20 Fun Things to Do in Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon
Astoria, Oregon is one of the best towns on the Oregon Coast with so much to do! Astoria-Warrenton is located on the Northernmost tip of Oregon. Founded in 1811, it is the oldest city in Oregon and rich in history, culture, and access to the outdoors. Visit on part of a longer Oregon Coast road trip, or make a dedicated weekend trip from Portland! Read below for over 20 fun ideas of things to do when visiting Astoria.
This trip was hosted and sponsored by Travel Astoria-Warrenton. However, all opinions are my own.
Best Hikes to Do Near Astoria
There are so many options for great trails around Astoria! Located near many state parks and recreation areas, hike some or all of the trails below on your Astoria trip.
Youngs River Falls
- Length: 0.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 49 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Youngs River Falls is a short hike to a stunning 54-foot tall waterfall, only 10 miles from Astoria. This is a great spot to cool off in the hotter months, and a fun trail in the rainy months when the waterfall is raging! If you visit make sure to Leave No Trace and take any trash with you when you leave.
Cathedral Tree Trail
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 393 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
The Cathedral Tree Trail is located in the heart of Astoria and is a must-do when visiting. There are two entrances to the trail- one on Irving Avenue, and one at the top of Coxcomb Hill. If parking at Coxcomb Hill there is a small $5 parking fee. I recommend this entrance, as you can also see the Astoria Column and a great view of the town.
No matter where you start, the trail will lead you to the 300-year-old spruce over 200 feet tall! Know that the tree is a little tucked away and you will need to take a short side path once you reach the boardwalk section of the trail.
Astoria Riverwalk
- Length: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 49 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Unlike the previous two trails the Astoria Riverwalk is paved and a great place for a walk, run, or bike ride. The whole trail is 5 miles one way and goes along the edge of the bay in the North part of the town. However, you can also choose to walk only part of it. There are also plenty of benches along the trail making it a great spot to bring some lunch or a snack.
You are sure to see (and hear) sea lions on this walk, with a lot congregating at the Eastern end near Pier 39! This is also a great way to see the Astoria-Megler Bridge, as the trail passes directly under it.
Lewis and Clark State Historical Park
Coffenbury Lake Loop
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 68 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Coffenbury Lake Loop encircles Coffenbury Lake in Lewis and Clark State Park to the West of Astoria-Warrenton. This is a great trail to stretch your legs or get in a morning walk if camping in the park.
Fort Clatsop
While not technically a trail, Fort Clatsop is another must-see inside the state park. It was the westernmost camp of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The original fort was constructed in 1805, and what now resides is a reconstruction.
Fort Stevens State Park
Peter Iredale Shipwreck
The Peter Iredale Shipwreck is one of the top attractions in Astoria-Warrenton. The shipwrecked over 100 years ago in 1906 and became too embedded in the sand to move. What remains is mostly the rusted bow of the ship, and makes for a fun day excursion on the beach.
Fort Stevens Jetty Trail
- Length: 1.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 22 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Fort Stevens was built in the Civil War and also occupied during WWII, protecting the Columbia River. There are remains of several batteries and cannons that you can explore on this trail. You are also likely to see elk here!
Cape Disappointment State Park
North Head Lighthouse
- Length: 0.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 52 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
North Head Lighthouse is one of 2 lighthouses in Cape Disappointment State Park. North Head is the more photogenic of the two and definitely worth the drive! The hike to the lighthouse is short and paved with fantastic views of the coast.
Deadman’s Cove
Deadman’s Cove is only a quarter of a mile from the parking lot and one of the coolest coves in the Pacific Northwest! It will feel like you have stepped right out of a pirate movie onto the beach! If you choose you can also make the hike longer by parking further out and hiking a mile along the Cape Disappointment Trail.
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Hike just a bit past Deadman’s Cove and you will reach another nearby lighthouse- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. You can also see it from a distance if you stop by the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Things to Do in Downtown Astoria
Downtown Astoria is full of interesting architecture, culture, and shopping. Below are a few of the best things to do in downtown Astoria.
Astoria-Megler Bridge
The Astoria-Megler Bridge is iconic of Astoria. It would be a crime to visit without grabbing a photo of the bridge. The bridge is visible from all over town, but two of the best spots to see it are the top of Coxcomb Hill and the boardwalk section of the Astoria Riverwalk.
Liberty Theater
One fun thing to do in Astoria is to see a show at the Liberty Theatre! The historic theatre has shows almost every week so there is sure to be something to see!
Shopping in Astoria
Downtown Astoria is filled with cute shops to peruse during your trip to Astoria. Just a few of the many shops are below:
- Pat’s Pantry– Cute tea and spice shop
- Reclamation Marketplace– Thrift and antique store
- Godfather’s Books- Used and New bookstore with coffee
- Lucy’s Bookstore– Small local bookshop
Educational Attractions in Astoria
As the oldest settlement West of the Rockies, Astoria is full of history and educational opportunities, making the museums must-sees in Astoria. Below are some of the main museums in Astoria, but you can also learn a lot from the various State Park visitor centers.
Columbia River Maritime Museum
The Columbia River Maritime Museum is one of the best things to do in Astoria & Warrenton. This museum is full of information on the Columbia River Gorge’s fishing, naval, and shipwreck history! There are several full-sized ships inside the museum as well.
Flavel House Museum
Visiting the Flavel House Museum is something every history and architecture lover must do when in Astoria. The Queen Anne style house was built in 1886 and was once the home of Captain George Flavel, but is now a museum that allows visitors to explore the preserved historic house.
Oregon Film Museum
One of the things Astoria is best known for is being the backdrop of the iconic film- The Goonies. Visit the Oregon Film Museum to learn more about film production in Oregon including The Goonies, Free Willy, and Kindergarten Cop, all of which took place in Clatsop County. The museum resides in what was once the County Jail.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Astoria
If you are low on a budget, there are many free or inexpensive things to do in Astoria. Most of the state parks mentioned above have only a small fee to visit or read below for a few more free things to do in Astoria.
Astoria Column
Climbing the Astoria Column is one of the best cheap things you can do in Astoria. It is only $5 to park on Coxcomb Hill, but you can climb the 125-foot tall column for free for an unparalleled 360-degree view of the town and surrounding mountains and coastline.
Walking Along Pier 39
In addition to downtown, Pier 39 is another great shopping area in Astoria. This is a great spot to buy some gifts, grab a coffee or a beer, or just relax and gaze at the bay. Bring or buy a lock and you can place your “love lock” on the pier for a romantic date.
Wildlife Spotting
As mentioned before, Astoria is a great place to spot wildlife! I saw deer, elk, otters, storks, and sea lions in only a few days in Astoria. Some of the best places to see wildlife will be in the parks, near the coast, and along the Riverwalk.
Seasonal Events and Weekend Things to Do in Astoria
Plan your visit for a weekend or event for even more fun things to do in Astoria! Below is a brief list of some annual events worth visiting in Astoria
- Sunday’s Farmers Market– every Sunday from May to October
- Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival– the last weekend of April, with over 100 vendors
- Scandinavian Midsummer Festival– 3-day festival in June
- 4th of July Fireworks– Fireworks are shot off of a barge on the river, visible from downtown
- Great Columbia Crossing 10K– held in October, crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge
Where to Eat in Astoria
Breweries in Astoria
Astoria has a large beer scene, with many breweries to choose from! Add one (or several) of these to your Astoria Trip.
- Buoy Brewing– Casual brewery downtown
- Fort George Brewing– Sit-down brewery with delicious food
- Reach Break Brewing– Has outdoor seating and food carts
- Astoria Brewing Company– Restaurant with a view of the river
- Rouge Pier 39 Public House– Pub on the pier with bay views
- Fortune & Glory Cider Company– Delicious cider taproom
Food in Astoria
Looking for where to eat in Astoria? Below are just a few ideas of where to grab lunch or dinner in Astoria.
- Bridgewater Bistro– A nicer restaurant on the water
- Bowpicker Fish and Chips– A “food boat” serving fish and chips
- Astoria Food Carts– There are several food carts in Astoria with a large pod near 11th Street and Duane Street
- South Bay Wild Fish House– Local and fresh-caught fish and chips
Coffee Shops in Astoria
Astoria would hardly be a Pacific Northwest town without a large variety of coffee shops to choose from! It would be difficult to list them all, but make sure to check out several when stopping by.
- Coffee Girl– Located on Pier 39, a great spot for a morning coffee and river walk
- Blue Scorcher Bakery & Cafe- Delicious baked goods and coffee
- Columbia River Coffee Roasters– A great place to pick up freshly roasted beans
Where to Stay in Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is of full cute bed and breakfasts, historic lodgings, and riverside hotels.
- Hampton Inn & Suites– Right on the river with balcony views and near Pier 39
- Hotel Elliott Astoria– A historic hotel in the heart of downtown
- Bowline Hotel– Along the water and close to downtown
What to Pack to Astoria
Make sure to pack the right gear when planning a trip to Astoria, Oregon. Below is my recommended packing list that which may vary slightly depending on the time of year.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
- Raincoat- You don’t want to visit the Oregon Coast without a rain jacket. This also works as a windbreaker- My Favorite Rain Jacket
- Fleece- A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking so you can easily take it off to cool down- Soft REI Fleece
- Day Pack– If you plan on doing a decent amount of hiking a day pack is always great to bring- Recommended Osprey Day Pack
- Beanie or Hat- You never know when the wind may pick up, so it is a good idea to always hike with a hat- Warm Beanie
- Waterproof Boots– Trails near the coast are often muddy. Make sure to bring waterproof boots- My Favorite Hiking Boots
- Moisture-Wicking Pants– While they do not need to be waterproof, you will likely want either moisture-wicking or quick-drying pants if the forecast calls for rain- Comfortable Women’s Hiking Pants
- Sandals– If visiting in the summer and you plan on spending a long time at the beach, bring a pair of sandals to change into- Teva Sandals
- Water Bottle– If hiking, bring a water bottle to hydrate- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen– While it may not feel hot on the coast, on sunny days you should still make sure to wear sunscreen- SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Camera- Bring a camera to capture your memories!- Beginner Travel Camera
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