The Little Town That Could

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

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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 Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-2961
Email us (info[at]bikesandbeyond[dot]com)

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North Coast

Lance Fisher Fishing

The great thing for fishermen here in the Pacific Northwest is that you have year around runs of Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon. Some months are certainly better than others, but to enjoy such an abundance of different types of fishing...

422 Gateway Ave.
Astoria, OR

503-822-6188
Email us (info[at]lancefisherfishing[dot]com)

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North Coast

High 5 Fishing

92823 Walluski Loop
Astoria, OR

(503) 791-5957
Email us (bigrich[at]diamondheating[dot]net)

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North Coast

Lewis & Clark at the Crossing

Lewis & Clark public golf course located in Astoria, Oregon, is this regulation length (2,738 yrds., 1 par 5, 502 yds.), 9 hole course. Designed for challenge and fun for all skill levels and all ages. Placed in a country...

92294 Youngs River Road
Astoria, OR

503-338-3386
Email us (lcgrvpark[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

West Coast Artisans

Discover unique gifts and a variety of art at this gallery in Astoria.

160 10th Street
Astoria, OR

(503) 739-3953

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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 Riverwalk
Astoria, OR
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North Coast

Triple C Outfitters

Professionally guided Salmon, Sturgeon & Steelhead fishing based on the Columbia river. 

74734 Good Rd
Astoria, OR

(503) 791-2314
Email us (RHFishKiller[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

RBV Adventures LLC

245 W Grand Ave
Astoria, OR

(503) 502-7983
Email us (Riverman6340[at]yahoo[dot]com)

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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 Bridge
Astoria, OR
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North Coast

Liberty Theatre

The Liberty Theatre in downtown Astoria, Oregon, is one of the best examples of the 1920s vaudeville-motion picture palace in the Pacific Northwest.

1203 Commercial Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-5922
Email us (director[at]liberty-theater[dot]org)

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North Coast

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Explore the world of marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present. Watch a dramatic 12-minute film introducing the history and perils of the the Columbia River. Sail a model boat on...

1792 Marine Dr.
Astoria, OR

(503)325-2323

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North Coast

Clatsop State Forest

Clatsop State Forest is a working forest brimming with rich history and recreational opportunities. It is managed by the Astoria District of the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Astoria, OR

More Info

Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce

Physical: 111 West Marine Drive
Astoria, OR
Mail: PO Box 176
Astoria, OR

503-325-6311
Email us (visitors[at]oldoregon[dot]com)

Travel Stories

A Romantic Weekend in Astoria

Dinner and a movie make a classic date night, but there’s nothing like a romantic weekend getaway to rekindle the romance. If you and your sweetie are ready for a change of scenery, look no further than Astoria. With its...
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Travel Stories

Fall Wellness Weekend at the Coast

If you’ve ever felt like the ocean has healing powers, you’re not mistaken. The roar of the surf, blue horizon and heart-melting sunsets on the Oregon Coast are a balm for the soul, and sometimes a getaway is just what...
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Travel Stories

Where to Find Fresh Produce and Fish on the Oregon Coast

Editor’s note: Note that masks are required at farmers markets and in indoor public spaces in Oregon. Check business hours and protocols before visiting. As the warm season settles in at the Oregon Coast, balmy weather sets the scene for...
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Travel Stories

How to Support Oregon Coast Businesses From Home

In this time of social distancing, Oregon Coast businesses are doing all they can to keep everyone safe. In some cases, that’s meant temporarily closing their doors; in other cases, it’s meant changing the way that they do business. To...
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Travel Stories

Visit the Oregon Coast Virtually

Thank you for honoring Governor Kate Brown’s executive order to stay at home to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It’s the best way to keep you and our coastal communities safe. When this outbreak has passed, we’ll be...
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Travel Stories

Starring the Oregon Coast

With the call to stay home during the COVID-19 outbreak, you may find yourself missing the Oregon Coast’s salt-licked air and windswept vistas. You’ve also likely found yourself with a shrinking watch list as you catch up on TV shows...
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Featured Dining

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North Coast

Bridgewater Bistro

Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner, and sunday brunch. LIVE music on friday, saturday, and at sunday brunch. 6:30 to 9:00 friday and saturday, 11:30-2:30 Sunday. Columbia riverfront dining cocktails, northwest regional foods, wines & brews, casual family...

20 Basin St.
Astoria, OR

503-325-6777
Email us (info[at]bridgewaterbistro[dot]com)

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North Coast

Hurricane Ron’s & Northwest Wild Products

A family owned retail and wholesale fish market, all of Northwest Wild Products' fresh seafood is local, wild and caught by fisherman from the community. They also offer exotic meats, delicious prepared foods, bait, shipping, custom filleting and vacuum packing...

1335 Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-791-1907
Email us (infonwwildproducts[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Fort George Brewery & Public House

Fort George crafts original beers distributed only in the Northwest. Whether in cans or kegs, at our pub in Astoria or on your front porch, our brews bring people together in aromatic headiness and lupulin ecstasy.

1483 Duane Street
Astoria, OR

503.325.7468

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North Coast

Broder Strand

Choose from a delicious variety of Scandinavian breakfast and lunch staples at Broder Strand. The restaurant also offers the largest selection of aquavit on the West Coast.

1410 Commercial Street
Astoria, OR

503-468-0125

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North Coast

Bowpicker Fish and Chips

Bowpicker Fish and Chips is located across from the Columbia River Maritime Museum in the converted gillnet boat. Firm chunks of Albacore tuna are lightly beer battered and fried to perfection by Ron and Linda, they stand ready to soak...

Corner of 17th & Duane Streets
Astoria, OR

503-791-2942
Email us (webmaster[at]bowpicker[dot]com)

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North Coast

Gaetano’s Market and Deli

Gaetano’s Market and Deli is a unique business to the North Coast. They offer many imported specialty grocery items, as well as items produced in the Northwest. They have a full service deli with imported and domestic meats and cheeses,...

1004 Commercial Street
Astoria, OR

503-741-3043
Email us (matthew[at]gaetanosmarketanddeli[dot]com)

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North Coast

Rogue Ales Public House – Astoria Pier 39

Opened in July 2007 in a former Bumble Bee Tuna cannery on Pier 39, the Astoria Public House features over 30 Rogue Ales on tap, Rogue Spirits, a Columbia River view, meeting and party space, adjacent luxury suites, pizza and...

100 39th St., Pier 39
Astoria, OR

503-468-0923

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North Coast

Buoy Beer Co.

Check Buoy Beer Co's Facebook page for updated hours. Here, one of the West’s most relentless rivers meets the wilderness of an entire ocean. The unstoppable meets the unyielding. And here, a community with grit and backbone make that meeting...

1343 Duane Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-4540
Email us (beersup[at]buoybeer[dot]com)

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North Coast

Hondo’s Brew & Cork

A nano-brewery, taproom and bottle shop, Hondo’s Brew & Cork has 19 rotating taps of craft beer. They also offer over 100 bottled beers, home brew supplies and wine.

2703 Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-2234
Email us (info[at]hondosbrew[dot]net)

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North Coast

Nekst Event

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese street food at Nekst.

175 14th Street
Astoria, OR

503-298-0838
Email us (chefholen[at]nekstevent[dot]com)

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North Coast

Wet Dog Cafe

Open Daily: 11am-9pm.

144 11th Street
Astoria, OR

(503) 325-6975

Featured Lodging

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North Coast

Atomic Motel

The Atomic Motel offers a fun experience in a 50s period-furnished property at a great price… and with special era treats and surprises. If you want a stay in a place that is cool, hip, affordable, and super friendly, the...

131 W. Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-4051
Email us (atomicmotel[at]frankhotels[dot]com)

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North Coast

Selina Commodore Astoria

Located inside of the Lewis Building in the heart of downtown, Selina Astoria Hotel (formerly Commodore Astoria) blends antique with modernity, reflecting the historic roots of the property. A quick walk from the shore, and just minutes from some of...

258 14th Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-4747
Email us (reception[dot]astoria[at]selina[dot]com)

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North Coast

Rose River Inn B&B

Our Astoria B&B, located in a 100 year old house, is ideally located just 3 short blocks to Astoria’s Historical Downtown area. And just 4 blocks to the Columbia River, the River walk and the Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Also in...

1510 Franklin Ave.
Astoria, OR

503-325-7175
Email us (info[at]roseriverinn[dot]com)

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North Coast

Astoria Riverwalk Inn

Astoria’s largest and most iconic waterfront hotel is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that your stay is a memorable one. Built in 1968 and formally known as the Red Lion-Thunderbird Motel Inn, the Astoria Riverwalk Inn was the...

400 Industry Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-2013
Email us (info[at]theriverwalkinn[dot]com)

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North Coast

Bowline Hotel

Bowline Hotel is a boutique hotel located on the Columbia River in historic Astoria, Oregon. Once a fish cannery, this location has been transformed into a revitalized space, with 40 luxurious rooms and suites, an on-site cocktail bar and eatery,...

1 Ninth St.
Astoria, OR

503-325-7546
Email us (hello[at]bowlinehotel[dot]com)

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North Coast

Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront

Astoria, Oregon has long been known for being an idyllic coastal town, being featured in such beloved films as Kindergarten Cop and The Goonies. When you are planning on visiting this picturesque west coast destination, you can always find the...

555 Hamburg Ave.
Astoria, OR

503-325-2205

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North Coast

Rosebriar Mansion

If you are looking for a unique and memorable place to stay or host an event in Astoria, Oregon, look no further than the Historic Rosebriar Mansion. This former convent has been transformed into a luxurious and cozy retreat, with...

636 14th Street
Astoria, OR

503-501-7947
Email us (info[at]rosebriarmansion[dot]com)

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North Coast

Astoria Pilot House

Located on the upper level of the historic Pier 14 Pilot Station, Pilot House is an elegantly appointed luxury suite situated in the heart of Astoria’s historic waterfront. Water surrounds this ultimate Oregon vacation home on three sides. Nearly every...

103 14th St.
Astoria, OR

503-468-8312
Email us (info[at]colrip[dot]com)

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North Coast

The Y Astoria

You can now stay at The Y DORMITORY located in the former YMCA building in Astoria, Oregon. This 2500 sq. ft. space is a perfect place to spend time with multiple families or a group of friends. The spacious living...

514 12th Street
Astoria, OR

208-914-1496
Email us (theyastoria[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Pier 39 – Astoria’s Fisherman Suites

Visit historic Pier 39-Astoria, in the Oldest American City West of the Rockies, Astoria, Oregon and stay in one of four Fisherman Suites. These remarkable suites are located right in the renovated Hanthorn Cannery and with the best views on...

100 39th Street
Astoria, OR

503-298-0082
Email us (info[at]pier39-astoria[dot]com)

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North Coast

Astoria Crest Motel

The Astoria Crest Motel sits on nearly three acres, overlooking the mighty Columbia River, Astoria cityscape and the Astoria Bridge. Many locals and visitors alike believe this is the best view from any hotel or motel in the area. This...

5366 Leif Erikson Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-3141
Email us (reservations[at]astoriacrestmotel[dot]com)

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North Coast

Motel 6

Motel 6 is located in the heart of Historic Union Town district nestled alongside the Columbia River. We are an exterior corridor property, have 58 clean and comfortable rooms and offer free high-speed internet.

288 W. Marine Dr.
Astoria, OR

503-325-7111
Email us (astoriadunesmotel[at]hotmail[dot]com)

Events in Astoria

August 6, 2025 - August 9, 2025

Astoria Regatta

Astoria, OR
October 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025

Crave the Coast

Astoria, OR
October 12, 2025

Great Columbia Crossing 10K Run/Walk

111 W Marine Drive
Astoria, OR
February 14, 2026

Festival of Dark Arts

1483 Duane Street
Astoria, OR

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