Astoria Travel Guide
City Port city at Columbia River mouth
At the Columbia River mouth, Astoria mixes maritime museums, Victorian houses and an active fishing fleet; tourists climb the Astoria Column, catch salmon boat tours and trace maritime history.
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Why Visit Astoria? #
Set where the Columbia River meets the ocean, Astoria attracts visitors drawn to maritime history, cinematic lore and scenic riverfronts. The Astoria Column and the Columbia River Maritime Museum tell stories of exploration, seafaring and the Lewis and Clark era, while film fans enjoy scouting sites from The Goonies in the historic downtown. Nearby Fort Stevens State Park and scenic river drives combine coastal wildlife viewing with rosy dawns over the Pacific. It’s a seaside town with history and film-friendly character.
Best Things to Do in Astoria
All Attractions ›
Astoria Bucket List
- Columbia River Maritime Museum - Explore shipwreck exhibits, a preserved lightship, and Columbia River maritime history displays.
- Astoria Column - Climb the Astoria Column for panoramic views of the river, city, and coastline.
- Fort Stevens State Park and Peter Iredale wreck - Visit Fort Stevens for historic military fortifications, beach access, and the Peter Iredale wreck.
- Flavel House Museum - Tour the Victorian Flavel House to see period furnishings and maritime artifacts.
- Astoria Riverfront Trolley - Ride the seasonal Astoria Riverfront Trolley along the waterfront and historic downtown stops.
- Local seafood shacks on the waterfront - Sample fresh oysters and fish sandwiches at family-run waterfront eateries favored by locals.
- Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock - Drive south to Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock and sandy coastal trails.
- Tillamook Creamery - Visit Tillamook Creamery to sample cheeses, watch production, and enjoy coastal views.
Best Time to Visit Astoria #
Late spring through early fall (May-September) is the nicest time to visit Astoria - cool, clear weather and long daylight are ideal for coastal walks and wildlife trips. Winters are wet, windy, and often stormy.
Best Time to Visit Astoria #
Astoria's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1911 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (282 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (227 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (293 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (303 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Astoria
How to Get Around Astoria #
Astoria’s downtown (Commercial Street) is very walkable and enjoyable on foot, with most shops and restaurants clustered along the waterfront. Biking is popular for short hops; bring a jacket - the wind can be strong. There is limited local bus service and taxi coverage; rideshares can be spotty. A car helps for exploring the greater Columbia River mouth and nearby state parks.
Where to Stay in Astoria #
Where to Eat in Astoria #
- Bowpicker - Smoked halibut tacos and fish 'n' chips.
- Bridgewater Bistro - Waterfront dining with Northwest seafood plates.
- Mo's Astoria - Classic chowder and casual coastal atmosphere.
- Fort George Brewery & Public House - House-brewed beers, wood-fired pizzas, lively taproom.
- Buoy Beer Company - Taproom with rotating guest beers and snacks.
- Astoria Coffeehouse & Bistro - All-day breakfasts, sandwiches, and local coffee.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Astoria's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Astoria #
Astoria has a lively small-town nightlife with a handful of breweries, pubs and occasional live-music venues. Evenings are relaxed and frequently centered around waterfront bars and brewery taprooms.
- Buoy Beer Company - Brewery & waterfront taproom with seafood and ocean views.
- Fort George Brewery - Large local brewery with taproom and regular live music.
Shopping in Astoria #
Shopping is focused along Commercial Street with independent boutiques, galleries and souvenir shops. Seasonal markets and local food vendors add variety on weekends; for big-box shopping you’ll need to drive to larger nearby towns.
- Astoria Sunday Market - Seasonal market selling produce, crafts, and local foods.
- Blue Scorcher Bakery & Café - Community bakery and café; great for artisanal bread and coffee.
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