Plan Your Weekend Away to Astoria Oregon

If you find yourself wanting a trip away from it all, the port town of Astoria Oregon should be on your list. Just two hours from Portland, follow the Columbia River north where it meets the Pacific ocean. Being the oldest city in Oregon, the charm here is unlike anywhere else you will visit in Oregon.

Astoria is home to the second-longest bridge in the world, home of filming locations for the Goonies, and historic nature sites to visit.

On this blog post you will find how to plan your trip to Astoria by choosing the perfect hotel, restaurants to visit, and popular destinations worth taking the scenic drive to.

Two hours northwest of Portland, Oregon and four hours from Seattle, Astoria is the northernmost point of Oregon. Here, in 1810, Astoria was the first US settlement west of the Rocky Mountains after the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the fur trade.

The historic charm still holds true in the downtown area, and the homes in the neighborhoods. It reminds me of the charm that San Fransisco holds in their Victorian style houses. Today, the area is a great place to watch the boats come in with shipping containers-which is one of the most dangerous ports in the world. Cape Disappointment State park just north on HWY101 is a great place to see from above how big the waves truly are compared to the rest of the Oregon coast.

Astoria is great to visit year round with milder climates but summer is the best month to visit Astoria Oregon.

Summer in Astoria is when the farmers markets are happening, the weather is driest and the temperatures are warm and mild around 70 degrees.

Fall in Astoria is beautiful with fall colors mid to late October. Temperatures are around 60 degrees and some dry sunny days can occur!

Winter in Astoria is going to be the rainiest time of year to visit but less crowds. Keep in mind that stores and restaurants will have limited availability but lodging rates will be cheaper!

Spring in Astoria, Oregon is going to have more sunny days and higher temperatures in the sixties with lush forests and spring blooms.

Astoria is home to some incredible historic hotels, BNBs, and houses. Depending on your price range, there are many options to choose from.

A historic hotel that has been on my list for years, is the Cannery Hotel and spa located right on the water. As far as accessibility, you can’t get much better than that. Rooms range around $400/night. This is a historic building with modern amenities such as an on site spa, sauna and gym.

Located on the water right next to where sea lions are playing, the Bowline Hotel is a part of the Adrift Hotel line so you know that it will be a great experience. Watch the ships come in from the comforts of your hotel bed in one of the rooms. Or get a larger room with a fireplace for an elevated experience.

This boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown is going to give you a first hand experience into the past. While the rooms are remodled and cozy with fireplaces, the charm at Hotel Elliot in Astoria still remains.

While this hotel is not in Astoria, it is 30 minutes away in Cannon Beach. This is great way to explore both areas and everything in between. Hallmark Resort is one of the top rated hotels in Oregon with views of Haystack Rock, and an on-site spa and swimming pool.

Depending on the time of year that your visiting Astoria, there are a few campgrounds that make the perfect place to pull in your rif or pop a tent.

• Astoria/Warrenten KOA: close to Fort Stevens State Park. RV sites, tent sites, cabins.
• Kampers West Campground: also close to Fort Stevens State park. On the river so great for fishing. Tent sites, RV sites, and cabins.
• Sunset Lake Park: Located in Warrenton just outside of Astoria, on the river which is great for fishing. RV sites and tent sites.
• Lewis and Clark Golf and RV resort: the best place for RV owners who love to golf and want to park for an extended period of time.

Depending on when you visit, there are a number of things to do in Astoria, and something for everybody. Whether its wondering the streets to visit local art galleries or saying hi to the sea lions on the water-here is a list to be your guide!

Visiting the Astoria Column is a must if your in the area. It is a dedication of the hisotric railway of 1926. It’s only $5 a car to get in, and that pass is good for the entire year. There are restrooms and viewpoints around the park. Climb up 164 steps on a spiral staircase to the view at the top. Keep in mind it will most likely be windy! For added fun, purchase a wooden airplane from the giftshop before you go up and soar it into the trees from the top.

From the parking lot there is also a short hike to a 300 year old spruce tree at the Cathedral Tree Trail. The hike is 1.6 miles round trip with 393 feet of elevation gain. It is typically very muddy so bring shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy in! Keep in mind that you only have to hike half of the trail to see the tree.

If your looking for a short waterfall hike just 20 minutes outside of town, Youngs River Falls is a great option. It’s only .3 miles long and perfect for all ages!

Astoria and Cannon Beach are popular for being home to filming locations from the movie The Goonies. Of course while I was in the area, I had to see the house. It is located at 368 38th St. in Astoria in a neighborhood, so be mindful of parking and the residents.

Make a donation to the current house owner who is a fan of the film and is trying to restore it to match the movie. It is not a museum and is only accesible from the outside.

Just outside of Astoria, is Fort Steven’s State Park is a historic military site. There are many hiking trails that lead you to bunkers dated back to WWII and the Civil War.

One of the most famous things to see at Fort Stevens is the abandoned shipwreck called the Peter Iredale that ran ashore in 1906. Its a short walk from the parking on the beach to view it.

It’s always fun to watch the sea lions play in the water. On the pier next to The Bowline Hotel, there is a small viewing area to watch them swim below the dock.

Built in 1927, the steep and short little steps “made for a pigeon” are a historic site worth visiting. Don’t worry, if you don’t want to walk up them you can drive to the top and get the view. The hills of Astoria can be steep, so this was the cities way of connecting some of the roads.

If you visit the Astoria Column, your ticket comes with free access to the Film Museum. The museum is a celebration for television and filming in Oregon over the years. What makes it fun is it is located inside the old Clatsop County jail which closed in 1976. It’s a great place to take the kiddos on a rainy day!

If you decide to take the drive across the Astoria-Megler Bridge, just on the other side is Cape Disappointment State Park. There are many things to see here such as Deadmans Cove, and the North Head Lighthouse. Parking is $10 a car for the day here! Keep in mind that in winter months there can be closures so always check the site before you go!

As you can imagine, Astoria is an excellent place to eat seafood! Keep in mind that if your visiting in the winter months, some restaurants may have refined hours. Here is a list of some of the best options while your here!