Things To Do
in Astoria
Astoria, Oregon sits at the mouth of the Columbia River where river and ocean meet, offering a compact historic downtown, working waterfront and panoramic views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The town is rich in maritime history, with museums, preserved Victorian homes and museums that tell stories of fishing, shipping and Lewis & Clark. Fog and changing weather give the waterfront a moody, photogenic feel year-round while nearby beaches and state parks provide easy access to coastal scenery.
Astoria is a small, friendly community popular with outdoor lovers, history buffs and seafood enthusiasts seeking a slower-paced coastal escape.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Kick off your journey in Astoria with a visit to the iconic Astoria Column, where you can climb its spiral staircase for breathtaking views of the Columbia River and surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a stroll through the scenic neighborhood on your way to a local café for a hearty breakfast featuring fresh, Pacific Northwest flavors. Don’t forget to take in the morning mist over the Columbia River as you indulge in locally roasted coffee.
In the afternoon, dive into Astoria's rich maritime history at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, where engaging exhibits showcase the area’s fishing, shipping, and shipbuilding heritage. Afterward, leisurely explore the charming downtown area filled with unique boutiques and galleries, perfect for picking up a one-of-a-kind souvenir. As the sun begins to dip, grab a casual lunch at a waterfront restaurant offering delicious seafood options.
As evening approaches, make your way to the Astoria Riverwalk, a scenic pathway along the river that offers stunning views, particularly during sunset. Find a cozy spot at a local brewery to enjoy freshly brewed craft beer paired with hearty pub fare, soaking up the local vibe. Conclude your day with a ghost tour through Astoria’s historic districts and hear tales of its haunted past.
Start off your day with an energizing hike through the trails of Fort Stevens State Park, where you can enjoy coastal views and the opportunity to spot local wildlife. Pack a breakfast picnic to savor in the beautiful outdoors while watching the morning sun rise over the ocean. The fresh sea air will invigorate you for an adventurous day ahead.
In the afternoon, head to the beach for some relaxation and fun in the sun, where you can partake in activities like beachcombing or kite flying on the expansive sands. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waterways and get a different perspective of the scenic surroundings. Afterward, enjoy a casual lunch at a nearby food truck offering tasty local treats.
As evening sets in, treat yourself to dinner at one of Astoria's popular restaurants specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. After dining, take a leisurely walk along the beach while the sun sets, casting beautiful colors across the sky. End your night with a visit to a local music venue for some live entertainment, showcasing the talents of regional artists.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-220 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3.50-4.50 |
| 🚌Local bus fare / short ride | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery, beaches and panoramic viewpoints
- Rich maritime and Lewis & Clark history with museums and historic architecture
- Excellent fresh seafood and a growing craft-beer scene
- Compact, walkable downtown with easy access to outdoor activities
- Frequent rain and cloudy weather outside of summer
- Limited public transport and evening entertainment compared with larger cities
- Seasonal businesses and shorter off-season hours
- Some attractions are spread out and require a car to visit
Places to Visit in Astoria
Visit one of these nice places.
A tall column on Coxcomb Hill offering sweeping panoramic views of the Columbia River, the Astoria-Megler Bridge and the Pacific—excellent at sunrise or sunset.
The long steel bridge linking Oregon and Washington is an iconic landmark—photograph it from the riverfront, pier, or beaches depending on light and tide.
Maritime artifacts framed by harbor views make for atmospheric shots; the Riverwalk captures working waterfront life, boats and seals.
Victorian homes, clapboard storefronts and painted historic buildings provide classic small-town coastal imagery with a nostalgic feel.
A dramatic rusting shipwreck on a wide sandy beach creates striking compositions—best at low tide and in moody weather.
Short drive south to iconic sea stacks and dramatic coastal cliffs—Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach is especially photogenic at golden hour.
Food in Astoria
Astoria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy New England-style chowder brimming with clams and potatoes—readily found at waterfront cafés and seafood shacks.
Must-Try!
Sweet local crab served steamed, in rolls, or as crab cakes; available in season at markets and many restaurants.
Locally smoked salmon or cured salmon served as appetizers, on salads or in sandwiches; often available at markets and delis.
Freshly fried rockfish or cod, often served at boats or food carts—the Bowpicker (a converted boat food cart) is a noteworthy local tradition.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, smoked fish and artisan foods—great for sampling regional specialties (check seasonal dates).
Famous boat-turned-food-cart known for fresh fried fish—expect a queue but excellent, authentic local flavor.
Astoria’s co-op and small farmers’ stalls carry regional cheeses, smoked fish, produce and prepared foods—good for picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally casual, friendly and approachable—small talk and politeness go a long way in shops, cafés and bars.
Leave no trace on beaches and trails, follow posted signs about wildlife or closures, and be careful with fires and cigarettes on beaches—coastal environments are protected and fragile.
Many homes and sites are privately owned or part of historic trusts—observe photography rules, don’t trespass on private property and respect posted hours at museums.
Dogs are common and welcome in many outdoor spaces but must be leashed in some areas; always clean up after pets.
Safety
Tipping in Astoria
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping follows typical U.S. norms: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or cafés for table service, and rounding up or $1–$5 for taxi/ride-share or food delivery. Tipping is expected for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; many small vendors accept only cash or card readers—contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly common. Carry some cash for market stalls and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–August is the driest and sunniest period with mild temperatures (highs typically in the mid-60s°F). Expect more tourists, expanded hours for attractions and foggy mornings that often burn off by midday—pack layers for cool evenings.
September–November brings crisp air, increasing rain and dramatic storm-watching opportunities later in the season; fall colors and fewer crowds make this a peaceful time to visit.
December–February is the wettest and windiest season with frequent rain, overcast skies and strong coastal storms—great for storm watching but bring waterproof gear and be cautious of high tides and sneaker waves.
March–May is cool and often showery with blooming coastal wildflowers and migrating birds; shoulder-season travel can mean fewer crowds and good deals but variable weather.
Astoria at Night
Hiking in Astoria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rewarding hike inland with a fairly steep ascent leading to panoramic views of the Coast Range and, on clear days, the Pacific Ocean; best for a half-day outing.
Short coastal trails with cliffside viewpoints, wildflowers and access to beaches near Cannon Beach—great for photography and wildlife viewing.
Flat, varied trails for beach walks, forest paths and historic sites including the Peter Iredale shipwreck—family-friendly and expansive.
Scenic coastal ridge trails with dramatic overlooks and forested paths; moderate difficulty and accessible from nearby towns.
Interpretive trails through forest and river-edge habitats that highlight the Lewis & Clark expedition routes and local ecology—good for gentle walks and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Astoria by plane.
Small regional airport serving general aviation and occasional charter flights; limited or no regular commercial service—useful for private planes and short charters.
Major international airport roughly 2–3 hours southeast by car; provides the most flight options and many rental-car services for visitors heading to Astoria.
Larger hub about a 3.5–4.5 hour drive (depending on route and traffic) and an option for international connections—useful if combining Pacific Northwest destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and individuals tied to fishing, shipping and maritime trades form a core of the community; local knowledge about tides and fishing is common.
Astoria attracts retirees and people with second homes who enjoy coastal living and a quieter pace.
A creative community of artists, gallery owners and entrepreneurs contributes to local shops, galleries and events.
Seasonal visitors increase population in summer and on holiday weekends, drawn by beaches, history and festivals.
The Chinook and other Native American groups have historical and cultural ties to the Columbia River region; local heritage is reflected in some museums and interpretive sites.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Recreational and commercial fishing are central to local life—salmon, rockfish and Dungeness crab are popular catches and form the backbone of regional sport fishing.
Surfing and beach activities are popular at nearby breaks and wide sandy beaches; cold-water wetsuits are required most of the year.
Local high schools and community leagues support soccer and football; community sports and recreational leagues are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Astoria.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices exist but are limited compared with seafood options; many restaurants offer salads, veggie burgers or seasonal vegetable plates—call ahead if needed.
Vegan options are available at cafés and some restaurants (bowls, salads, plant-based burgers), but selection can be narrow—plan ahead and ask about substitutions.
Most sit-down restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests; seafood and simple preparations (grilled fish, salads) are naturally gluten-free—communicate needs to staff.
Seafood is ubiquitous—if you have shellfish or fish allergies, make this clear when ordering; small kitchens can be cross-contamination-prone, so exercise caution.