Astoria

A historic riverside town at the mouth of the Columbia River with Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and local breweries perched on steep hills. It offers a glimpse into the region's gold rush past and serves as a gateway to the Oregon coast.

Things to do

• Goonies House Tour — Visit the iconic Victorian mansion featured in the 1985 film The Goonies, one of Astoria's most famous landmarks.
• Columbia River Maritime Museum — Explore the Pacific Northwest's premier maritime museum showcasing shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the region's fishing and shipping heritage.
• Astoria Column — Climb the 164 steps inside this 125-foot tall monument for panoramic views of the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean, and surrounding forests.
• Fort Clatsop National Memorial — Walk through a reconstructed replica of Lewis and Clark's 1805-1806 winter encampment with interpretive exhibits about their expedition.
• Flavel House Museum — Tour this ornate 1885 Queen Anne mansion to experience Victorian-era Astoria and the lifestyle of a wealthy shipping captain.
• Brewery Tour Crawl — Sample craft beers at local favorites like Fort George Brewery and Buoy Beer Company, both housed in historic riverside buildings.
• Beaches and Coastal Drives — Drive to nearby Cannon Beach or Haystack Rock, or walk the Astoria waterfront trail for access to pristine Pacific Northwest sandy shores.

Food to try

• Fresh Dungeness Crab — Sample locally caught Dungeness crab at waterfront restaurants and fish markets, often served cracked with melted butter and lemon.
• Salmon Chowder — Try creamy, rich salmon chowder made with fresh Pacific salmon, a regional favorite served in sourdough bread bowls.
• Oyster Stew — Order this local comfort dish featuring fresh oysters from nearby bays simmered in cream, butter, and oyster liquor at waterfront establishments.
• Fish and Chips — Enjoy battered and fried local white fish with hand-cut fries, a staple at dockside casual eateries throughout Astoria.
• Fort George Brewery Ale Pairings — Enjoy locally brewed pale ales and IPAs paired with pub food at this historic riverside brewery housed in a former cannery building.

Local customs & good to know

• Rainy Season Preparation — Astoria receives significant rainfall year-round, so pack waterproof layers and embrace the misty, moody atmosphere that defines the Pacific Northwest.
• Maritime and Gold Rush Heritage — The town's identity is deeply rooted in its 1840s maritime trading post history and the nearby 1890s gold rush, reflected in museums, architecture, and local pride.
• Steep Hill Navigation — Astoria is built on extremely steep terrain with narrow, winding streets; wear comfortable walking shoes and expect hills even within the compact downtown area.
• Local Art and Independent Shops — Support independent galleries, antique shops, and local artisans scattered throughout downtown, a cultural priority for this tight-knit community.