Area Activities - Astoria
Astoria sits on the tip of the Northwest Oregon coast
at the mouth of the Columbia River and is the oldest city West of
the Rockies. John Jacob Astor’s fur traders followed Lewis & Clark
there, and established the quaint maritime-based community which
still exists today. Historic and residential areas on the hillsides
overlook the river and the seven-mile bridge to Washington, and
together with the working waterfront, remind many visitors of what
San Francisco might have been like a hundred years ago. Astoria
is 37 miles North of Inn at Arch Cape and it is the Clatsop County
seat. Here you will find restaurants, shopping, antiquing, a hospital,
the community college, the major area newspaper, museums, and all
the other normal organizations and businesses in a town of 10,000.
Art Galleries:
A growing art community with excellent galleries.
Aquatic Center:
Community pool with water slides.
Kayaking & Canoeing:
The rivers, bays and estuaries are a paddler’s paradise.
Ship Viewing:
From the Port, marinas, parks and waterfront, view giant transports, tugs, Coast Guard ships and sail boats.
Crab & Seafood Festival:
3 days in April, food crafts, wines, water taxi around the river.
River Tours and Fishing:
Full service Charter Boat companies and a Jet Boat offer river cruises, ecotours, fishing trips and crabbing. The scenic Astoria waterfront tour is $15.00 per person. Fishing trips are 8 hours for $65.00 per person. All equipment and bait is provided. You'll find a complete listing of charters under "fishing" in the "Recommended Chamber Members" classifieds.
Victorian Homes Tour and Movie Tour:
Walking and car tours of historic Victorian homes, water front, movie sites, and more. Maps available at Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce
Astoria Riverfront Trolley:
A restored 1914 trolley runs for 3 miles along the Columbia River in Astoria while the conductor provides interpretation of the area's history and attractions. Catch it anywhere on the riverfront between Basin and 36th streets. Ride as long as you like for $1. The round trip takes about 40 minutes. Summer hours are 3 to 9 Monday through Thursday and Noon to 9 Friday through Sunday. Winter hours are, weather permitting, 1 to 4 Friday though Sunday.
Bird Watching:
Wading shorebirds on the river, bays and estuaries is abundant and could keep a bird watcher busy for days. There is even a bald eagle sanctuary close by.
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival:
In June, features ethnic music, food, dancing, costumes and crafts.
Plum Pudding at the Flavel House:
A classic Christmas repast, celebrated all of December.
Astoria Regatta:
100 years of maritime events every August, sailboat races, carnival, parade and more.
Clatsop County Fair:
Clatsop County Fairgrounds in August--a local favorite.
Liberty Theater:
Restored deco movie palace, a center for cultural performances.
Clatsop County Heritage Museum
Your key to Clatsop County’s past. Open 11am-4pm daily. $3 adults; $2 seniors, AAA members & students; $1 youth 6-17; 5 & under free. 1618 Exchange St, Astoria – (503) 325-2203
Uppertown Firefighters Museum
Explore firefighting history. Open by appointment only. $2 adults; $1 youth. 2968 Marine Drive, Astoria – (503) 325-2203
Captain George Flavel House
Experience a restored Victorian Mansion. Open 11am-4pm daily. $5 adults; $4 seniors, AAA members & students; $2 youth 6-17; 5 & under free. 444 8th St, Astoria – (503) 325-2203
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Open 9:30am-5pm daily. $5 adults; $4 seniors; $2 youth 6-17; 5 & under free. 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria – (503) 325-2323
Astoria Aquatic Center
1997 Marine Drive, Astoria – 325-7027
Astoria Column
Top of Coxcomb Hill, originally built in 1926 and recently renovated the Astoria Column is totally covered with painting of the area’s history. The sweeping views from the top of the column are not to be missed!
Fort Clatsop National Memorial
The winter of 1805-1806 home of Lewis and Clark. This site features a replica of the 50’X50’ fort in which the Corps of Discovery spent their winter, a wonderful interpretive center, historic canoe landing and a nature walk. Open all year (closed only on Christmas Day) 8:00am-5:00pm (6:00pm during the summer months) $5.00 covers all passengers in a vehicle and is good for 7 days. Also available are passes for all State and Federal fee sites on the Oregon coast and National Parks Passes. 92343 Fort Clatsop Road, Astoria – 861-2471 ext 214
Fort Astoria
A small park with partial replica is located at the intersection of 15th and Exchange streets, where John Jacob Astor's fur traders originally constructed their fort. A mural recreates the vista from the Fort in 1813 as a backdrop to the recreated stockade building on the Fort Astoria Park property.
Waterfront Parks
There are excellent places along the Astoria Waterfront to see the sweep and scope of the Columbia River. These include Maritime Memorial Park, the 6th Street Viewing Platform, 14th Street Pier and 17th Street Dock.
Seafood School at the OSU Seafood Consumer Center
Offers cooking classes, catering, conferences, workshops and professional training all about seafood. |
