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

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 Street
Astoria, OR

503-541-0075
Email us (curtis[at]firstpassoutfitters[dot]com)

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North Coast

Kris Svensen Fishing

PO Box 274
Astoria, OR

(503) 791-2134
Email us (oregongunners[at]hotmail[dot]com)

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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 Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-2963

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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 Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-2203

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North Coast

Field Guide Service

89501 Youngs River Rd
Astoria, OR

(503) 539-0587
Email us (petercfield[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Pilot House Distilling

Pilot House Distilling, Oregon’s North Coast destination distillery. Located in Astoria, Oregon where everything is handcrafted on-site. Take in the views of the beautiful equipment that helps create Pilot House Distilling’s award-winning products while you sip on your favorite spirit....

1270 Duane Street
Astoria, OR

503-741-3101
Email us (christina[at]pilothousedistilling[dot]com)

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North Coast

R & T Guide Service

Captains Tom and Rocio Wick are a husband and wife guide team that specialize in Salmon, Sturgeon, Bottom Fishing and crabbing in the Astoria area as well as the Columbia River tributaries. They also provide Salmon and Steelhead fishing trips...

Astoria, OR

(503) 930-8344
Email us (rtguideservice[at]gmail[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

Heritage Museum

Built in 1904 as Astoria’s City Hall, this building is now home to the Clatsop County Historical Society’s Heritage Museum, Research Center & Archives. Explore the history of Clatsop County through temporary and permanent exhibits featuring Native Americans, early pioneers,...

1618 Exchange Street
Astoria, OR

503-338-4849
Email us (cchs[at]cumtux[dot]org)

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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

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)

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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

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

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

Frite & Scoop

Frite & Scoop lovingly makes a creamy, French-custard style ice cream with local, real ingredients. Their flavors feature housemade additions such as marshmallows, fudge sauce, rich caramel, pecan brittle, butter toffee, honeycomb candy, fresh citrus and fruit curds along with...

175 14th Street
Astoria, OR

503-468-0416
Email us (lisa[at]friteandscoop[dot]com)

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North Coast

Himani Indian Cuisine

Himani Indian Cuisine features dishes from Northern and Southern India.

1044 Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-8171
Email us (himaniindiancuisine[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Daphne

A small, upscale farm-to-table restaurant, focused on the beauty and bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Ephemeral and elegant dishes celebrate seasonal, local ingredients and a thoughtful and extensive wine and beer list showcases regional producers. Nestled on 9th Street in...

125 9th Street
Astoria, OR

503-298-0809
Email us (daphne[dot]rest[dot]ast[at]gmail[dot]com)

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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

Gathered Bakeshop & Market

A small-batch bakery, dessert caterer and neighborhood grocery market, Gathered Bakeshop & Market is passionate about supporting local farmers, sustainable practices, local artists and the North Coast community.

403 W Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

Email us (gatheredastoria[at]gmail[dot]com)

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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

Astoria Coffeehouse & Bistro

European-style coffee house and bistro serving fresh baked pastries, Caffe Vita coffee and a full breakfast and dinner menu.

243 11th Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-1787
Email us (diego3441[at]yahoo[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

South Bay Wild Fish House

Thanks to their own commercial fishing vessel, South Bay Wild Fish House offers the freshest seafood in their market and on their menu. South Bay Wild Inc. is a small, family owned and operated business committed to high quality sustainable...

262 9th Street
Astoria, OR

503-741-3009
Email us (fish[at]southbaywild[dot]com)

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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

Pho Mekha

Vietnamese-Cambodian restaurant featuring local produce and fresh seafood from CS Fishery.

1313 Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-741-3010

Featured Lodging

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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

Best Western Columbia River Astoria

The Best Western Columbia River Waterfront Hotel Astoria is located just one mile from the excitement and adventures of downtown. With beautiful waterfront views and spectacular sunsets, the hotel is only steps from the Astoria Riverwalk which leads to the...

3420 Leif Erickson Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-2000
Email us (gm[dot]amygambino[at]bwcolumbiariverastoria[dot]com)

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North Coast

Hotel Elliott

Hotel Elliott is a beautifully restored boutique hotel with a signature blend of Victorian ambiance and modern elegance. Our staff provides friendly and helpful service to enhance your stay. Explore the shops, enjoy dining at a wide variety of restaurants...

357 12th Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-2222
Email us (frontdesk[at]hotelelliott[dot]com)

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North Coast

Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa

The iconic Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa is the unique Northwest luxury boutique hotel resting 600 feet into the Columbia River. Unsurpassed in location, sophistication, and timeless beauty where every room has an unobstructed view, and guests can indulge in...

No. 10 Basin Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-4996
Email us (canneryres[at]vestahospitality[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

Hampton Inn & Suites

Located next to Highway 30, the hotel is surrounded by Oregon forest overlooking the Columbia River. Waterfront dining is steps away – and beaches, cafés, and shops in downtown Astoria are a 10-minute ride on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Relax...

201 39th St.
Astoria, OR

(503) 325-8888
Email us (Astor_Hampton_Suites[at]hilton[dot]com)

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North Coast

Captain Johnson House

960 Franklin Ave.
Astoria, OR

509-664-7982
Email us (john[dot]windus[at]icloud[dot]com)

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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

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

Klaskanine River RV Park

88590 Hwy. 202
Astoria, OR

(503) 325-8595
Email us (klaskanineriverrvpark[at]msn[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

Astoria Rivershore Motel

The Astoria Rivershore Motel is located a half mile east of the Astoria Megler Bridge on Highway 30. The motel has 43 clean and comfortable rooms at affordable rates. The rooms are an excellent value, offer many amenities, including free...

59 W. Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-2921
Email us (reservation[at]rivershoremotel[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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