What to See and Do on your Port Day in Astoria, Oregon

Cruise ships dock on Pier 1 in Astoria, Oregon in the morning to mid-afternoon, depending on the ship’s schedule. Astoria’s riverfront and downtown area are very scenic and walkable, so cruisers who are willing to walk could save time and funds by self-touring at this port. Visitors that are mobile can walk to most sites in Astoria’s downtown district, or there will be cruise transportation to bring cruisers to the downtown areas. You can also hop on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley for one dollar and ride from one end of Astoria to the other. The trolley is seasonal, and begins in the early summer months.

What to See

• The Megler Bridge: The Megler is the longest continuous truss bridge in the nation. Visitors love to admire the 4-mile masterpiece, which spans from Oregon to Washington — it’s a sight to see.

• The Astor Column: Located at the top of Astoria’s steep hillside. You will need transportation for this one, as the hills are steep and some of the roads are narrow.

• The Goonie House: On the east end of town. Goonie fans can see the exterior of the Goonie house and relive their favorite movie scenes. Truffle Shuffle, anyone?

• The Downtown District: You will find many unique and one-of-a-kind places to find souvenirs and local goods, and there is no sales tax in Oregon.

• The Astoria Sunday Market: A lovely Sunday market spanning three city blocks in Downtown Astoria which sets up each year from Mother’s Day to mid-October. A not-to-miss event!

Museums

• Columbia River Maritime Museum: The Maritime Museum is a great place to explore the history of the Columbia River and hear the stories of the legendary Columbia River Bar, which is one of the most dangerous passages in the world!

• The 1884 Flavel House Museum: Visitors love to view and tour this lovely mansion, which Captain George Flavel and his family once occupied.

• Oregon Film Museum: The film museum can give you information on all things Goonies, Short Circuit, Kindergarten Cop, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Benji The Hunted, and many other movies filmed in Oregon.

Day Trips Outside of Astoria

These sites will require scheduled port transportation but are worth the journey for history lovers and those who want to walk on a Pacific Coast beach.

• Fort Stevens and the Peter Iredale shipwreck: Fort Stevens has many cool places to discover and is about 7.5 miles from the port.

• Fort Clatsop: Visitors can experience the newest replica of Lewis & Clark Fort Clatsop by walking through the rooms, hiking the trails around the area, chatting with costumed rangers, and participating in ranger-led programs during the peak seasons. Fort Clatsop is 5.5 miles from the port.

• Cannon Beach, Oregon: Cannon Beach is about 25 miles away from Astoria on the 101 South. If you have enough time in port and want to see this lovely beach town, it is worth the drive. It is the home to Haystack Rock, one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks.

• Bowpicker: A delicious and world-renowned spot for fish and chips, where they fry up albacore fish and chips from an old wooden fishing boat. Get the full order — you’ll thank me later.

• Fort George Brewery: A well-known local brewery with indoor and outdoor seating and a beer pier in Uniontown from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Try the Vortex or Oatmeal Pale Ale (OPA).

• Frite and Scoop: A small made-from-scratch creamery on the riverwalk with flavors like Astoria Fog and Hokey Pokey.

• Josephson’s Smokehouse: A local favorite for freshly smoked salmon — it makes a great gift, and they offer shipping.

• Bridgewater Bistro: A chic restaurant under the Megler Bridge to have a drink or meal on the Columbia River.

• Buoy Beer: Another local Astoria brewery with delicious beer and great people. Have a cream ale!

• South Bay Wild: A local spot with fresh off-the-boat fish and seafood. Try their Banh Mi sandwich with grilled rockfish.