The Little Town That Could

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

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North Coast

Heritage Museum

Built in 1904 as Astoria’s City Hall, this building is now home to the Clatsop County Historical Society’s Heritage Museum, Research Center & Archives. Explore the history of Clatsop County through temporary and permanent exhibits featuring Native Americans, early pioneers,...

1618 Exchange Street
Astoria, OR

503-338-4849
Email us (cchs[at]cumtux[dot]org)

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North Coast

Field Guide Service

89501 Youngs River Rd
Astoria, OR

(503) 539-0587
Email us (petercfield[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Hazen’s Guide Service

When was the last time you took your favorite people out fishing? Cherish the memories made while fishing on the rivers and bays of the Astoria, Tillamook, and St. Helens areas with your boat captain, Mike Hazen.  Because salmon, steelhead...

Astoria, OR

503-440-1354
Email us (gofishwithmike[at]gmail[dot]com)

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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)

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North Coast

Triple C Outfitters

Professionally guided Salmon, Sturgeon & Steelhead fishing based on the Columbia river. 

74734 Good Rd
Astoria, OR

(503) 791-2314
Email us (RHFishKiller[at]gmail[dot]com)

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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

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North Coast

Sunset Beach State Recreation Site

Sunset Beach State Recreation Site comes with a very famous past. The park marks the west trailhead of the historic Fort-to-Sea Trail – a 6.5 mile route that recreates the experience Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery encountered...

Astoria, OR

503-861-3170

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North Coast

Liberty Theatre

The Liberty Theatre in downtown Astoria, Oregon, is one of the best examples of the 1920s vaudeville-motion picture palace in the Pacific Northwest.

1203 Commercial Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-5922
Email us (director[at]liberty-theater[dot]org)

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North Coast

West Coast Artisans

Discover unique gifts and a variety of art at this gallery in Astoria.

160 10th Street
Astoria, OR

(503) 739-3953

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North Coast

Lance Fisher Fishing

The great thing for fishermen here in the Pacific Northwest is that you have year around runs of Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon. Some months are certainly better than others, but to enjoy such an abundance of different types of fishing...

422 Gateway Ave.
Astoria, OR

503-822-6188
Email us (info[at]lancefisherfishing[dot]com)

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North Coast

Astoria–Megler Bridge

Connecting Oregon to Washington across the mouth of the Columbia River, the Astoria–Megler Bridge is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. Pedestrians are allowed on the bridge just one day per year, during the Great Columbia Crossing. The 4.1-mile-long Astoria...

Astoria–Megler Bridge
Astoria, OR
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North Coast

Captain Flavel Trees – Heritage Tree

This grove of nine trees is a part of the original landscaping planted around the historic 1886 Queen Anne style house of Captain George Flavel. The grove consists of a giant sequoia, ginkgo, Camperdown elm, bay laurel, pear, and four...

441 8th St.
Astoria, OR

More Info

Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce

Physical: 111 West Marine Drive
Astoria, OR
Mail: PO Box 176
Astoria, OR

503-325-6311
Email us (visitors[at]oldoregon[dot]com)

Travel Stories

A Romantic Weekend in Astoria

Dinner and a movie make a classic date night, but there’s nothing like a romantic weekend getaway to rekindle the romance. If you and your sweetie are ready for a change of scenery, look no further than Astoria. With its...
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Travel Stories

Fall Wellness Weekend at the Coast

If you’ve ever felt like the ocean has healing powers, you’re not mistaken. The roar of the surf, blue horizon and heart-melting sunsets on the Oregon Coast are a balm for the soul, and sometimes a getaway is just what...
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Travel Stories

Where to Find Fresh Produce and Fish on the Oregon Coast

Editor’s note: Note that masks are required at farmers markets and in indoor public spaces in Oregon. Check business hours and protocols before visiting. As the warm season settles in at the Oregon Coast, balmy weather sets the scene for...
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Travel Stories

How to Support Oregon Coast Businesses From Home

In this time of social distancing, Oregon Coast businesses are doing all they can to keep everyone safe. In some cases, that’s meant temporarily closing their doors; in other cases, it’s meant changing the way that they do business. To...
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Travel Stories

Visit the Oregon Coast Virtually

Thank you for honoring Governor Kate Brown’s executive order to stay at home to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It’s the best way to keep you and our coastal communities safe. When this outbreak has passed, we’ll be...
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Travel Stories

Starring the Oregon Coast

With the call to stay home during the COVID-19 outbreak, you may find yourself missing the Oregon Coast’s salt-licked air and windswept vistas. You’ve also likely found yourself with a shrinking watch list as you catch up on TV shows...
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Featured Dining

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North Coast

Blue Scorcher Bakery Café

Blue Scorcher Bakery Café creates artisan breads, pastries and handcrafted seasonal foods using local and organic ingredients. The cafe operates as a worker collective.

1493 Duane Street
Astoria, OR

503-338-7473
Email us (bluescorcher[at]me[dot]com)

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North Coast

Astoria Sunday Market

Astoria Sunday Market, located in the heart of Astoria’s Downtown, combines fresh produce, local arts & crafts, food, music, and more in a lively downtown street market atmosphere. The market features up to 150 vendors each week offering locally-made products...

Astoria, OR

503-440-7168
Email us (shelby[at]astoriadowntown[dot]com)

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North Coast

Blackberry Bog Farm

This family farm is on a historic 1884 farmstead in Svensen, Oregon, just east of Astoria off Highway 30. Nursery offers vegetable, herb and flower starts, hanging baskets, bedding plants, and perennials. Produce and berries are marketed through a CSA,...

40271 Old US Hwy 30
Astoria, OR

(503) 468-6927
Email us (blackberrybogfarm[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Franklin St. Station Bed & Breakfast

1140 Franklin Ave.
Astoria, OR

503.325.4314
Email us (franklinststationbb[at]yahoo[dot]com)

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North Coast

Wet Dog Cafe

Open Daily: 11am-9pm.

144 11th Street
Astoria, OR

(503) 325-6975

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North Coast

Frite & Scoop

Frite & Scoop lovingly makes a creamy, French-custard style ice cream with local, real ingredients. Their flavors feature housemade additions such as marshmallows, fudge sauce, rich caramel, pecan brittle, butter toffee, honeycomb candy, fresh citrus and fruit curds along with...

175 14th Street
Astoria, OR

503-468-0416
Email us (lisa[at]friteandscoop[dot]com)

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North Coast

Broder Strand

Choose from a delicious variety of Scandinavian breakfast and lunch staples at Broder Strand. The restaurant also offers the largest selection of aquavit on the West Coast.

1410 Commercial Street
Astoria, OR

503-468-0125

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North Coast

Josephson’s Smokehouse

Welcome to Josephson’s Smokehouse.  We are family-owned and have operated for over eighty years and four generations at our Astoria, Oregon location.  At our historic Smokehouse an unequaled variety of seafood is smoked daily; sold at retail fresh from the...

106 Marine Dr.
Astoria, OR

(503) 325-2190

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North Coast

Bowpicker Fish and Chips

Bowpicker Fish and Chips is located across from the Columbia River Maritime Museum in the converted gillnet boat. Firm chunks of Albacore tuna are lightly beer battered and fried to perfection by Ron and Linda, they stand ready to soak...

Corner of 17th & Duane Streets
Astoria, OR

503-791-2942
Email us (webmaster[at]bowpicker[dot]com)

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North Coast

South Bay Wild Fish House

Thanks to their own commercial fishing vessel, South Bay Wild Fish House offers the freshest seafood in their market and on their menu. South Bay Wild Inc. is a small, family owned and operated business committed to high quality sustainable...

262 9th Street
Astoria, OR

503-741-3009
Email us (fish[at]southbaywild[dot]com)

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North Coast

Columbia River Coffee Roasters

Columbia River Coffee Roaster is an independently owned company located on the shores of the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon, established in 1992. They specialize in custom blends and roasts using the best beans available.

279 W Marine Dr
Astoria, OR

503-325-2755
Email us (info[at]crcrcoffee[dot]com)

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North Coast

Hondo’s Brew & Cork

A nano-brewery, taproom and bottle shop, Hondo’s Brew & Cork has 19 rotating taps of craft beer. They also offer over 100 bottled beers, home brew supplies and wine.

2703 Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-2234
Email us (info[at]hondosbrew[dot]net)

Featured Lodging

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North Coast

Selina Commodore Astoria

Located inside of the Lewis Building in the heart of downtown, Selina Astoria Hotel (formerly Commodore Astoria) blends antique with modernity, reflecting the historic roots of the property. A quick walk from the shore, and just minutes from some of...

258 14th Street
Astoria, OR

503-325-4747
Email us (reception[dot]astoria[at]selina[dot]com)

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North Coast

The Inn at 515 15th

The Inn at 515 15th is a modern self-service inn located in downtown Astoria, Oregon. Offering thirteen unique rooms crafted for convenience, comfort, and creating connections to the Pacific Northwest. The locally-owned hotel is the perfect embodiment of adventure and...

515 15th Street
Astoria, OR

971-988-9979
Email us (theinnat51515th[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Astoria

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Astoria is set on the banks of the Mighty Columbia River, offering spectacular, unobstructed views, and comfortable accommodations. Hotel features include, free Hi-Speed Wireless Internet, free local phone calls, and Complimentary Hot Express...

204 W Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-6222
Email us (frontdesk[at]astoriahie[dot]com)

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North Coast

Astoria Dunes Motel

288 W. Marine Dr.
Astoria, OR

503-325-7111
Email us (astoriadunesmotel[at]hotmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Lewis & Clark Golf & RV Park

Surround yourself with beautiful scenery and enjoy coastal convenience at Lewis & Clark Golf & RV Park located near beaches, historic Astoria, the Columbia River and Lewis & Clark National Park. The 9-hole, Par 36 golf course features challenging holes...

92294 Youngs River Road
Astoria, OR

503.338.3386
Email us (lcgrvpark[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Rosebriar Mansion

If you are looking for a unique and memorable place to stay or host an event in Astoria, Oregon, look no further than the Historic Rosebriar Mansion. This former convent has been transformed into a luxurious and cozy retreat, with...

636 14th Street
Astoria, OR

503-501-7947
Email us (info[at]rosebriarmansion[dot]com)

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North Coast

Franklin St. Station Bed & Breakfast

1140 Franklin Ave.
Astoria, OR

503.325.4314
Email us (franklinststationbb[at]yahoo[dot]com)

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North Coast

Astoria Pilot House

Located on the upper level of the historic Pier 14 Pilot Station, Pilot House is an elegantly appointed luxury suite situated in the heart of Astoria’s historic waterfront. Water surrounds this ultimate Oregon vacation home on three sides. Nearly every...

103 14th St.
Astoria, OR

503-468-8312
Email us (info[at]colrip[dot]com)

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North Coast

The Y Astoria

You can now stay at The Y DORMITORY located in the former YMCA building in Astoria, Oregon. This 2500 sq. ft. space is a perfect place to spend time with multiple families or a group of friends. The spacious living...

514 12th Street
Astoria, OR

208-914-1496
Email us (theyastoria[at]gmail[dot]com)

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North Coast

Atomic Motel

The Atomic Motel offers a fun experience in a 50s period-furnished property at a great price… and with special era treats and surprises. If you want a stay in a place that is cool, hip, affordable, and super friendly, the...

131 W. Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-4051
Email us (atomicmotel[at]frankhotels[dot]com)

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North Coast

Bowline Hotel

Bowline Hotel is a boutique hotel located on the Columbia River in historic Astoria, Oregon. Once a fish cannery, this location has been transformed into a revitalized space, with 40 luxurious rooms and suites, an on-site cocktail bar and eatery,...

1 Ninth St.
Astoria, OR

503-325-7546
Email us (hello[at]bowlinehotel[dot]com)

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North Coast

Astoria Rivershore Motel

The Astoria Rivershore Motel is located a half mile east of the Astoria Megler Bridge on Highway 30. The motel has 43 clean and comfortable rooms at affordable rates. The rooms are an excellent value, offer many amenities, including free...

59 W. Marine Drive
Astoria, OR

503-325-2921
Email us (reservation[at]rivershoremotel[dot]com)

Events in Astoria

July 4, 2025 - July 6, 2025

Battle for Clatsop County

92937 Walluski Loop
Astoria, OR
August 6, 2025 - August 9, 2025

Astoria Regatta

Astoria, OR
October 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025

Crave the Coast

Astoria, OR
October 12, 2025

Great Columbia Crossing 10K Run/Walk

111 W Marine Drive
Astoria, OR
February 14, 2026

Festival of Dark Arts

1483 Duane Street
Astoria, OR

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