Astoria, Oregon is what I’d consider the start of the scenic Oregon Coast, located at the Northwest tip of Oregon. This town has charm, strong pride for working, moody weather, and views that you’re after when visiting Oregon. It’s a port city, so you will often see barges, boats, wildlife and even the U.S. Coast Guard, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, it’s one of the oldest cities in the state, and the first permanent settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re looking for things indoors and outdoors, Astoria has you covered! Here’s 13 things to do in Astoria, Oregon!
Coffee Girl
Coffee Girl is one of the coolest coffee shops I’ve found in Oregon. It’s located on a historic pier, called Pier 39. It has a huge deck in the back overlooking the Columbia River, where you can see ships, wildlife, and beautiful views. We saw sea lions here! On top of serving coffee they offer pastries, breakfast, lunch and great soup! If you’re feeling lovey, you can bring a lock with you to add to the Astoria Lock Pier.
Astoria Column
The view up here was breath taking, overlooking the huge Columbia River. The best part is, you can walk up 164 steps to the top of the 125 foot Column for an even better view. Dogs are allowed in the grounds, but not in the column. This was initially built as a “rival” of the Eiffel tower in Paris, France. You can buy paper planes at the gift shop for $1 to throw at the top of the Astoria Column. There are also hiking trails here. This is free to visit, but $5 to park and is valid for one year!
Hanthorn Cannery Museum
Located on the same pier as Coffee Girl, Pier 39, is the Hanthron Cannery Museum. This museum is free, although donations appreciated. Hanthorn Cannery talks about the canning history on the pier as this is the location of the oldest canning fish processing plant. Have you heard of Bumble Bee Seafood? This is about them!
Fort George Brewery
Grabbing a beer is always fun, but grabbing a beer with a view is even better. The Fort George Brewery has two levels that serve the same beer but different foods on each level with indoor and outdoor seating at both. Dogs are welcome on both patios. We chose to eat lunch on the top deck, which overlooks the Columbia River, and has great pizza!
Pigeon Steps
The pigeon’s steps is a mix between a ramp and stairs, that can be very slippery in wet weather conditions. The top of the stairs offer incredible views of the Columbia River while overlooking the town of Astoria. The exact address is: 895 11th St, Astoria, OR 97103.
Astoria Brewing
Dow by the rivers water front is Astoria Brewing. The vibes here were great, the staff was pleasant, and the food was even better. I highly recommend getting the beer cheese with apples and pita bread. The patio is dog friendly!
Us Coast Guard City & Columbia River Maritime Museum
Astoria has been named the US Coast Guard City! Located down by the river front near the Columbia River Maritime Museum, there’s a large amount of Coast Guard presence. Check out the museum to learn about the Columbia River, wildlife, fish, and the Pacific Northwest history with seafood! You can buy tickets and find pricing here.
Nordic Heritage Park
Astoria Nordic Heritage Park a small park located down by the river front and downtown, which has flags and information about various Nordic heritages, such as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and the USA. This is dog and wheelchair friendly.
Fort Stevenson State Park
Fort Stevenson State Park is filled with hiking trails, picnic areas, biking trails, and historic features which includes the most famous one, the Peter Iredale Shipwreck in 1906. This park is kid, and dog friendly! Here’s a link to All Trails for the top 10 hikes in the State Park.
Sea Lion Pier near East Mooring Basin Boat Ramp
Sea Lion Pier isn’t the official name, but it’s got its local name due to it being filled with Sea Lions. Located near the river on the East Mooring Basin Boat Ramp, you can find this pier, it is not accessible to pedestrians due to damage, but it’s now home to hundreds of Sea Lions. Watch them play, fight, and loudly bark!
The Goonies House
Along the Oregon Coast there are many filming sites for the famous movie “The Goonies.” One of the sites is located in Astoria, known as the “Goonies House.” This is private property, and if you visit make sure to park in designated parking spots. This is the exact address: 368 38th St, Astoria, United States.
Flavel House Museum
Flavel House Museum was home to George Flavel who was one of the most influential people in the Astoria area. It was also featured in “The Goonies.” You can buy tickets and see more about pricing here.
Astoria River Walk
Astoria’s River walk is a paved path that goes along the Columbia River front. It is a 4.9 miles one way paved trail. It’s dog friendly, kid friendly, and wheelchair friendly!
Have I convinced you to check out the town of Astoria, Oregon? I hope you check out these 13 things to do in Astoria, Oregon! I can’t stress to you enough, how this town has so much to offer from beauty in the outdoors to historic places and museums. This is the definitions of a fishing village meets Victorian, from good brews, great views and local mom and pop shows. You should add this town to your PNW bucket list!
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