enjoy your visit.

How is the weather up there these days? I checked weather.com and was surprised to see the temperature hovered near high 80s/low 90s (with no rainfall) throughout this month. I didn't expect temperature to be that high as it doesn't fit well with usual perception of misty and chilly coastal region of the Pacific Northwest.

Aren't you in Seattle??? The Oregon coast is close to the same weather always. The fall has more fog but thats about it. When we used to spend our winters in San Diego (now Arizona) there was an older delightful weatherman on one of the channels that called Seattle area "fungus corners"

Which city are you checking the weather for? Yes, Portland has been warm, but not the coast. If you are coming this next week, then plan on the highs at the coast being around 60 degrees.

Yes, I am from Seattle but expected weather on the coast to be cooler and wetter. However, in Seattle, temperature this month has stayed in the 70s. So when I checked the weather history of Newport, OR, I was surprised to see it reaching the 90s. I therefore found that a bit of an anomaly.