Astoria is a small Oregon town at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the last winter at the end of 1805 before returning home. Best things to do in Astoria, Oregon include the Astoria Riverwalk, a selection of great restaurants, the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Astoria Column.
Astoria Riverwalk
The Astoria Riverwalk is the lifeblood of the city and the best way to get a feel for the city spirit. Start your exploration at the Port of Astoria with hundreds of ships from all over the world. Walk under the 4.1 mile long Astoria-Megler Bridge, enjoy the spectacular views of the river, check out the Maritime Memorial, visit one of the many nearby shipwrecks, learn about life on the beautiful and dangerous
Columbia River at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and enjoy the lounging sea lions on the docks at 36th Street. On the way, you will also see restaurants, cafes, breweries and the 14th Street Ferry. Hop on the 1913 trolley and learn from the volunteers about the history of the oldest American settlements on the West Coast. If you are lucky enough to come in August, you can enjoy front row seats to Astoria Regatta, the biggest festival on the West Coast.
Columbia River Maritime Museum
The Columbia River Maritime Museum was founded in 1962 to preserve the rich maritime heritage of the entire Columbia River region. The Museum’s collection, made up of artifacts collected since its opening, has grown to more than 30,000 objects, 20,000 photographs, and a research library with 10,000 publications. Together, they make the Columbia River Maritime Museum one of the most important sources of Pacific Northwest maritime information in the country.
A range of different exhibits are featured and are designed to teach visitors about the history of the powerful forces along the Columbia River Bar such as the 40-foot waves that crash during severe winter storms. Celebrate the work of the Columbia River Bar Pilots and United States Coast Guards, and take a tour of the Lightship Columbia, a historic floating lighthouse. The museum offers a range of courses related to the Columbia River maritime culture at its Barbey Maritime Center.
1792 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-2323, Map
Garden of Surging Waves
Astoria has a rich history that reflects the many influences the town has had from people and cultures around the world. Many of its current residents are descendants from early settlers, many of whom were Chinese and played a significant role in Astoria’s history especially in the canneries, railroads, and the jetties at the Columbia River.
The Garden of Surging Waves is a city park that celebrates and honors the Chinese heritage that is found in Astoria. Visitors can better understand Astoria’s relationship with China over the years while relaxing in the beautifully structured public space which includes an amphitheater and large open spaces often used for outdoor performances and community gatherings.
Garden of Surging Waves, Mayor Willis L. Van Dusen, c/o Julie Lampi, Astoria City Hall, 1095 Duane Street, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-5824
The Astoria Column
Standing 600 feet above sea level at Coxcomb Hill, offering spectacular view of the city, the Columbia River and Young’s Bay, the Astoria Column is one of 12 monuments built to honor Astoria’s early settlers. Every night, as its light turns on, it reminds Astoria residents of the strength, pride and resolve of their ancestors.
Dedicated in 1926, the column was inspired by the Trajan Column in Rome. A hand-painted frieze that spirals around the column was designed by Italian immigrant artist Attilio Pusterla, and would be 500 feet long if unwound. The Column and the lovely park that surrounds it are among the most visited Astoria and Oregon attractions.
The Astoria Column, 1 Coxcomb Dr, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-2963
Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens was built during the American Civil War and was once considered the main military defense outpost at the delta of the Columbia River. The fort served for 84 years, until the end of World War II. Today, Fort Stevens is a 4,300 acre park that offers the opportunity to learn about history and nature, and is a popular recreational site for the residents of Astoria.
It offers camping, swimming or canoeing in Coffenbury Lake, beach-combing, hiking or biking the nine miles of trails, observing wildlife, visiting a historic shipwreck, and exploring the historic military fort. The park’s habitats are equally diverse and range from hemlock and spruce forests to wetlands, dunes and pine forests on the shore.
Fort Stevens State Park, Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond, OR 97121
Fort Clatsop
Located at the end of the Clatsop Plains, along the Lewis and Clark River, about five miles from Astoria, Fort Clatsop was built as the last Corps of Discovery encampment before their return trip east to St. Louis. Lewis and Clark and their explorers overwintered in Fort Clatsop from early December 1805 to late March 1806. Today’s Fort Clatsop is an approximated copy of the original structure – there were no photos or descriptions of the original one.
There is an interesting interpretive center that offers an exhibit and two films about Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Rangers in period costumes lead visitors through the fort and several trailheads, the most interesting being those for the Netul River Trail and Fort to Sea Trail. The site is now part of the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks. The park covers diverse habitats that include forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands and the coastal regions and offer wonderful recreational opportunities. Rangers offer a number of guided tours.
Fort Clatsop , 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-861-2471
Astoria-Megler Bridge
Crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge is scary and exhilarating at the same time. This cantilever steel truss bridge across the Columbia River connects Astoria in Oregon and Point Ellice in Washington. The bridge is 4.1 miles long and is located about 14 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River. It is the longest truss bridge on the North American continent.
The bridge was completed in 1966 and has one line of traffic in each direction. While pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge, once a year, in October, the bridge hosts the Great Columbia Crossing, a 6.2 mile race that uses the bridge to cross the river.
Astoria Riverfront Trolley
The Astoria Riverfront Trolley is a three-mile long historic streetcar line in Astoria. The cheerful red streetcar travels by using the former railroad tracks along the Columbia River. It has been operating since 1999 with an original 1913 streetcar brought in from San Antonio, Texas.
The very popular tram became a symbol of Astoria and is used both by tourists and locals to go around town. The line operates from May to September and is run by the Astoria Riverfront Trolley Association and its volunteers. It has only one car, popularly called "Old 300," which was bought almost entirely through the donations of Astoria residents.
Astoria to the Mooring Basin, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-6311
Flavel House Museum
Located on the corner of 8th and Duane in Astoria, Flavel House is one of the most beautiful examples of Queen Anne-style architecture on the West Coast. The house was designed by German-American architect Carl W. Leick and was built in 1886 for the prominent Astoria river pilot Captain George Flavel as his retirement home.
The Flavel House today reflects the elegance and beauty of the Victorian era and portrays the history and lifestyle of a prominent Astoria family. Today, the house serves as a museum and is managed by the Clatsop County Historical Society. Much of the furniture and décor of the two and half-story 11,600 square foot home have been preserved, including six unique meticulously carved fireplace mantels, plaster medallions, crown moldings and crystal chandeliers.
Flavel House Museum, 441 8th St, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-2203
Clatsop Spit
Visitors who love the outdoors are in for a treat at Fort Stevens State Park. Clatsop Spit, also known as Clatsop Sands, is a giant sand spit between Tillamook Head in Clatsop County and Astoria. It was formed over 8,500 years ago when sediment from the Columbia River was brought to the coast by the river flow and then shaped by the wind and waves until the plain was formed.
Visitors can take panoramic pictures of the river and ocean vistas, and views of large freighters making their way to Portland can be seen. There’s also a number of wildlife that visit the area including brown pelicans, the world’s largest colony of Caspian terns, elk, seals and sea lions.
Fort Astoria
Fort Astoria, also known as Fort Astor, is the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Settled by employees of John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company in 1811, it soon became a hub for regional fur trade and plays an important role in Pacific Northwest history.
A combination of natives, many French Canadians, Americans, Scots, Native Hawaiians and Native Americans were the first to call Fort Astoria home. Visitors can see a vital part of Astoria’s history here, which is now filled with a commemorative park and architectural wonders in the form of residential and commercial structures and railroads.
Oregon Film Museum
Lovingly known as ‘Hollywood North,’ Oregon has been the sight of many movies, including classics such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Animal House, Kindergarten Cop, and of course, The Goonies. This is because Oregon’s landscapes provides various magnificent backdrops such as riverside, mountains, and deserts. The Oregon Film Museum captures the history of films and film-making in Oregon through various exhibits and activities.
The building which the museum is housed in was once the site of Clatsop County Jail, which itself was featured in movies including the famous opening jailbreak scene from The Goonies. Visitors can wander through the halls exploring exhibits such as the ‘Hot Set,’ where they can see how a major motion picture is made or ‘The Goonie Gallery,’ which is filled with memorabilia from the famous movie.
Oregon Film Museum, 732 Duane Street, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-2203
Heritage Museum
Located in Astoria’s Old City Hall building, the Heritage Museum is placed along with the Historical Society’s Archive. The neoclassical structure itself is a huge part of Astoria’s history, having been designed by prominent Portland architect Emil Schacht. Visitors can experience Clatsop County’s rich history in the museum’s many temporary and permanent exhibits and galleries.
Some of the items on display include Clatsop Indian baskets, a 19th century Chinook, a 1,000 year old hunting implement, and many other artifacts that represent Fort Astoria’s early history. In addition to these items on display, visitors can also see a reconstructed Astoria saloon that was famous during the Prohibition.
Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 88, Astoria, OR 97103-0088, Phone: 503-325-2203
Astor Street Opry Company
The Astor Street Opry Company, also known as ASOC, has been around for over 25 years creating exceptional shows and nurturing a connection between artists and the audience through live theater. The shows are filled with artists of all ages and backgrounds who come together in their combined appreciation for local traditions, Astoria’s rich history in the arts, and their love of the stage.
Visitors can enjoy various live theater performances at the ASOC Playhouse and get a better understanding of the community through live action, dance, song, storytelling and humor. One of the famed shows is ‘Shanghaied in Astoria,’ a play that appeals to a diverse audience and shows a varied stance of Astoria.
Astor Street Opry Company, 129 W Bond St, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-6104
Astoria Sunday Market
The Astoria Sunday Market is a great place to see the people of Astoria; a collection of artists, artisans, craftspeople, farmers and other small business owners come together at the historic marketplace in Downtown Astoria. Visitors can not only meet the many people of Astoria but can also leave with a bag full of local goodies and treats.
It is Oregon’s second largest market of its kind and has over 200 vendors each week with locally-made products and foods – jewelry and baked goods are a must try! Visitors, tourists and locals gather every Sunday, and the lively food court is filled with foods to satisfy any palette and usually has various entertainment such as live band performances.
Astoria Sunday Market, P.O. Box 973, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-1010
Liberty Theater
Named the ‘Best Historic Venue in Oregon’ and placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Liberty Theater originally opened in 1925. It was restored by the local community and relaunched in 1991 as a concert hall, performing arts center and event venue.
Perfectly resembling a ‘20s-style vaudeville motion picture theater, Liberty Theater is fitted with Italianate décor and gives visitors the opportunity to experience what it would have been like back then. There are many events scheduled throughout the year including the Astoria Music Festival, the North Coast Symphonic Band, and other featured events. Original adaptations are also on stage throughout and are a must-see for visitors.
Liberty Theater, 1203 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-5922 Ext. 55
Bridgewater Bistro
Bridgewater Bistro greets you with the most dramatic dining room in Astoria. Spacious and rustic, the dining area features a cathedral ceiling, ancient fir beams and large windows offering a view that seems to go on forever. Located in the former boatyard that once served the Union Fish Cooperative Cannery, Bridgewater Bistro has only 35 tables, each situated to give guests optimal views of the bridge, river and Washington state.
In addition to the amazing scenery, Bridgewater also offers exquisite small plates of seafood such as Dungeness crab cheesecake, paired with 255 bottles of carefully selected wine, with almost 30 available by the glass. All food is fresh and locally sourced, the flavors are imaginative and interesting and the prices are reasonable – an irresistible combination.
Bridgewater Bistro, 20 Basin St, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-6777
Young River Falls
Located about 10 miles south of Astoria lies Young River Falls, a 54 foot tall waterfall that flows into a pool beneath. The falls are a popular place for locals and visitors to cool off during the hot summer months, swimming and relaxing with family and friends. It’s been made even more popular as Young River Falls has been in many movies, most notably Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 and Free Willy 2.
Many tourists flock to it to recreate scenes from the movies, so there’s usually a large crowd. Visitors should note that there are no facilities nearby, but thankfully the town is only a few miles away and visitors can get refreshments or have meals there.
Hanthorn Cannery Museum
The Hanthorn Cannery Museum in Astoria, Oregon aims to share the story of the more than 100 year history of cannery and fishing through Bumble Bee and Columbia River Packers Association (CRPA) artifacts, boat displays, photographs, and more. Visitors will find a wide array of old canning equipment inside the museum, while outside there are several historic wooden gillnet boats on display with cotton nets along with other gear. The Hanthorn Cannery Museum is open every day and there is no admission fee to visit the museum. While there is no charge for admission, donations are very appreciated.
Hanthorn Cannery Museum, 100 39th St, Astoria, OR 97103, 503-325-2502
Fort George Brewery, Astoria
Fort George Brewery is located in the former Lovell Auto Building, carefully renovated to provide a home for a 30-barrel brewhouse, canning and taproom, with huge wooden beams, board games, books, puzzles, a large TV featuring sports, foosball table, shuffleboard, great food and even better beer.
About 40 kinds of beer, homemade sausages and burgers and live music make Fort George Brewery a popular place to spend an evening Wednesday through Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, beer fans can visit the brewery, check out the process, and taste the latest concoction. Fort George original crafts beers are distributed only in the Northwest.
Fort George Brewery, 1483 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-7468
