Location: Astoria
Top Things to do in Astoria
- 1. Columbia River Maritime Museum
- 2. Astoria Column
- 3. Astoria Riverfront Trolley
- 4. The Lewis And Clark National And State Historical Parks
- 5. Fort Clatsop National Memorial
- 6. Astoria-Megler Bridge
- 7. Flavel House Museum
- 8. Fort Stevens State Park
- 9. Lightship Columbia
- 10. Astoria Oregon Riverwalk
Top Restaurants in Astoria
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10 Things to Do in Astoria That You Shouldn't Miss
Historic Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, first established as a fur trading post before it expanded to become the bustling port city it is today. Its storied past is documented in numerous museums, from the Columbia River Maritime Museum with its collection of nautical relics to the Uppertown Firefighters Museum, whose collections of firefighting memorabilia is complimented by the interactive Children's Museum on the second floor.
Restaurants in Astoria
1. Columbia River Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
A museum celebrating the history of ship travel on the Columbia River.
Reviewed By Oskarduck - Bend, Oregon
Although skeptical that the museum was worth the admission price, my skepticism faded away quite fast. The museum has lots of interesting displays, videos, artifacts, and full size vessels, many of which have a Coast Guard connection. There are really interesting exhibits concerning early history as well as Astoria’s role in World War II and as a leader in canning fish. We capped off the exhibit by touring a decommissioned harbor boat. It must have been awful working in that boat given the rough and dangerous surf at the mouth of the Columbus River.
2. Astoria Column
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
A 125-foot column which sits atop of Coxcomb Hill overlooking Astoria.
Reviewed By Hardly B - Port Angeles, Washington
The commemorative column high on the hill overlooking Astoria is also a tower with an internal circular staircase. The Astoria Column is the final marker of a string of 12 historical markers between St. Paul MN and Astoria, OR, celebrating the expansion of the continental USA to the Pacific Ocean.
The exterior of the column is covered in artwork depicting the discovery of the area, the early settlers, and the completion of the Great Northern Railroad to Astoria. The artwork is by Attillio Pusterla in the sgraffito technique of applying paint to the wet concrete and plaster surface.
The 125-foot column is located in a 30-acre city park atop the hill overlooking downtown Astoria and the Columbia River. A small wooden canoe was added nearby to recognize the contributions of the American natives.
Paved city streets lead uphill into the park, where parking is provided nearby the column. This is a peaceful location to take a break, have a picnic lunch, and for the energetic, climb the 164 steps to the top of the tower for the best view of the area.
If you are interested in the artwork, consider taking telephoto pictures of the outside, to enable you to study enlargements later. When we visited there was no fee, but donations are accepted, to help fund maintenance.
3. Astoria Riverfront Trolley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 595 reviews
Reviewed By seetheworld2014 - Calgary, Canada
What a great way to experience a part of Astoria while riding in the unique and vintage trolley. The driver had some funny, informative and historical commentary so we learned a few things too! It's very reasonably priced and worth it when it's operating.
4. The Lewis And Clark National And State Historical Parks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
Located in the states of Washington and Oregon, these national parks preserve the historic sites that mark the success of Lewis and Clark in the early 19th century.
Reviewed By PEK_13 - Boulder, Colorado, United States
Very interesting and informative museum. Well laid out with exhibits and a excellent short video about Lewis and Clark's travels. Nice grounds with walking trails. The museum staff member was very friendly and informative. Enjoyed it very much. We used our National Park pass for entrance.
5. Fort Clatsop National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 709 reviews
A replica of Lewis & Clark's original fort built during their expedition in 1805.
Reviewed By Kevin N - Iowa
We parked about a mile away from the fort/museum in one of the site's parking lots and walked through a great interpretive trail with informative visuals and significantly more than ample restroom facilities.
The reconstructed fort is historically accurate and very informative of living conditions.
There is a nice self-guided walk through of displays at the museum as well as two short and very well done movies in a moderate sized viewing room.
This is a great complementary visit with the historical side of Fort Stevens (entrance is in the town of Hammond) that features military installations and a small museum and gift shop focusing on the last 125 years, including ticketed tours a in large army truck ("the beast".).
6. Astoria-Megler Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 781 reviews
Reviewed By Twzf8 - Ashburn, Virginia
Its a beautiful bridge, reminds me of the many iconic bridges along the 101 highway, if you are a bridge lover this is one to add to your collection, its hard to find a place to stand and take pictures from the base unless along the.Astoria Riverwalk area.
7. Flavel House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
A historical Victorian home turned museum.
Reviewed By Linda C - Moorpark, California
Be sure to see the film first to learn about Astoria, the Flavel family, and the house that was built in 1885. It's a lovely Queen Anne that sits on a whole city block. Measuring a whopping almost 12,000 sq. ft., it's full of beautiful period furnishings and handcarved fireplaces. If you enjoy history and antiques and beautiful architecture, don't miss this. Tickets, a gift shop, restrooms, parking, and the film are at the top of the block. Drive past the house and turn right. You'll see it. Afterwards walk back down to the house (an easy walk). Docents are friendly and very knowledgable. They frequently answered our questions during our self -guided tour.
8. Fort Stevens State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 929 reviews
Reviewed By Scott S
We spent a very blustery, stormy winter day here. We had it to ourselves and it was a great time. We visited everything. It was beautiful even on a stormy day! Make sure you know when the tides are to maximize your visit.
9. Lightship Columbia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
A former floating lighthouse now decommissioned.
Reviewed By Paul D - Torrance, California
It was very interesting to tour the lightship, and hear about the life aboard from the volunteer docent. We were able to walk around and see the ship as it was when it was in service. It served a valuable function before technology replaced it with a toaster-sized box that doesn't require putting 17 people at risk in tough weather.
10. Astoria Oregon Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Reviewed By markI5153NG - San Antonio, Texas
Early morning hikes are ideal time. It will take you up the boardwalk, through the fog, past howling Sea Lions & ancient cannery's (stop by the Coffee Girl on the 39th Street Hannford Cannery for another amazing view), and towering vessels as they ply their way up and down the majestic Columbia River.
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