Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon

1. Astoria Riverwalk

The Astoria Riverwalk is the lifeblood of the city and the best way to get a feel for the city spirit. Start your exploration at the Port of Astoria with hundreds of ships from all over the world. Walk under the 4.1 mile long Astoria-Megler Bridge, enjoy the spectacular views of the river, check out the Maritime Memorial, visit one of the many nearby shipwrecks, learn about life on the beautiful and dangerous

Columbia River at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and enjoy the lounging sea lions on the docks at 36th Street. On the way, you will also see restaurants, cafes, breweries and the 14th Street Ferry. Hop on the 1913 trolley and learn from the volunteers about the history of the oldest American settlements on the West Coast. If you are lucky enough to come in August, you can enjoy front row seats to Astoria Regatta, the biggest festival on the West Coast.

2. Columbia River Maritime Museum

The Columbia River Maritime Museum was founded in 1962 to preserve the rich maritime heritage of the entire Columbia River region. The Museum’s collection, made up of artifacts collected since its opening, has grown to more than 30,000 objects, 20,000 photographs, and a research library with 10,000 publications. Together, they make the Columbia River Maritime Museum one of the most important sources of Pacific Northwest maritime information in the country.

A range of different exhibits are featured and are designed to teach visitors about the history of the powerful forces along the Columbia River Bar such as the 40-foot waves that crash during severe winter storms. Celebrate the work of the Columbia River Bar Pilots and United States Coast Guards, and take a tour of the Lightship Columbia, a historic floating lighthouse. The museum offers a range of courses related to the Columbia River maritime culture at its Barbey Maritime Center.

1792 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-2323, Map

3. Garden of Surging Waves

Astoria has a rich history that reflects the many influences the town has had from people and cultures around the world. Many of its current residents are descendants from early settlers, many of whom were Chinese and played a significant role in Astoria’s history especially in the canneries, railroads, and the jetties at the Columbia River.

The Garden of Surging Waves is a city park that celebrates and honors the Chinese heritage that is found in Astoria. Visitors can better understand Astoria’s relationship with China over the years while relaxing in the beautifully structured public space which includes an amphitheater and large open spaces often used for outdoor performances and community gatherings.

Garden of Surging Waves, Mayor Willis L. Van Dusen, c/o Julie Lampi, Astoria City Hall, 1095 Duane Street, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-5824

4. The Astoria Column

Standing 600 feet above sea level at Coxcomb Hill, offering spectacular view of the city, the Columbia River and Young’s Bay, the Astoria Column is one of 12 monuments built to honor Astoria’s early settlers. Every night, as its light turns on, it reminds Astoria residents of the strength, pride and resolve of their ancestors.

Dedicated in 1926, the column was inspired by the Trajan Column in Rome. A hand-painted frieze that spirals around the column was designed by Italian immigrant artist Attilio Pusterla, and would be 500 feet long if unwound. The Column and the lovely park that surrounds it are among the most visited Astoria and Oregon attractions.

The Astoria Column, 1 Coxcomb Dr, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-2963

5. Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens was built during the American Civil War and was once considered the main military defense outpost at the delta of the Columbia River. The fort served for 84 years, until the end of World War II. Today, Fort Stevens is a 4,300 acre park that offers the opportunity to learn about history and nature, and is a popular recreational site for the residents of Astoria.

It offers camping, swimming or canoeing in Coffenbury Lake, beach-combing, hiking or biking the nine miles of trails, observing wildlife, visiting a historic shipwreck, and exploring the historic military fort. The park’s habitats are equally diverse and range from hemlock and spruce forests to wetlands, dunes and pine forests on the shore.

Fort Stevens State Park, Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond, OR 97121

6. Fort Clatsop

Located at the end of the Clatsop Plains, along the Lewis and Clark River, about five miles from Astoria, Fort Clatsop was built as the last Corps of Discovery encampment before their return trip east to St. Louis. Lewis and Clark and their explorers overwintered in Fort Clatsop from early December 1805 to late March 1806. Today’s Fort Clatsop is an approximated copy of the original structure – there were no photos or descriptions of the original one.

There is an interesting interpretive center that offers an exhibit and two films about Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Rangers in period costumes lead visitors through the fort and several trailheads, the most interesting being those for the Netul River Trail and Fort to Sea Trail. The site is now part of the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks. The park covers diverse habitats that include forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands and the coastal regions and offer wonderful recreational opportunities. Rangers offer a number of guided tours.

Fort Clatsop , 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-861-2471

7. Astoria-Megler Bridge

Crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge is scary and exhilarating at the same time. This cantilever steel truss bridge across the Columbia River connects Astoria in Oregon and Point Ellice in Washington. The bridge is 4.1 miles long and is located about 14 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River. It is the longest truss bridge on the North American continent.

The bridge was completed in 1966 and has one line of traffic in each direction. While pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge, once a year, in October, the bridge hosts the Great Columbia Crossing, a 6.2 mile race that uses the bridge to cross the river.

8. Astoria Riverfront Trolley

The Astoria Riverfront Trolley is a three-mile long historic streetcar line in Astoria. The cheerful red streetcar travels by using the former railroad tracks along the Columbia River. It has been operating since 1999 with an original 1913 streetcar brought in from San Antonio, Texas.

The very popular tram became a symbol of Astoria and is used both by tourists and locals to go around town. The line operates from May to September and is run by the Astoria Riverfront Trolley Association and its volunteers. It has only one car, popularly called "Old 300," which was bought almost entirely through the donations of Astoria residents.

Astoria to the Mooring Basin, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-6311

9. Flavel House Museum

Located on the corner of 8th and Duane in Astoria, Flavel House is one of the most beautiful examples of Queen Anne-style architecture on the West Coast. The house was designed by German-American architect Carl W. Leick and was built in 1886 for the prominent Astoria river pilot Captain George Flavel as his retirement home.

The Flavel House today reflects the elegance and beauty of the Victorian era and portrays the history and lifestyle of a prominent Astoria family. Today, the house serves as a museum and is managed by the Clatsop County Historical Society. Much of the furniture and décor of the two and half-story 11,600 square foot home have been preserved, including six unique meticulously carved fireplace mantels, plaster medallions, crown moldings and crystal chandeliers.

Flavel House Museum, 441 8th St, Astoria, OR 97103, Phone: 503-325-2203

10. Clatsop Spit

Visitors who love the outdoors are in for a treat at Fort Stevens State Park. Clatsop Spit, also known as Clatsop Sands, is a giant sand spit between Tillamook Head in Clatsop County and Astoria. It was formed over 8,500 years ago when sediment from the Columbia River was brought to the coast by the river flow and then shaped by the wind and waves until the plain was formed.

Visitors can take panoramic pictures of the river and ocean vistas, and views of large freighters making their way to Portland can be seen. There’s also a number of wildlife that visit the area including brown pelicans, the world’s largest colony of Caspian terns, elk, seals and sea lions.