Gonna bump this up... Just starting to plan a trip for summer down the coast. The plan is to drive down and end up in New Port - Already booked a place down there for two nights, then on the way back stay in Portland 1 night.
We also want to do seattle for most of the first day, then make the rest of the drive (the actual coast part) the second day. Any recommendations for a place to stay near seattle that isn't priced outrageously? Looking at something like Tacoma or Dupont but open to suggestions. Don't want it to be too far away from seattle because when we get there it will be after a long day.
Also any suggestions for cool places to check out would also be appreciated

I've made note of most of the places already covered in this thread and others, as well as a few other places I found on the web.
Thanks!