Morning fog lifts across the mouth of the Columbia River, freighters inch under the span of the Astoria‑Megler Bridge while gulls wheel above the rippling water. In the town of Astoria, Oregon you’ll find a blend of maritime history, hillside Victorian homes, craft breweries, and wide water views. It invites slow travel at its best: settle in, follow the boardwalk, climb the column, and let the town unwind around you.
Astoria works as a base: a historic downtown rich with character and a coastline-meets-river setting just minutes away. It’s walkable, layered, and full of local rhythms. Give it a day, or stay a weekend to feel how the place flows. This guide to things to do in Astoria will help you find accommodations, restaurants, cafes and more to help plan your perfect Oregon Getaway.
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Getting to Astoria, Oregon
Astoria sits where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, at the extreme northwest corner of Oregon. From Portland it’s about 100 miles west (roughly 2 hours by car). From Seattle, expect about 3½ hours depending on traffic.
By car: Follow US-26/Warrenton Expressway or Highway 30 straight into town. From Washington cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge, an experience in itself.
By air: The nearest major airport is Portland International. Rent a car for full access to the coast and riverfront.
By public transit: Options are limited. If using bus or rideshare, plan ahead and allow more time to reach remote trails.
Parking downtown is easy early; weekends fill up around key attractions, so arrive by mid-afternoon if you can.
When to Visit Astoria
Summer (June–Sept): Long days, lively patios, and warm water for kayaking or paddle-boarding. Try to explore earlier in the day before humidity builds.
Fall (October–November): Fewer crowds, storm-watching along the coast, and rich light in the early evening. Good visits for craft beer and quiet galleries.
Winter (December–March): Crisp air, possible rain, but very manageable. Museums and indoor spots take on more charm when the wind picks up outside.
Spring (April–May): Migrating birds, fewer tourists, and bursts of green after winter. Early daylight and fresh pastry stops make the mornings special.
Where to Stay in Astoria
- Hotel Elliott – A boutique downtown hotel with modern comforts and historic charm.
- Bowline Hotel – Stylish riverfront stay with industrial-chic design and stunning Columbia River views.
- Astoria Riverwalk Inn – Pet-friendly lodging right on the marina with private balconies.
- Selina Commodore Astoria – Funky, budget-friendly boutique hotel with vintage vibes in a restored 1920s building.
- Norblad Hotel – Minimalist Scandinavian-style rooms in a historic building downtown.
- Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa – Upscale waterfront hotel built on a pier extending into the Columbia River.
Longer stays or rentals: Consider a cottage on the edge of town or a B&B on the hillside to sleep with the rolls of freighters and tide-shape rhythms.
Exploring Downtown Astoria & Waterfront
Begin your visit along the Astoria Riverwalk Trail, which follows the former rail-line along the riverfront, offers views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge, sea-lions on docks, and stops at historic piers.
Pick up street-level charm on Commercial and Duane Streets: cozy cafés, vintage shops, local art. The hillside above is dotted with Victorian homes and cedar-shingled roofs.
Don’t miss the Astoria Column perched atop Coxcomb Hill. The 125-foot column features a spiral mural of regional history and a 164-step climb for panoramic views of the river, the Pacific and the bridge. $5 parking at the base.
The Captain George Flavel House Museum (1885 Queen Anne style) sits a short walk uphill. The preserved home of bar-pilot George Flavel gives architectural detail and river-town story.
Where to Eat & Drink in Astoria
Restaurants Worth Your Time
Bridgewater Bistro lives in an old cannery at the west end of the waterfront, offering seafood and sweeping views under the bridge. Locals and photographers favor the deck at sunset.
Bowpicker Fish & Chips is a converted service truck parked near the pier – think informal, wild-halibut fish & chips and a local beer on tap. Easy, iconic, local.
Fort George Brewery & Public House (1483 Duane St) pours house-brews and pairs them with hearty fare. Family owned, deeply rooted in the local scene.
Cafés & Bakeries
For a morning stop try Blue Scorcher Coffee House & Bistro downtown: excellent espresso, fresh-baked goods and a relaxed reading-table atmosphere.
Later, treat yourself at Frite & Scoop, renowned for handcrafted ice-cream and waffle-cones, hidden just off the main drag.
Other Things to Do in Astoria
History & Museums
The Columbia River Maritime Museum on the waterfront examines shipwrecks, the coast guard, the bar of the Columbia River and exhibits including a decommissioned light-ship. It’s one of Oregon’s top maritime museums.
The Oregon Film Museum (732 Duane St) occupies the old jail and celebrates movies made in the region, including The Goonies. Fun, hands-on and a treat for film fans.
The Lewis & Clark National Historical Park includes the reconstructed Fort Clatsop where the explorers wintered in 1805-06. A short drive south east of town.
Nature & Scenic Walks
Youngs River Falls is reached via a short forest trail and delivers a quiet swimming-hole feel when the weather allows. Off the beaten path and lush.
Fort Stevens State Park (north of Astoria) is home to the historic Peter Iredale shipwreck which is great for beach walks, tide flats and shell hunting.
Sample One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Start your day with a boardwalk stroll from the marina to the Astoria-Megler Bridge viewpoint, stop for espresso at Blue Scorcher. Then climb Astoria Column for 360° views.
- Lunch: Grab halibut fish & chips from Bowpicker, sit by the waterfront and watch freighters move in the channel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, then explore downtown shops and the Flavel House Museum.
- Evening: Dinner at Bridgewater Bistro, followed by craft beers at Fort George Brewery or a quiet sunset at the riverfront benches.
Sample Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive early, walk the Riverwalk, stop at memorabilia shops, then climb Astoria Column.
- Lunch: Lunch at Bowpicker.
- Afternoon: Museum time at Columbia River Maritime Museum, then film-fans stop at Oregon Film Museum.
- Evening: Dinner at Bridgewater Bistro, then beers at Fort George Brewery, followed by waterfront sunset.
Day 2
- Morning: Drive to Lewis & Clark National Historical Park (Fort Clatsop) for a nature and history mix.
- Lunch: Picnic by Youngs River Falls or return to Astoria for café bites at Frite & Scoop.
- Afternoon: Choose either Fort Stevens State Park (Peter Iredale shipwreck) or explore the hillside Victorian homes and gardens above downtown Astoria.
- Evening: Sunset beer at Craft Brew District (Duane Street area), dinner at a local seafood spot, then stroll the boardwalk after dark with lamps on the piers and stars above.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Groceries & supplies: Astoria has full-service supermarkets (e.g., Safeway, QFC) and local delis downtown. Stock up before heading into state park trails.
Parking & walking: The downtown / riverfront area is compact and walkable; park once and explore on foot. For hillside spots like Astoria Column, expect uphill walk from downtown or drive to the lot (paid).
Weather & layers: Marine air holds mild temperatures, but wind can be strong along the water and at the column summit. A light jacket, even in summer mornings, is wise.
Local etiquette: Astoria is a working port town with a strong sense of community. Respect fishing and mooring areas, keep voices moderate in residential zones, and support independent cafés and shops where you can.
Why Astoria Works as a Base
Astoria blends historic architecture, rivers and ocean edge, craft food and drink, and outdoor escapes in tight geographic reach. It’s large enough to offer variety, small enough to feel intimate. After a day or two you’ll notice your favorite café, your spot on the riverfront, and the rhythms of a genuine coastal town.
You may leave feeling there was more to explore and that’s the mark of a place worth returning to.
Save This Guide
Pin this for your Oregon Coast trip planning. Walk the Riverwalk early, climb the column, enjoy a museum, trail a bit of nature, and settle into craft beer and sunset views.
Last updated October 2025. Details may change—please confirm hours, parking fees, and seasonal trail conditions before you go.
Content creator and writer for multiple websites including All About Glamping, Fit Living Lifestyle, and Live Dream Discover. A full-time traveler who has spoken at various travel conferences around the world.
