Astoria is gritty, and likes it that way. But that rustic exterior is just a cover for the many enchanting dichotomies you’ll find waiting around the next corner. Here, fisherman are poets, loggers drink espresso, and Main Street welcomes both nouveau gallery and five n’ dime.
For Astoria, it’s about character, and it’s also about characters: the people who call this place home with a passion that borders on evangelical. The skipper who challenges the same mighty river his great grandfather once fished. The artist who migrated here in search of a new palette. The hotelier who resurrected a once-bustling pier.
Astoria is that little town that could, a city of 10,000 people on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Founded 200 years ago at the beginning of Oregon’s North Coast, Astoria has been through boom and bust times more than once, weathering the collapse of both the Columbia River fishery and Oregon timber industry. It has risen once again as a cultural haven, often referred to as “little San Francisco.” Astoria is an old place that is newly hip. Here, Victorian mansions and maritime relics live in harmony with chef-driven restaurants and tattoo parlors.
Once you come here and learn these stories, you’ll want to share them with others, and hope they’ll tell others, too. And, it’s a place to which you’ll want to return, to see what other stories you might have missed.
Featured Spots
North Coast
Flavel House Museum
Experience the elegance of the late Victorian period by touring the home of Captain George Flavel. The 1885 Queen Anne home features original Eastlake influenced woodwork, period furnishings, and exotic hardwood fireplace mantels. Begin your tour at the Carriage House...
714 exchange streetAstoria, OR
503-325-2203
Email us (cchs[at]cumtux[dot]org)
North Coast
Astoria Underground Tour
There is no shortage of things to see and do above ground on the Oregon Coast. But what about below ground? That is where the Astoria Underground Tour comes in, sharing the history and mystery of part of the abandoned...
1125 Marine DriveAstoria, OR
415-713-4141
Email us (jd48woody[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Astoria Scuba & Adventure Sports
Astoria Scuba and Kayak is a full service facility at the Mouth of the Columbia River. Whatever your adventure is, Astoria Scuba is here for you! Whether you are a Professional Working Diver, a Sport Diver, a First Responder, an...
100 39th StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-2502
North Coast
Forsythea
Forsythea features a well-curated collection of items for home, garden, and for kids. The shop feature items hand-crafted by artisans, and women-owned businesses. The store also features art from local artists and Forsythea participates in the Astoria Art Walk on...
1124 Commercial StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-2189
North Coast
R & T Guide Service
Captains Tom and Rocio Wick are a husband and wife guide team that specialize in Salmon, Sturgeon, Bottom Fishing and crabbing in the Astoria area as well as the Columbia River tributaries. They also provide Salmon and Steelhead fishing trips...
Astoria, OR
(503) 930-8344
Email us (rtguideservice[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Port Hopper
With 3000 square feet of merchandise split between two floors, owners Adrin and Eric have filled this space with a collection of decor, art, craft and cuisine from all corners of the globe.
943 Commercial StreetAstoria, OR
503-468-0833
North Coast
West Coast Artisans
Discover unique gifts and a variety of art at this gallery in Astoria.
160 10th StreetAstoria, OR
(503) 739-3953
North Coast
Lewis & Clark National Park Association
LCNPA supports educational and interpretive activities at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park through retail sales at the bookstore inside the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center.
92343 Fort Clatsop RoadAstoria, OR
503-861-4451
North Coast
Field Guide Service
Astoria, OR
(503) 539-0587
Email us (petercfield[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Explore the world of marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present. Watch a dramatic 12-minute film introducing the history and perils of the the Columbia River. Sail a model boat on...
1792 Marine Dr.Astoria, OR
(503)325-2323
North Coast
Menagerie Co-Op
An eclectic band of artists and makers, sharing what we do in the quirkiest little gift shop around. Originally located on Pier 39, the shop made the move to downtown Astoria in February 2024.
1162 Marine DriveAstoria, OR
503-804-3205
North Coast
Lucy’s Books
Located in beautiful downtown Astoria in the historic Sanborn Building, Lucy's Books has been helping in the quest for that next great read since 1998. Bright, friendly, quirky and comfortable, Lucy's Books has books for all ages, journals, cards and...
951 Commercial StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-4210
More Info
Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
Astoria, OR Mail: PO Box 176
Astoria, OR
503-325-6311
Email us (visitors[at]oldoregon[dot]com)