Updated: March 27, 2024
Perched where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, Astoria, Oregon is one of our favorite coastal towns to visit for reasons beyond The Goonies— but also, how can you not love The Goonies?
There are also a ton of other fun things to do in Astoria like eating fresh seafood, drinking craft beer and discovering shipwrecks.
This page may contain affiliate links where we earn a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our suggestions are based on our own experience and thorough research. Full disclosure.
Where is Astoria, Oregon?
The town of Astoria is located on the Columbia River in Clatsop County, about a 2-hour drive from Portland on the northern border of Oregon across from Washington state.
Driving from Portland, take Highway 26 West to Highway 101 North or if traffic is bad, try taking I-5 North to Longview, Washington and crossing the bridge back over to Oregon’s Highway 30 West. You can also take Highway 30 the whole way.
👉 Get more ideas for day trips from Portland
Transportation to Astoria
Driving is the most convenient way to get to Astoria but there are car-free options available. For air, bus, train, car and camper rental information, see Transportation to the Oregon Coast.
🚗 Save up to 70% on your next car rental through DiscoverCars.
About Astoria, Oregon
The area now known as Astoria was originally inhabited by the Clatsop tribe and part of the traditional territory of the five tribes of the Chinook Nation: Clatsop, Cathlamet, Lower Chinook, Wahkiakum and Willapa. Chinook people resisted removal efforts by the U.S. government in the 1850s and are still fighting for federal recognition today. For more information, visit the Chinook Indian Nation.
American merchant sea captain Robert Gray was the first explorer to navigate a ship up the Columbia River in 1792 after previous explorers had mistaken the mouth of the river for a bay.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805 to 1806 camped out in this area, miserably toughing it out in the rain and cold while waiting for a ship to arrive and take them back home.
Founded in 1811, Astoria is the oldest city in the state of Oregon and was the first permanent settlement in America, west of the Rockies. The city is named after John Jacob Astor, a fur company tycoon from New York. Today, Astoria has a population of roughly 11,000 residents.
Further Reading
Top Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is a convenient destination for a weekend getaway or day trip from Portland. If you plan to take a longer road trip, it’s also a good starting or ending point for your journey.
When we’re in Astoria, we usually just like to walk around downtown or along the riverfront and stop in here and there for a bite and a beverage while taking in scenic views from just about every angle.
Astoria-Megler Bridge
You can’t really miss the massive Astoria-Megler bridge as it is 4 miles long and connects Oregon to Washington. It’s the longest continuous truss bridge in North America and worth driving over for the 360-degree water views (the seagulls like to cruise with you). Snap a photo of the bridge from the Astoria Riverwalk or one of the piers. Heading north over the bridge? Don’t miss Cape Disappointment and the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington.
Astoria Riverwalk and Riverfront Trolley
Take a walk beside the river or hop on and off the 1913 trolley “Old 300,” stopping in at several shops and restaurants along this 3-mile stretch. Watch the sea lions vying for a spot to relax on dock 36 and hear them barking all along the riverfront. The trolley schedule changes seasonally, so check ahead of time if you want to take a ride.
Fort Clatsop - Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Astoria is an old port town full of interesting history, so if you enjoy stories about the life of early settlers, there’s plenty to learn here. Fort Clatsop is located about 15 minutes southwest of downtown Astoria and it was once the encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Tour a replica of the encampment, visit the interpretive center and see costumed characters demonstrating what life was like there in the early 1800s.
Fort Stevens State Park
Technically in Hammond, Oregon, Fort Stevens State Park is just across Young’s Bay from Astoria and was once the site of a military base that guarded the mouth of the Columbia River from the Civil War to World War II. A large campground offers access to the historic site, along with miles of bike trails, a disc golf course, a freshwater lake and the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck on the beach.
👉 See more shipwrecks on the Oregon Coast and learn the interesting stories behind them.
The Astoria Column
Built in 1926, the Astoria Column is a concrete and steel monument rising 125 feet from its perch at the top of Coxcomb Hill overlooking the city. Visitors can climb the internal 164-step spiral staircase to an observation deck at the top and launch a wooden glider into the wind.
A mural on the exterior shows events and scenes from the early history of Oregon. Even if you don’t climb up inside the column, there is a great view of the city from this hill on a clear day. Visit the Astoria Column.
Columbia River Maritime Museum
If you like old boats and shipwrecks, the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria has a variety of vessels and historical coastal Oregon artifacts. Learn about the fascinating “graveyard of the Pacific,” or the legendary Columbia River Bar, the most dangerous bar passage in the world with 2,000 vessels lost at sea since 1792.
The strong river currents, big waves, king tides, wind and stormy weather have been wreaking havoc on ships of all sizes at this treacherous spot on Oregon’s coastline for hundreds of years. Today, skilled bar pilots guide the boats through this busy commercial passage, often boarding vessels by helicopter.
The Goonies Filming Locations in Astoria, Oregon
Located inside the original Clatsop County Jail, The Oregon Film Museum was also the jail from the opening sequence of The Goonies. The film was shot in many locations around Astoria as well as Cannon Beach. A collection of Goonies memorabilia is maintained by the museum along with exhibits on other films shot in the state of Oregon.
🏴☠️ Astoria Goonies House Tip: If you want to see the actual Goonies house in Astoria, the new owners have apparently said they are OK with it, but the neighbors may not be so friendly. It is still a private home and not a public museum, so it’s best to view the house from a distance. For more details about where to get a view of the house and a guide to Goonies filming locations see Plan a Visit to The Goondocks.
Looking for Oregon Coast Weekend Getaway Ideas?
Subscribe to our email list to receive destination ideas and recommendations.
- Need more ideas for things to do at the Oregon Coast? Browse by indoor or outdoor activities.
- Nearby: You may also want to check out the fun beach town of Seaside or popular Cannon Beach while you’re in the area.
Guided Tours of Astoria and the Oregon Coast
🚐 Explore the town of Astoria with the help of a local expert. Book a guided Oregon Coast tour and enjoy the sights with someone who knows the area well.
Places to Stay in Astoria, Oregon
Best Hotels in Astoria, Oregon
💎 Best Luxury Hotel: On the Astoria waterfront, you’ll find the luxurious Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa at the top end of the spectrum. This is a top hotel for romantic Oregon Coast weekend getaways and special occasions like honeymoons, birthdays and anniversaries.
👍 Rating: 10/10 Exceptional “Beautiful hotel, amazing view, friendly & helpful staff. Classic Rolls Royce car ride was a wonderful memory maker.”
🏆 Top-Rated Waterfront Hotel: Also on the waterfront, The Bowline Hotel Astoria offers rooms with balconies and river views at a reasonable rate. Guests love the individual saunas on the deck!
👍 Rating: 10/10 Stay on the water “The buoy suite was amazing. We watched the ships get led in by the bar pilots and got to see them boarding the vessels. King tides made the river wild to watch. It was an epic adventure, and I can’t wait to return.”
💲 Best Value Waterfront Hotel: The Astoria Riverwalk Inn is also right on the water and offers reasonably priced rooms with views of the harbor and Astoria-Megler bridge. We’ve stayed here a number of times and it’s a good deal for the waterfront location.
👍 Rating: 9/10 Wonderful “Great service, breakfast, view of harbor and location.”
The Astoria Crest Motel is a little further from downtown, perched up on its own hill overlooking the Columbia River. We’ve found it to be reasonably priced and even though some rooms are a little older, they are clean, very spacious and the view is amazing. It also looks like some rooms have been recently renovated.
👍 Rating: 10/10 Exceptional “Great room for the price. Very quaint motel. They have done a lot of work fixing it up. We would love to come back when it’s warmer and take advantage of the outdoor patio.”
🚶♀️ Best Walkable Downtown Astoria Hotel: In the heart of downtown Astoria, there are several beautiful old hotels like Hotel Elliott. Some rooms have city views, fireplaces and heated floors and guests love the rooftop deck with panoramic views of the Columbia River and downtown. The Selina Commodore Astoria and Norblad Hotel are also nearby. These are good choices if you want to be within walking distance to the downtown Astoria restaurants, breweries and shops right outside your door.
✨ Cheap, Clean & Cute Astoria Hotel Pick: Atomic Motel is a cute, clean, retro 50’s motor lodge on busy Marine Drive in Astoria. The location is convenient, the prices are affordable and they allow dogs.
You may also be interested in:
Vacation Rentals in Astoria, Oregon
Find a rental property in the historic hillside neighborhoods of Astoria with views of the river. Browse available Vrbo rentals, including this pet-friendly, affordable, classic hillside home with a deck for watching ships go by.
Book in advance for the best room options. Hotels do tend to fill up on weekends in Astoria and other popular cities along the Oregon Coast. See the latest prices and deals by searching for your travel dates.
Campgrounds and RV Parks Near Astoria, Oregon
Fort Stevens State Park is about 10 miles west of Astoria and is one of the best campgrounds on the Oregon Coast.
🌲 See our camping guide to Oregon State Park campgrounds on the Oregon Coast for other campgrounds in the region. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance for Oregon Coast campgrounds as they are popular with visitors, especially in summer.
🚐 Several privately owned RV parks and campgrounds can be found along the Oregon coastline dotting U.S. Highway 101. Services and facilities can vary widely, so be sure to check reviews on Google Maps or use a trusted trip-planning app like RV Life to read unbiased reviews of campgrounds by other RVers. Try it free!
Restaurants and Dining in Astoria, Oregon
There are so many good options for restaurants in Astoria it’s hard to choose the best. We recommend trying out a little of everything! Below are a few of our favorite places to eat and drink.
Astoria has some of the best restaurants on the Oregon Coast with Pacific Northwest-inspired menus featuring seafood and pub fare.
For breakfast in Astoria, there are several good coffee shops, but Coffee Girl on Pier 39 has the best view. At the end of the pier, go through the old cannery to find this cozy breakfast spot right on the riverfront where you can watch the cargo ships go by while sipping a frothy cappuccino.
Fresh fish is a popular choice for dining in Astoria. Try the highly rated South Bay Wild Fish House for the local catch of the day. Also, the very popular Bowpicker’s Fish & Chips dishes out fresh fried fish from a boat (like a food truck, but a boat instead…food boat?). Surf 2 Soul food truck is crushing the chicken & waffles and serves up southern comfort foods like po’ boys, grits and biscuits in downtown Astoria on 11th and Duane St.
Busu is a highly praised Oregon Coast restaurant in Astoria with a walk-up window offering Japanese takeout dishes that change regularly.
For dining with a view in Astoria, Bridgewater Bistro sits right on the Columbia River and offers a Northwest menu of local, fresh options in a historic building.
In the mood for something sweet? Stop for ice cream at Frite & Scoop on the Astoria Riverwalk or pick up some pastries from Blue Scorcher Bakery.
Fresh food and grocery options include the Astoria Co-Op, a locally owned grocery store with an impressive deli and specialty foods. For local, fresh Oregon produce and other farmer’s market vendors, the Astoria Sunday Market operates outside from May-October on 12th Street.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dining in Astoria, Oregon, so don’t be afraid to explore the area and find your own favorite spot. Marine, Commercial and Duane Street are dotted with restaurants, along with vintage stores, gift shops and galleries.
Breweries in Astoria, Oregon
Some of the best breweries on the Oregon Coast are right here in Astoria, and there are several spots to choose from, many with a view of the river.
Fort George Brewery in downtown Astoria is a top pick for local Oregon craft beer. In colder months, sit upstairs and enjoy the view with wood-fired pizza and live music. During summer, sit outside or head to the Beer Pier (70 W. Marine Dr.), where you can sit outside and watch the sunset with a beer on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There’s also a food truck and some tables next to the water.
Former Fort-Georgers have opened the new Obelisk Beer Co. in the old Blitz-Weinhard building on Bond Street in downtown Astoria.
Buoy Beer Company unfortunately suffered a partial building collapse in June 2022, so the taproom is currently operating out of the Astoria Food Hub.
Rogue Public House is located on Pier 39 and Astoria Brewing Company is right on the Astoria Riverwalk trolley line.
Considered one of the best breweries in the state, Breakside Brewing has opened up a location in Astoria with a raw seafood menu and champagne in addition to their stellar beers.
🍺 Find more local Oregon Coast Breweries
Bars in Astoria, Oregon
The Merry Time Bar and the Labor Temple (come back for breakfast) are classic Astoria watering holes and often have live music.
🍹 Prefer to sip a fancy cocktail with a view of the water? Get a giant Bloody Mary with a mini meal on top at Inferno Lounge on the Astoria riverfront.
Weather in Astoria, Oregon
The weather in Astoria is generally cool (50s-60s F) and damp with frequent rain throughout the year, with the exception of July and August. Temperatures rarely get too hot in summer with highs in the 60s-70s. Lows dip down into the 30s in winter but snow is rare. Spring and Autumn are a mix of sunny and rainy days.
September and early October can be a beautiful time to visit the Oregon Coast with lingering warm days from summer and cooler nights as autumn arrives.
When is the best time to visit Astoria? Learn more about Oregon Coast weather and decide what season works best for you.
Like much of the Oregon Coast, it is frequently wet, windy or cold (or all 3!) in Astoria. It’s a good idea to wear layers and bring rain gear unless you’re visiting in the peak of summer. See What to Wear to the Oregon Coast by Season for a packing list and more details.
Tide Charts for Astoria and the Oregon Coast
There are two low tides and two high tides every day on Oregon’s coastline. Astoria also sits at the mouth of the Columbia River and the tides affect river levels more than 100 miles inland from the ocean to Bonneville Dam in the Gorge.
For your safety, be aware of the tide schedule before boating or heading out to beaches and always keep an eye on the water level. Use extreme caution in rocky areas near the water, where sneaker waves can (and do) strike.
🌊 Check tide tables or ask at state park offices, local visitor information centers and many stores and hotels for a free tide table booklet.
Annual Events and Festivals in Astoria, Oregon
Looking for more fun things to do in Astoria? Here’s a list of major annual events to help you plan your trip.
February – Astoria Fisher Poets Gathering, Festival of the Dark Arts in Astoria, Oregon
April – Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival
June – Astoria Tenor Guitar Gathering, Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, Astoria Pride Celebraton, Goonies Day Astoria, Oregon
July – 4th of July Fireworks in Astoria-Warrenton Oregon
August – Astoria Oregon Regatta
October– Astoria, Oregon International Film Festival, The Great Columbia Crossing Astoria
For more information on Astoria events, visit Astoria-Warrenton Oregon Chamber of Commerce.
👉 See more popular annual events on the Oregon Coast
Taking a road trip? From Astoria, drive 30 minutes south to Seaside and 15 minutes more to Cannon Beach to continue exploring Oregon Coast towns.
