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Astoria

Astoria, Oregon, United States

Nestled on the stunning Oregon coast, Astoria is a charming and historic city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and rich history. As the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mou…

#coastal#historic#seaside#Pacific Northwest#Astoria Column

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Astoria.

Top Hotels in Astoria

Top Flights to Astoria

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Astoria.

Tours

Astoria Column

A tower featuring murals and offering stunning views of the Columbia River, the town, and the Pacific Ocean.

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Explore the rich history of the Columbia River, including fishing, shipping, and naval history.

Riverwalk

A scenic walking path along the Columbia River, offering views of passing ships and historical markers.

Astoria-Megler Bridge

The longest continuous truss bridge in North America, offering picturesque views of the Columbia River.

Shopping

Astoria Downtown Historic District

Explore charming streets filled with shops, galleries, and local eateries.

Astoria Sunday Market

A lively market featuring local produce, crafts, and live music, available seasonally from May to October.

Outdoor

Fort Stevens State Park

A historic area offering a mix of nature trails, beach access, and World War II era bunkers.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with trails, historical replicas, and exhibitions.

High Life Adventures

Zip line tours through Oregon's coastal forests, providing thrilling views and rushes of adrenaline.

Youngs River Falls

A stunning waterfall hidden in the lush forest, perfect for a refreshing nature escape.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Astoria.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

As of the most recent estimates, the approximate population of Astoria, Oregon, is 10,000.

Languages

English, English, Spanish, Greek

Average weather

Astoria

Jan

9°3°

Feb

10°3°

Mar

12°4°

Apr

14°5°

May

16°8°

Jun

18°10°

Jul

20°12°

Aug

21°12°

Sep

20°11°

Oct

16°8°

Nov

12°5°

Dec

9°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Astoria.

What people love

Astoria, Oregon, located at the mouth of the Columbia River, offers a unique and charming destination for travelers. Here are some pros of traveling to Astoria:

Rich history: Astoria has a fascinating history as one of the oldest American settlements west of the Rockies. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Astoria Column, Fort Clatsop National Memorial, and the Flavel House Museum.
Scenic beauty: The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the Columbia River on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from places like the Astoria Riverwalk and the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
Outdoor activities: Astoria offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. Nearby state parks like Fort Stevens State Park and Ecola State Park provide opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Art and culture: Astoria has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and performance spaces. The town also hosts several annual events, such as the Astoria Regatta and the FisherPoets Gathering, celebrating the local maritime heritage.
Culinary delights: Astoria is known for its diverse dining scene, offering everything from fresh seafood to craft beer. Visitors can enjoy local specialties like Dungeness crab, salmon, and artisanal chocolates.

Overall, traveling to Astoria, Oregon, is a fantastic opportunity to explore a historic town with stunning natural surroundings, vibrant arts culture, and delicious food options.

What to know

Astoria, Oregon is a beautiful and charming city with many attractions and things to do. However, like any destination, there are some cons to traveling to Astoria. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Weather: Astoria experiences a lot of rainfall throughout the year, especially during the winter months. If you prefer sunny and dry weather for your travels, Astoria's climate may not be ideal for you.
Remote Location: Astoria is located in the northwestern corner of Oregon, which may make it less convenient to get to compared to other more centrally located destinations. It is not close to major cities or airports, so getting there may require some extra planning and travel time.
Limited Public Transportation: Astoria is a relatively small town, and public transportation options are limited. Renting a car may be necessary to explore the area fully.
Seasonal Crowds: Astoria can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, especially in the summer months. If you prefer quieter and less crowded destinations, you may want to avoid visiting during these times.
Limited Dining Options: While Astoria has some fantastic dining options, the choices may be limited compared to larger cities. If you are a foodie looking for a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, you may find the selection in Astoria to be more limited.

Overall, Astoria is a lovely destination with plenty to offer visitors, but it's essential to consider these potential drawbacks when planning your trip.

Astoria, Oregon, is a city with a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, it holds the distinction of being the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.

Early History and Founding

Astoria was established in 1811 by the Pacific Fur Company, a subsidiary of John Jacob Astor's American Fur Company. This made it the first permanent U.S. settlement on the Pacific Coast. The town was named after Astor, who was a prominent financier and fur trader. The founding of Astoria marked a significant moment in the expansion of U.S. commercial interests to the Pacific Northwest.

Significant Events

Astoria's Establishment (1811): The Lewis and Clark Expedition had already explored the area in 1805-1806, but it was not until 1811 that the town was formally established by the Pacific Fur Company. The trading post was named Fort Astoria.
British Control (1813-1818): During the War of 1812, Fort Astoria was captured by the British and renamed Fort George. It was returned to the United States after the war in 1818, under the terms of the Treaty of Ghent.
Oregon Trail (1840s): Astoria became a significant endpoint for settlers traveling the Oregon Trail, which contributed to its growth and development in the mid-19th century.
Astoria's Incorporation (1876): Astoria was officially incorporated as a city in 1876.

Historical Figures

John Jacob Astor: As the founder of the American Fur Company, Astor played a crucial role in the establishment of the city, which was named in his honor.
Alexander McDougall: An important figure in the early days of Astoria, McDougall was the first manager of Fort Astoria.

Important Landmarks

Astoria Column: Built in 1926, the Astoria Column is a tower that stands atop Coxcomb Hill. It was constructed to commemorate the early settlers and explorers of the region. The column is adorned with a spiral frieze that depicts significant events in Oregon’s history.
Fort Astoria Site: The original site of the fort is a designated National Historic Landmark. Although the fort no longer exists, the location is marked, and its history is preserved.
Columbia River Maritime Museum: This museum is an important cultural institution in Astoria, chronicling the maritime history of the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest.
Flavel House Museum: A well-preserved Victorian home in Astoria, the Flavel House Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the life of a prominent Astorian family in the late 19th century.

Economic and Cultural Development

Astoria developed economically through fishing, canning, and timber industries, which were critical to its growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Astoria is known for its vibrant arts scene, historical architecture, and its role as a filming location for several movies, including "The Goonies."

Astoria remains a historical gem in Oregon, offering insights into early American expansionism and the complex history of the Pacific Northwest.