This iconic travel destination is about a 90 minute drive from Portland, but worth the trip if you're able to wrangle a rented or borrowed car. Though the Oregon coast is often cloudy and windy, the beach is beautiful and the drive is filled with glorious views of the mountains and countryside. If you're lucky enough to arrive when the sun is out, it's an invigorating experience to wade into the freezing Pacific waters (being careful of strong currents). If it's cloudy you can always warm up with a hot chocolate in one of the many shops in small beachfront towns.