This Queens neighborhood, named after John Jacob Astor, grew from its industrial roots as a hub for breweries and steel plants into a laid-back residential area along the East River.
Astoria perches at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. As the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, this city of 10,000 people has preserved its Victorian-era mansions, converted its old jail into a film museum, and maintained its working waterfront. You can climb 164 steps up the Astoria Column for views across the river to Washington state, watch sea lions from the riverfront trolley, or step aboard a floating lighthouse at the Maritime Museum.
Getting to Astoria
U.S. Routes 30 and 101 lead into Astoria. The 4.1-mile Astoria-Megler Bridge connects the city to Washington state. Take the Oregon Point bus service from Portland to the Astoria Transit Center on Marine Drive.
Museums and Historic Buildings
At the Columbia River Maritime Museum on Marine Drive, you'll learn about river navigation, shipwrecks, and commercial fishing through hands-on exhibits. Walk through the Lightship Columbia, a floating lighthouse now permanently moored at the museum. The 1885 Captain George Flavel House preserves the ornate rooms and furnishings of a wealthy ship captain's home, with its original carved wooden details and period furniture.
Movie Locations and Film Culture
The Oregon Film Museum occupies the old Clatsop County Jail, where the opening jail break scene of The Goonies was filmed in 1985. Pick up a free movie locations map at the Visitor Center to find filming spots from Kindergarten Cop and Short Circuit around town.
Arts and Events
During the Dark Arts Festival, local brewers serve dark beers while artisans demonstrate glass blowing and metalworking. From May to October, browse local produce, handmade crafts, and listen to live music at the Astoria Sunday Market on 12th Street. Watch "Shanghaied in Astoria," a musical running since 1984 that tells stories of sailors through comedy and song.
Along the River
Walk, bike, or ride the historic trolley along the Astoria Riverwalk. The path winds past former cannery buildings converted into restaurants, active fishing boats unloading their catch, and spots where sea lions gather on the docks.
Day Trips
Explore the bunkers and gun batteries at Fort Stevens State Park, which guarded the Columbia River from the Civil War through World War II. Drive 30 minutes south on U.S. 101 to reach Seaside's 1.5-mile oceanfront promenade and sandy beach. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park includes sites in both Oregon and Washington, including Fort Clatsop where the expedition spent the winter of 1805-1806.
Historical Background
John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company built Fort Astoria in 1811, establishing the first permanent American settlement on the Pacific coast. The city grew as Finnish and Chinese immigrants arrived to work in the fishing industry and canneries. You can see this multicultural influence in the city's architecture, from workers' cottages to merchants' mansions.
