15 Top Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon (2024)

Climb the Astoria Column

A visit to the Astoria Column includes great views and a history of the area. You'll be treated to a magnificent view of the town, the river, and the Astoria-Megler bridge, and also be able to see Cape Disappointment, Youngs Bay, Saddle Mountain, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood. Enjoy these views from the hill, or after climbing an internal spiral staircase, at the top of the Astoria Column.

Don't miss the wall art during the climb which tells the story of the region's history in murals that wind up the structure. Events depicted include the arrival of Lewis and Clark and the initial establishment of Astoria as a fur trading center dating back to 1811.

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is an outstanding facility that provides exhibits covering the region's many shipwrecks and much more. Early European exploration, commercial fishing, the Coast Guard, and lighthouses are among the topics covered at the museum. You'll also see a long list of different kinds of vessels, both life-size and models, indoors and out on the river.

The museum delves into the importance of the Columbia River as a key route for transportation and commerce. Among the many exhibits are those that explain how the Columbia River bar, where the Columbia River opens to a wide mouth and empties into the Pacific Ocean, became known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific."

Hike in Fort Stevens State Park

Among the great state parks found in Oregon and throughout the Northwest, Fort Stevens State Park stands out for the number of things to see and do within its 3,700 acres. Located at the northwest tip of the state, the park looks out over the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. A magnificent view of the Columbia River bar can be seen from the South Jetty.

History buffs will enjoy learning about Fort Stevens' past, from Civil War times through the World Wars. A self-guided tour takes you around what remains of the fort's buildings and batteries. Other items of historic interest include a Native American longhouse and the Peter Iredale shipwreck. Fort Stevens State Park visitors will also find plentiful camping and outdoor recreation.

Watch a Movie at Fort Clatsop

After finally reaching the Pacific, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery spent several months at Fort Clatsop, a small compound they constructed to survive a difficult winter. Part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop focuses on the Corps' activities during those wet and miserable months, including their interactions with the local Clatsop people.

The visitor center houses interpretive exhibits, a gift and bookshop, and a small theater. The film addressing the Corps' challenging time from the Clatsop's point of view is particularly interesting. Check out a reproduction of the original fort, take part in living history demonstrations, and hike trails to the canoe landing site.

Attend a Festival in Astoria

Astoria and the nearby town of Warrenton put on a variety of annual festivals throughout the year, drawing visitors from around the region for events focused on food, sailing, the arts, and more.

• FisherPoets Gathering (February)
• Astoria-Warrenton Crab Seafood and Wine Festival (April)
• Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival (June)
• Astoria Regatta Festival (August)
• Pacific Northwest Brew Cup (September)
• Great Columbia Crossing (October)

Tour the Flavel House Museum

Flavel House, a historic home and carriage house, provides an in-depth glimpse of life in late-19th-century Astoria.

The lovely Queen Anne mansion was built as a retirement home in 1886 for Captain George Flavel, a Columbia River bar pilot, and prominent Astoria citizen. Flavel House has been restored and furnished to reflect life in the Victorian erawhen Captain Flavel and his family lived in the stately structure.

As the grounds are available for private rental, check to ensure the museum is open in conjunction with your plans.

Star in a Movie at the Oregon Film Museum

Many movies and television shows have and continue to be filmed in the state of Oregon. Prominent among these are "The Goonies" (1985), "Kindergarten Cop" (1990), and "Free Willy" (1993). The Oregon Film Museum offers exhibits include movie props as well as information about what is involved in prepping and filming a movie. The building itself is an artifact; the old historic jail was the set featured in the opening scenes of "The Goonies."

Don't miss the interactive exhibits which allow participants to star in their own film via greenscreen movie magic, learn how to be a sound engineer, and take a turn in an editing bay.

Learn Local History at the Heritage Museum of the Clatsop

Astoria's old City Hall building is now the home of the Heritage Museum of the Clatsop County Historical Society. Exhibits feature the native Clatsop people as well as Astoria's maritime and fishing heritage. Upstairs you'll find "Vice and Virtue in Clatsop County: 1890 to Prohibition," a set of exhibits focusing on a particularly wild and colorful era in local history.

See a Show at the Liberty Theater

Located in the heart of downtown, the Liberty Theater is a majestic venue that originated as a vaudeville theater and cinema in the 1920s. Meticulously renovated to restore the site to its former glory, the building earned a place on the National Register of Historic Placesin1984.

For tourists, the Liberty Theater is a stunning backdrop to catch live music, theater, or a film.

Walk or Bike the Warrenton Waterfront Trail

Hugging the shore, the 4-mile span of the Warrenton Waterfront Trail takes walkers and riders past Astoria Bridge, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and just through the town while providing a stunning view of the waterway.

Formerly the location for the tracks of the Burlington Northern Railroad, the transformation into an urban path is a favorite for visitors and locals alike.

Ride the Trolley

Take a ride back in history aboard a vintage streetcar that dates back to 1913. The car was restored in 1999, and now takes passengers through the downtown area starting from the Red Lion Inn and costs $1.00 per person. Passengers can jump off at near attractions like the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Flavel House. The entire trolley is even available for rent for $150.00 per hour.

The trolley runs Memorial Day to Labor Day from Noon until 6 p.m. daily, and
in throughout the rest of the year weather dependent. Check the official website for updated hours.

Tour the Uppertown Firefighters Museum

The Uppertown Firefighters Museum (at the corner of 30thStreet and Marine Drive) hosts an array of vintage equipment from 1873 to 1963. Included in the onsite display are a series of different fire engines (hand-pulled, horse-drawn, and motorized) plus the gear and photos archiving the brave men that fought the blazes over the years.

Contact the museum for hours as the location operates seasonally.

Go Shopping

While exploring the downtown riverfront area, don't miss the many retail stores that offer a shopping opportunity for every taste and trend. Foodies will love the spices, teas, an assortment of cooking gear at Pat's Pantry, while Chariot Home provides eclectic and vintage furnishings for the house. Bookworms can browse new and used tomes in the stacks at Lucy's Books, and there are always deals on fashionable clothing at The Fox & the Fawn Boutique at Commerical Street and 10th Street.

Swim Indoors at the Astoria Aquatic Center

No matter how bad the weather is outside, swimmers can find refuge at the Astoria Aquatic Center. The location holds four pools that include a six-lane, lap pool, a lazy river, hot tub, plus a heated pool exclusively for children.The center also offers swimming lessons for all ages and exercise classes for adults.

The pool, slide, and lazy river are available for party rentals—the center provides lifeguards and exclusive use for up to 20 guests and costs $150 for two hours during regular hours. During after-hours, the rate becomes $175 an hour with a 4-hour minimum.

Tour the Cannery Museum

Experience the life of a cannery worker by visiting the exhibits at the Hanthorn Cannery Foundation. The gallery displays artifacts from the 130 years of cannery history with archival photos of the staff, boat displays, and memorabilia from the iconic Bumble Bee Seafood brand.