Are you looking to take a vacation soon? Don’t you wish there was a place where you could enjoy beautiful nature, look at the incredible architecture, take a step back in time, and experience a vibrant culture?
Well, you’ve got to visit Astoria, Oregon! This is easily one of America’s hidden gems. When we think of America’s dynamic cities we think about New York or Los Angeles or Las Vegas or Miami. But you’ll find that Astoria has a unique charm that you’ll seldom find elsewhere in the country.
It’s a place that has attracted settlers, tourists, sojourners, entrepreneurs, singles, couples, families, the young and the old!
Let’s look at the best things to do in Astoria, Oregon…
NUMBER ONE – The Astoria Riverwalk
Once you reach Astoria and drop your bags in your hotel room, you should head out to the Astoria Riverwalk.
In fact, we think you should visit the Astoria Riverwalk at least twice – once during the day and one in the evening.
At the Riverwalk you can head to the Port of Astoria and watch the ships dock and set sail. You can also walk under the Astoria-Megler Bridge which is just over 4 miles long.
Of course, you’ll enjoy the incredible views of the river. You can view the Maritime Memorial and see many shipwrecks from the Riverwalk. Strolling alongside the Riverwalk with your significant other or your family is a great way to chat and reminisce on the good times.
As a solo traveler, walking along the Riverwalk is a great way to relax the mind and prepare you for the remainder of your trip!
Before we tell you more about the best things to do in Astoria, Oregon, please like this video and subscribe to our channel for more current news and interesting stories. Now, back to the video…
NUMBER TWO – Garden of Surging Waves
Part of enjoying Astoria is to learn about its rich cultural heritage. If you visit the Garden of Surging Waves you’ll get to learn about Astoria’s Chinese heritage.
You can learn about this city’s history with China and Chinese culture. You’ll enjoy the nature of this park as well as the amphitheater and the space for outdoor events.
Many members of Astoria’s Chinese community are descendants of some of the earliest settlers who helped shape this city. These early Chinese settlers helped with creation and management of Astoria’s railroads, canneries, and jetties.
NUMBER THREE – The Astoria Column
Another great way to learn about the Americans who made Astoria is to see the Astoria Column.
This is another park where you can enjoy nature, serenity, and the historical columns. The Astoria Column is a series of 12 columns that represent Astoria’s earliest settlers.
These columns were inspired by the Trajan Column in Rome. It’s a great way to explore Astoria and it’s early history.
This is a great place to spend an afternoon walking or relaxing in the park.
NUMBER FOUR – Flavel House Museum
This is another great historical monument that reflects the diversity of cultures that make up Astoria.
The Flavel House Museum is a Victorian-era house built for the river pilot George Flavel. It lets visitors explore how an aristocratic family lived in Astoria in the 1800s. You can take a step back in time to look at antiquated furniture, art, and explore how life was lived in the past.
NUMBER FIVE – Take the Trolley!
After wandering around the Riverwalk, parks, and various historical sites – you’ll probably want to sit down for a bit.
Why not have a seat on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley? This trolley will take you around Astoria and let you explore the city along with other tourists.
You can also use this time to figure out what sites you’d like to visit next. It’s also great to spot restaurants that you wish to eat at!
NUMBER SIX – Visit Fort Astoria
This was the first permanent American settlement in the west of the famous Rocky Mountains. This region attracted many settlers from Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, Scots, French Canadians, and other Americans. It clearly became a land of opportunity for many!
Today, you can visit Fort Astoria to learn about the early history of this fascinating city.
You can find a commemorative park as well as see railroads as well as residential and commercial buildings.
This is a great way to step back in time to see how Americans lived in the 1800s.
NUMBER SEVEN – The Oregon Film Museum
You may not know it, but Oregon has been a great location for shooting films. Many of the greatest American films have been filmed in Oregon – such as One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Kindergarten Cop, The Goonies, and many more!
Oregon’s diverse landscapes are perfect for filmmaking – so don’t forget to take a few shots yourself when you visit!
At the Oregon Film Museum, you can learn about the different films made in the state. You can also see sets and backdrops used in many of your favorite films.
NUMBER EIGHT – The Heritage Museum
This museum is where you can learn about the history of Astoria. You’ll see many exhibits and galleries that show artworks and sculptures that were created in the city.
Throughout the country you’ll find many heritage museums that let you delve into the history of a city.
The Heritage Museum in Astoria will help you appreciate the richness of this city and of Oregon as a whole. It’s especially a great place to visit if you’re visiting Astoria with your children. It gives them a glimpse of the rich heritage that they’ve inherited!
NUMBER NINE – Stop by the Sunday Market
Of course, one of the best ways to understand a city is to meet with the local entrepreneurs. One of the best ways to do this is to visit the Astoria Sunday Market.
Here you’ll find farmers, artisans, and artists selling their goods. You can see the incredible streak of entrepreneurship and hard work at the Sunday Market. You can learn about how the farmer grows their vegetables and how the artisans and artists created their works.
You can also taste delicious food and enjoy live musical performances at the market. You’ll see why Astoria is not only a great place to visit, but also a great place to live and work in.
NUMBER TEN – Visit the Astor Street Opry Company
Part of your trip to Astoria has to include enjoying the entertainment that the city has to offer.
The Astor Street Opry Company is an entertainment venue where you can enjoy a variety of shows from haunted houses to holiday performances.
You can also enjoy plays and concerts at the venue. Many of the entertainers at the venue are Astoria locals. As such, you’ll see the talent of the Astorians in a variety of different styles of performance.
It’s a great place to visit for families as well as for adults. There are family-friendly performances as well as the occasional adults-only standup comedy performance!
NUMBER ELEVEN – Uppertown Firefighter’s Museum and Children’s Museum
This is a great place to visit if you’re taking your family and young children with you to Astoria. The Firefighter’s Museum and Children’s Museum is a two-story museum where you can learn about the bravery of Astoria’s firefighters. This is on the first story of the museum. You’ll see many vintage fire trucks and footage of some of Astoria’s most treacherous fires.
On the second story, you can teach your children about science while letting them enjoy many fun activities.
This is a great activity to do in the morning or afternoon before going for a meal. You’ll appreciate the brilliance of the people of Astoria after visiting this museum.
NUMBER TWELVE – Youngs River Falls
Astoria isn’t without its incredible nature. We suggest you visit the Youngs River Falls which is a beautiful waterfall that – so far – hasn’t been overcrowded with tourists.
You’ll have to embark on a nature trail and hike through the wilderness until you get to the waterfalls. It’ll take a lot of energy so make sure you’re well fed and rested before you head out to the falls.
It’s a great place to visit as a solo traveler and feel a sense of peace when you reach the waterfalls. It’s also great to visit with your significant other.
It’s one of the few free attractions in Astoria and one that’ll help you relax and feel a sense of peace before you head back to reality!
NUMBER TWELVE – Tapiola Park
If you’re traveling to Astoria with your children, you want to take them to Tapiola Park. It’s a great park with a playground for young children to play in. If you have slightly older children, there’s also a skate park as well as a baseball field and a basketball court.
The park is also large enough for going for a long walk or for jogging or running. It’s also a great place to relax if you want to enjoy a picnic with your family.
NUMBER THIRTEEN – Fort Clatsop
Your final stop in Astoria should be Fort Clatsop. This is where explorers Lewis and Clark ended their trip of the Western United States. It’s here where they rested and began heading back.
To survive during the harsh winter of 1805, they decided to build a wooden fort to shelter themselves.
You can visit the fort as well as learn about the history of Lewis and Clark and their incredible expeditions. It’s a crucial aspect of American history and it’s especially a great attraction if you’re traveling with your family.
So, are you ready to book your trip to Astoria? In fact, what are you looking forward to the most?
Are you looking forward to seeing the incredible nature in this city? Or are you more interested in the historical monuments and museums?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
If you liked these recommendations, be sure to hit the ‘like’ button and be sure to Subscribe to Viewcation for more great travel recommendations! Hit the bell icon to receive regular notifications!
We’ll see you in the next video!