The Area - Ideal location for adventure or inspiration.

 Early Visitors and Native Americans left their thumbprint.

Astoria’s heritage and roots began with the arrival of Capt. Robert Gray in 1792 and continued when the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived in the winter of 1804-1805.  The town was named for John Jacob Astor who started his fur trade in 1811.  Astoria has embraced its early American  history and has diversified and revitalized itself to become a major tourist destination  attracting cruise ships, history students, river and sea explorers and vacationers.

This is Astoria's 200th birthday!  During this Bicentennial year Astoria celebrates with "An Adventure in History" with major events, exhibits, displays, festivals and historic home tours.  It truly is a "museum without walls" yet keeps its character and focus as an authentic working town for fishing and logging.  For more information on Astoria's Bicentennial schedule find details at this website:  www.astoria200.org.

Here's a short list of attractions.

• Fort Clatsop National Park winter camp of Lewis and Clark Northwest Expedition.
• Columbia River Maritime Museum, a nationally acclaimed nautical museum.
• The Flavel House Museum, described by SUNSET MAGAZINE as the best example of Queen Anne architecture in Oregon and home of Captain George Flavel, the first Columbia River bar pilot.
• The Heritage Museum, an exhibit of the natural history, geology, presence of native American artifacts and arrival of early immigrants and settlers.
• Fort Stevens Historical Area and Military Museum, an early battery for coastal and harbor defense.
• A self-guided HISTORIC WALKING TOUR of Victorian homes .

Other must-see attractions include the biggest Sitka Spruce in the U.S., oldest Red Cedar Grove on Long Island in Willipa Bay; Jewell Meadows elk viewing area; Eagle Sanctuary; Columbia White-tail Deer; North Head Lighthouse and Cape Disappointment Light house; Saddle Mountain hike- highest point in country; working waterfront where bar pilots boats and tug boats service river traffic. The natural rugged beauty of the region entices visitors from all over the world to boat, fish, hike, bike, enjoy beaches and wild life sanctuaries throughout the area and explore its historical impact. Other attractions include waterfront parks, a RiverWalk along the Columbia River, whale and bird migrations in winter and spring, bird sanctuaries. Astoria has great shopping art galleries, and restaurants.

Helpful Area Links

Because there is so much to appreciation here in the Lower Columbia and North Oregon Coast region we highly recommend a multi night stay.  In fact during the summer and early fall months, which are the best in terms of weather expectations, we request at least two night stays (then we open to single night availability about ten days before your desired date).  But winter and spring is the time to watch dramatic storms  on our shores.  You can choose activities according to your personal interests, daily weather conditions, as a family with children, appreciation for wildlife and birdwatching interests, or if you have a passion for history and early exploration, there is plenty to do and see. Stroll the Sunday Market abundant with farm-fresh vegetables and and artistic crafts, ride the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, take your early or late run or walk along the Riverwalk, and generally breathe in the fresh air of our pristine environment. 

Here is a list of important links for activities and interests to plan while you’re here.  Check our Packages page offering extra value or unique partnering and packages with accommodations.

Our 200^th birthday will be a year-long party and you don’t want to miss the fun.  For the latest Astoria Bicentennial updates go to www.astoria200.org.

Check out the chamber site for lots of venues.  www.oldoregon.com . 

THEATER, MUSIC, GALLERIES AND ART VENUES

Second Saturday Art Walk, a taste of Astoria’s  art life once each month

Go to a $4 second run movie, eat pizza and drink wine or beer in the balcony on cushy sofas at the Columbian Theater downtown Astoria, a big local fav.  www.columbiavoodoo.com

The gorgeously restored 1920’s Liberty Theater for performing arts has concerts, speakers, and other presentations throughout the year.   www.liberty-theater.org

The Clatsop Community College schedules regular events at the Performing Arts Center all season.  www.clatsopcc.edu/community/art-ideas

Second Saturday Art Walk, a taste of night life once each month the year.

Astoria Fiber Arts Center downtown

ATTRACTIONS

Visit the hugely popular farmers’ markets on different days in the area: Astoria Sunday Market  www.astoriasundaymarket.com,  other markets  within a short drive are in Ilwaco Wa. www.local-farmers-markets.com, Cannon Beach www.cannonbeachmarket.org and Manzanita www.manzanitafarmersmarket.com.

MUSEUMS  It’s amazing how many museums there are right here or close to Astoria.  Astoria has been called “a museum without walls”.  Some of the many:

Columbia Maritime Museum www.crmm.org

Flavel House Museum, Heritage Museum Uppertown Firefighter and childrens’ Museum go to www.cumtux.org

Lewis & Clark National Park at www.nps.gov/lewis

Fort Stevens State Park   www.visitftstevens.com

Bumble Bee Cannery Museum in Old Hanford Cannery www.canneryworker.org

The Air Museum in Tillamook where the ice cream factory is.   www.tillamookair.com 

MISCELLANEOUS INTERESTING, ACTIVE AND FUN

Fort George, the Fort, not the brewry!

Astoria Aquatic Center www.swimastoria.com 503 325 7027

Horsebackriding at  www.oregonbeachrides.com

www.discoverparagliding.com

guided bicycle, hiking and kayaking trips call me at the B&B

Astoria Chinese Park commemerating the Chinese heritage  which helped build Astoria

FESTIVALS all year long

Astoria Music Festival, a classical musical feast over two weekends in June/July www.astoriamusicfestival.com

Astoria Film Festival in October www.astoriafilmfestival.com

115 year old Astoria Regatta in August and a great hometown parade www.astoriaregatta.org

Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival last weekend in April www.

The last weekend in February celebrates the Fisher Poets Festival www.fisherpoets.com

Scandinavian Festival celebrating heritage and summer solstis www.astoriascanfest.com

RESTAURANTS, BISTROS, BAKERIES, COFFEE SHOPS

Not listed in any order.  All within a ten minute walk.  Many more not listed.

Baked Alaska www.bakedak2.com

Silver Salmon Grille www.silversalmongrille.com

Fulio’s Pastaria and Tuscan Steak House www.fulios.com

Columbian Café www.columbiavoodoo.com

Urban Café & Supper Club downtown

Astoria Coffee House and Bistro

Bridge Water Bistro www.bridgewaterbistro.com

We are happy to make reservations for you at any of these recommended eateries.

"Thank you for sharing your home." D.G. & Nancy M. Surnsun City CT - - - "What a Garden!" Joanne N., Union Hall VA