Just because summer is over doesn't mean you can't take a fabulous family vacation. The secret is the weekend getaway, a two-day nugget of time when you and your kids can refresh yourselves without missing work or school. For busy families, weekends are easier to plan, simpler to schedule, and they cost significantly less than weeklong trips. Plus, you can just hop in the car on a whim and go.

As travel writers and working moms, we're not surprised that the popularity of weekend trips has increased by 70 percent in the past decade. As you'll see, we like places that are within driving distance of a major metropolitan area, compact enough to be explored in two days, offer activities for every member of the family, have several lodging and dining options, and provide plenty of outdoor activities so we can soak up this colorful season. Just remember to plan ahead, so that you don't waste precious vacation time deciding where to go and when.

For die-hard beach lovers, summer's end does not necessarily mean an end to weekend beach getaways. Though the cold water temperatures are less inviting, the exquisite beauty of the rugged coastline and the invigorating fresh sea breeze is enough to draw anyone to Newport, Oregon.

VISIT THE BEACH ONE LAST TIME

Still craving the lazy days of summer? Consider a weekend in Newport, Oregon, situated about midway along the state's rugged Pacific coastline. In October, Newport's summer crowds have disappeared, but winter weather has yet to arrive. Daytime temperatures average 60 degrees (but bring a coat for the evenings, when the temperature drops into the mid-40s). A perfect getaway, the area offers scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and plenty of in-town attractions.

For some of the best views on the coast, stop at: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area on your way into Newport on Saturday morning (access to trails and beaches is free; interpretive center exhibits, $5 per vehicle; 541-574-3100). From Yaquina, you can walk to the Quarry Cove tide pools to peek at hundreds of sea creatures—starfish, sea slugs, anemones, crabs and more.

After a couple of hours at Yaquina, you'll be ready for lunch. Head straight to Newport's historic bay-front area, about a 10-minute drive away, where attractions include Port Dock One (541-265-2911). A comfortable, casual seafood place (try the fish and chips), the restaurant serves live entertainment with its meals: From the patio, you can watch a herd of sea lions cavort on the nearby docks.

Just down the road, the waterfront Embarcadero Resort Hotel and Marina offers large rooms and suites. Contact the hotel for special seasonal packages; 800-547-4779.

Come Sunday morning you might want to set sail on a whale watch for a 2-hour, up-close-and-personal look at the resident gray whales (adults, $25; kids ages 13 to 16, $20; kids ages four to 12, $14; free for kids under age four; 800-903-BOAT). Some 400 to 600 of these mammoth creatures live a mile off the Oregon coast, and they often surface right next to tour boats. Also, check to see if Marine Discovery Tours is offering an ecotour of the bay while you're in town (times and dates vary). Kids get to pull up crab pots, view plankton under an onboard video microscope and visit a colony of sea lions.

Animal sightings are guaranteed at the Oregon Coast Aquarium (adults, $12; kids ages three to 12, $7; under four, free; 541-867-3474), home to 190 native species. The kids will enjoy the indoor tanks and touch tanks, full of pulsating jellyfish, neon-orange starfish and fierce-looking wolf eels.

Oregon waters are too chilly for more than toe dipping in October, but beachcombing goes all year. Newport's Agate Beach is great for gem, driftwood and fossil hunting, and you're free to take home anything you find (for tide schedules, call 800-COAST-44). Afterward, warm up with a steaming bowl of clam chowder at Mo's Original ($4; 541-265-2979) in Newport before heading home with your bucket of new treasures.

For more information, contact the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, 555 SW Coast Hwy., Newport, OR 97365; 800-COAST-44.



Diane Bair and Pamela Wright write from their office in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.