TRANSIT, ACTIVITIES, AND FOOD

Whether you want to get the most of an overnight stay, or make your visit a long weekend getaway, you're in luck.

There's lots to do in Astoria.

(our website is mobile device friendly and available for reference during your trip to Astoria)

getting around

Driving

There is one arterial road through Astoria, and there is commonly heavy vehicle traffic during summer months. If you are driving, plan ahead. Your travels may take twice as long to get to your destination. Also remember Oregon gas stations are full service.

Taxi / shuttles

Unfortunately, there is no available car sharing or ride service in Astoria. 

Royal Cabs  (503) 325-5818

Check with your accommodations if they offer shuttle service 

Old riverfront trolley

Scoot alongside the Riverwalk path on the historic Astoria Riverfront Trolley to and from downtown. Stops frequently occur along riverfront and downtown:

• Astoria Red Lion Inn
• Maritime Memorial (near Bay Street, closest stop to the Cannery Pier Hotel)
• Columbia House Condominiums, Third Street
• Foot of 6th Street
• Foot of 11th Street
• Foot of 14th Street (closest stop to the Commodore Hotel)
• Maritime Museum, foot of 17th Street
• East End Mooring Basin, foot of 36th St.
• Foot of 39th Street (directly behind the Hampton Inn & Suites)
• Or, flag the Trolley down at any location (Wave $1!)

Noon - 6 p.m. daily (Round-trip takes approx. 1 hour)

Pay $1 per boarding. Ride as long as you like
OR pay $2 and ride all-day long. Or flag the trolley anywhere for $1 extra.

For more information, call  (503) 325-6311

WALKING/BIKING

Downtown Astoria is walkable and well connected to the riverfront walking/biking path and trolley. Bike rentals available in downtown. See Riverwalk below for more information about the path.

Astoria Riverwalk

Derek and Michelle love the leisurely stroll along the Astoria Riverwalk, a five-mile, flat, paved waterfront path.

Find yourself surrounded on both sides by water of the Alderbrook Lagoon (our wedding venue can be seen in the distance). Follow it to downtown for shops, Sunday farmers's market and restaurants. Pass under the majestic Astoria-Megler Bridge. Observe fishing boats and fish mongers offering fresh catch at the Port of Astoria. And see vast views of Lewis and Clark's Smith Point.

fishing

August in Astoria is peak King Salmon fishing season on the Columbia River. For Derek's 40th birthday, I chartered a guided fishing trip. We never fished before, but we caught our limit! This trip was so memorable, and the only effort we made was fighting the fish as we reeled it to the boat! Guide took care of everything; boat, gear, bait, taught us how to fish, navigated to hot fishing spots, cleaned and prepared our catch for us to take home.

There are many fishing charters available in Astoria. Just plan ahead and book early. We highly recommend Waters West Guide Service. Casey or Ryan are both friendly and experienced professional fishing guides. Grade-school children welcome.

Points of interest and shopping (of course!)

columbia river maritime museum

The Museum has the largest collection of Pacific Northwest maritime artifacts in the country. Great for kids and the kid in all of us, the museum hosts rotating exhibits, workshops, classes, and fisherman skill demonstrations. $14 adults, $5 children of 6yrs and older.

astoria column

Standing above the city–600 feet above sea level – the Astoria Column offers unrivaled views of Young’s Bay, Coast Range, Columbia River, and in the distance—the Pacific Ocean. Its light shines each night as a silent testament to the pride, fortitude, and resolve of the people who settled the Pacific Northwest. Modeled after the Trajan Column in Rome, the Astoria Column features a hand-painted spiral frieze that would stretch more than 500 feet if unwound. The monument was dedicated in 1926, and most recently restored in 2016 to mark the 90th anniversary. Free admission.

lewis and clark national state park

The federal park began as Fort Clatsop National Memorial which was established on May 29, 1958. Experience Fort Clatsop in the summer with rangers in costume telling stories, leading survival and tool demonstrations, and lowering of the flag. Kids can become a Jr. Ranger and receive an official Junior Ranger badge. Hike over 14.5 miles of trails followed by the Corps of Discovery. View wildlife. Take a guided river walk. Guided kayak and canoe tours through a wetland. Enjoy sunset views over the Columbia River. Free admission.

Bumble bee & Hanthorn cannery Museum

Located on Pier 39 at the east end of Astoria, the museum is housed in the oldest cannery building still standing on the Columbia River. Self-guided tour of historic canning equipment, experience the inside of an industrial freezer, and imagine yourself standing in one of the historic gillnet boats used to catch the fish. The museum is striving to recount the story of 130 years of community/cannery history with photos, boat displays and Bumble Bee artifacts. Free admission.

cinematic landmarks

Derek grew up watching The Goonies, filmed in Astoria, and was inspired by Data's inventive gadgetry. Michelle likes watching Kindergarten Cop, filmed at Astoria's Astor Elementary School.

If you're a fan of these movies too, we highly recommend a visit to the Oregon Film Museum and the local film locations. Just try not to look too starstruck! The Goonies House is private property, viewable up-close by public roads. Please be respectful of the privacy of the residents.

DINING

Om nom nom nom. Derek and Michelle love to cook together and appreciate a good meal. Almost every downtown block or pier in Astoria has something delicious to offer. From a walk-up fish & chips stand served out of a boat, to fine dining on the pier, there's plenty of options to satisfy your tastebuds. 

So where do they eat when in Astoria?

Serving beer-battered albacore tuna fish & chips out of a converted gillnet boat, locals and visitors line up before they open. Waits could be up to an hour, but it's worth it! Line and outdoor eating area is unsheltered, some picnic tables available. They serve till sold out. Check their twitter feed for operational hours. No reservations. Lunch service only.

Buoy Beer Taproom & Family Restaurant located on the wharf. Buoy brews on site and serves locally sourced food made from scratch. Everyone love the glass floor with a view to the water and a platform where sea lions frequently rest, just feet below you. Family friendly, and good for larger groups with reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner service.

Still thirsty? Try Fort George's original craft beers. Michelle loves to get a tasting flight and try all their unusual flavors. A great space to check out. Fort George stretches an entire city block, offering several dining options. Brewery tours available. Their Public House serves up tasty pub food. Lovell Taproom offers cask and specialty beers, sandwiches, pizzas, and appetizers with views of the beer production. Upstairs gourmet pizza is cooked in a Oregon Oak wood-burning stone pizza oven. All dining spaces family friendly. Lunch and dinner service.

This 1896 restored pier building is where Michelle and Derek like to dine for date night in Astoria. Bridgewater Bistro offers exceptionally prepared seasonal cuisine overlooking the river in a casual-fine dining atmosphere. Attentive service. Reservations are highly recommended for all group sizes. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch service.

Located in the historic Fort George Building (conveniently located next-door to the namesake brewery). Sustainable mission and community-owned, this jem offers organic, seasonal, and local-ingredient breakfast and lunch, baked goods, food, chocolates, teas, coffee and espresso. Family friendly. Daily breakfast and lunch service.