Astoria is gritty, and likes it that way. But that rustic exterior is just a cover for the many enchanting dichotomies you’ll find waiting around the next corner. Here, fisherman are poets, loggers drink espresso, and Main Street welcomes both nouveau gallery and five n’ dime.
For Astoria, it’s about character, and it’s also about characters: the people who call this place home with a passion that borders on evangelical. The skipper who challenges the same mighty river his great grandfather once fished. The artist who migrated here in search of a new palette. The hotelier who resurrected a once-bustling pier.
Astoria is that little town that could, a city of 10,000 people on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Founded 200 years ago at the beginning of Oregon’s North Coast, Astoria has been through boom and bust times more than once, weathering the collapse of both the Columbia River fishery and Oregon timber industry. It has risen once again as a cultural haven, often referred to as “little San Francisco.” Astoria is an old place that is newly hip. Here, Victorian mansions and maritime relics live in harmony with chef-driven restaurants and tattoo parlors.
Once you come here and learn these stories, you’ll want to share them with others, and hope they’ll tell others, too. And, it’s a place to which you’ll want to return, to see what other stories you might have missed.
Featured Spots
North Coast
Astoria Column
The Astoria Column was erected in 1926 at an elevation of 600 feet atop Coxcomb Hill, the location of the first permanent American Settlement west of the Rockies. It is a monument to the natural riches of the Pacific Northwest...
1500-2199 Coxcomb DriveAstoria, OR
503-325-2963
North Coast
Astoria–Megler Bridge
Connecting Oregon to Washington across the mouth of the Columbia River, the Astoria–Megler Bridge is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. Pedestrians are allowed on the bridge just one day per year, during the Great Columbia Crossing. The 4.1-mile-long Astoria...
Astoria–Megler BridgeAstoria, OR
North Coast
Oregon Film Museum
The Oregon Film Museum celebrates the art and legacy of films and film-making in the State of Oregon. Housed in the old Clatsop County Jail, the museum invites visitors to explore these and other films and the production behind making...
732 Duane StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-2203
North Coast
Shallon Winery
One of the smallest wineries – for 35 years – a one-man operation. Located in downtown Astoria, one block from Maritime Museum. Gives a five minute view of the operation. Totally unique wines, such as the only whey wines in...
1598 Duane StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-5978
Email us (paul[at]shallon[dot]com)
North Coast
Hazen’s Guide Service
When was the last time you took your favorite people out fishing? Cherish the memories made while fishing on the rivers and bays of the Astoria, Tillamook, and St. Helens areas with your boat captain, Mike Hazen. Because salmon, steelhead...
Astoria, OR
503-440-1354
Email us (gofishwithmike[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Sterling Extensions & Beauty Bar
Beauty Salon providing Certified Hair Extension Methods including NBR Hair Extensions, SKW Hair Extensions and tape in hair extensions, Haircuts for women, men and children, Hair Color, and Bridal & Special Occasion Styling, Smoothing Treatments including Brazilian Blow Outs. Esthetics...
441 30th StreetAstoria, OR
(503) 741-3042
North Coast
East Mooring Basin Boat Ramp
Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, the East Mooring Basin Boat Ramp is popular and convenient launching point for anglers.
Astoria RiverwalkAstoria, OR
North Coast
First Pass Outfitters
Enjoy fishing at World Famous Buoy 10 and surrounding areas. First Pass Outfitters offers fully guided Salmon, Sturgeon, Steelhead, and Crabbing trips. Their specialty is catering to large groups, and they have a very comfortable large boat with state of...
801 Commercial StreetAstoria, OR
503-541-0075
Email us (curtis[at]firstpassoutfitters[dot]com)
North Coast
Bikes & Beyond
Bikes & Beyond was opened by Richard Fencsak and his partner, Joan Herman in 1988. Richard ran the store until his untimely passing in 2008. The shop has been a Trek dealer from that first year, and have more recently...
1052 Commercial StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-2961
Email us (info[at]bikesandbeyond[dot]com)
North Coast
Menagerie Co-Op
An eclectic band of artists and makers, sharing what we do in the quirkiest little gift shop around. Originally located on Pier 39, the shop made the move to downtown Astoria in February 2024.
1162 Marine DriveAstoria, OR
503-804-3205
North Coast
RBV Adventures LLC
Astoria, OR
(503) 502-7983
Email us (Riverman6340[at]yahoo[dot]com)
North Coast
Flavel House Museum
Experience the elegance of the late Victorian period by touring the home of Captain George Flavel. The 1885 Queen Anne home features original Eastlake influenced woodwork, period furnishings, and exotic hardwood fireplace mantels. Begin your tour at the Carriage House...
714 exchange streetAstoria, OR
503-325-2203
Email us (cchs[at]cumtux[dot]org)
More Info
Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
Astoria, OR Mail: PO Box 176
Astoria, OR
503-325-6311
Email us (visitors[at]oldoregon[dot]com)