Driving Portland to Santa Barbara

I’m working on trip details. So far I have made a reservation at the Canary Pier Hotel in Astoria. Wondering if anyone has a hotel recommendation for something on the beach for whale watching near Tillamook?

Hmmm maybe Depoe Bay. Have to drive to Portland from there to drop someone off before heading south again.

Depoe Bay is quite a bit south of Astoria or Tillamook. I’m not sure I’d stay that far south if I had to turn around and drive back up to Portland.