In the time it would take you to watch a movie, you could drive to the Oregon Coast and be standing with your feet in the sand, flying a kite above the waves or walking along the shore searching for shells. Shake things up with a last-minute joyride out of town, even if you only have one day to spare in your tight schedule. On a good day of traffic, you can easily get from Portland to any of these destinations in two hours or less.

Lincoln City

Kite-flying, beach combing, plenty to eat, and outlet shopping to boot — no wonder families love visiting Lincoln City. Bring quarters or bring your own binoculars to try to spy sea lions on the rocks after clam chowder at Mo’s, and keep your eyes peeled for glass floats left on the beach. A trip wouldn’t be complete without a trip to classic candy-striped Reads Homemade Candies for salt water taffy.
Travel time from Portland: 2 hours

Astoria

A favorite destination for all ages, Astoria is close enough for an easy day trip, but there’s enough to do to fill a tweek. Make your own Goonies tour, head to shipwreck beach, check out the Astoria column, and hit up a brewpub for lunch or dinner while you’re at it. Buoy Beer’s glass floor delights kids (and parents) with views of sea lions underneath.
Travel time from Portland: 1 hour 50 minutes

Manzanita

Park the car and leave it — Manzanita has that small town feel without being too sleepy. You can walk to the beach, to lunch, to ice cream, back to the beach, even with little kids, without getting worn out. If you want to wear the kids out, on the other hand, the seven-mile beach can take care of that.
Travel time from Portland: 1 hour 50 minutes

Cape Meares

Older kids who’ve done the “beach thing” will enjoy a tour of the lighthouse and a great view of whales — both only in season. Call the whale center in Depoe Bay for a report of recent sightings in the area. Of course, all ages will insist on a stop at nearby Tillamook Cheese Factory for an ice cream cone on the way home.
Travel time from Portland: 1 hour 40 minutes

Cannon Beach

Truly a family destination, Cannon Beach has it all: food, fun activities, and a picturesque beach ready for framable photos. There’s a little more hustle and bustle here, but that means more choices, too. If Haystack Rock and main street wear thin, head to nearby Short Sands to check out the surfers, or tidepool at low tide at Arcadia Beach.
Travel time from Portland: 1 hour 30 minutes