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
Long Beach Peninsula Visitor Bureau
The Long Beach Peninsula welcomes visitors with all the ingredients of an authentic Northwest coastal experience. Our villages offer great seafood, comfortable lodging, cute shops, colorful festivals, and one-of-a-kind attractions. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River and Willapa Bay, nature’s...
3914 Pacific WayAstoria, OR
360-642-2400
Email us (jane[at]funbeach[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)
North Coast
Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce has served the community since 1873 and boasts a membership more than 600 strong representing businesses and organizations large and small. The Chamber of Commerce also operates the Visitor Center in Astoria which includes...
111 West Marine DriveAstoria, OR
503-325-6311
Email us (visitors[at]oldoregon[dot]com)
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
Big Game Fishing
Big Game Fishing is located at the Hammond Marina. They offer guided fishing trips, sell bait, process your catch, and occassionally have fresh seafood for sale.
1080 Iredale StreetAstoria, OR
971-286-8748
Email us (biggamejames8[at]gmail[dot]com)
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)
North Coast
Captain Flavel Trees – Heritage Tree
This grove of nine trees is a part of the original landscaping planted around the historic 1886 Queen Anne style house of Captain George Flavel. The grove consists of a giant sequoia, ginkgo, Camperdown elm, bay laurel, pear, and four...
441 8th St.Astoria, OR
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
Youngs River Falls
Eight miles south of downtown Astoria, Youngs River Falls drops 54 feet into a pool and is a popular recreation spot for locals. The falls have been featured in several movies, including Free Willy 2 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3.
88450 Youngs River RdAstoria, OR
North Coast
Kelly’s Adventures
Kelly’s Adventures has a place on the boat for you and your party! Pat Kelly is a lifetime fisherman and avid outdoorsman. Knowing the local Streams, Rivers and even Ocean quite well, Pat will find the fish for you! Patrick...
Astoria, OR
(503) 440-6369
Email us (Kellysadventures[at]yahoo[dot]com)
North Coast
Arrow Tugboat & Tour Company
Enjoy a historic riverfront tour of Astoria aboard a restored former pilot transfer vessel, “Arrow No. 2.” Whether you choose a sightseeing tour or crabbing adventure, you’ll also learn about the history of the area and maritme facts courtesy of...
Astoria, OR
(503) 791-6250
Email us (arrowtug[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Onward Adventures
Onward Adventures delivers unforgettable bus parties complete with karaoke, exciting themes, and vibrant lights. They also offer dynamic guided tours of Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart, Seaside, and Cannon Beach, Oregon, featuring local history and legends at every landmark. Book your adventure...
Astoria, OR
503-741-9790
Email us (tour[at]onward-adventures[dot]com)
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)