Astoria

Astoria Oregon, at the very end of the Lewis and Clark Trail, is nestled where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. One of the oldest settlements on the West Coast also is home to some of the best Oregon beaches. Friendly and unspoiled, Astoria OR offers a long list of fun things to do both indoors and out. Its collection of museums joins a chic dining scene and a host of natural wonders.

When talking about natural wonders in Astoria Oregon, the beaches reside at the top of the list. Astoria’s beaches—many open to the public—stretch from the mouth of the Columbia River to Tillamook Head. Many of the top beaches can be found at Fort Stevens State Park, a historic site now set aside for outdoor recreation. The fort was in use from the Civil War through World War II; today, the park is home to miles of hiking and biking trails and ocean beaches.

Other outdoor wonders are waiting to be discovered all around Astoria OR. Birders flock to the Columbia River, where it’s not uncommon to spot bald eagles in the winter and hummingbirds in the spring, as well as many other species throughout the year.

As one of the first settlements west of the Rockies, Astoria has a long history, shaped in large part by its waterfront location. The Columbia Maritime Museum, recently renovated, features several interactive exhibits inside and the lightship Columbia moored along the water. At nearby Fort Astoria, you could find out about the region’s fur-trading roots. The Fort Clatsop National Memorial preserves a spot integral to the Lewis and Clark western expedition, now home to hiking trails that wind through the rainforest.

A trolley tour winds through downtown Astoria, along the shores of the Columbia River. The conductor narrates the trip, swapping tales of the area’s one-of-a-kind history. Passengers have hop-on and hop-off access, allowing easy access to all of the great shopping, coffee shops, and restaurants in downtown Astoria.