Astoria brings together maritime history, architecture, viewpoints, and waterfront paths. This makes it possible to plan a stay around different interests: historic buildings offer their own highlights, maritime sites tell stories of seafaring, and the paths vary considerably in length and character.
Culture and Architectural History
Flavel House was built in 1884–1885 for Captain George Flavel and his family. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Queen Anne architecture in the Northwest and is considered a landmark of local and national significance. Its construction dates and architectural style give the house a specific connection to Astoria’s architectural history.
The Oregon Film Museum is located in the former Clatsop County Jail. The jail was in operation from 1914 to 1976; the building served as a filming location for The Goonies, Short Circuit, and Come See The Paradise. Here, the building’s former function and its film history come together.
Customs House and Astoria Pioneer Cemetery each have their own historical connection: Customs House is a small historic replica of an original customs building from 1852. James Welch transferred the cemetery to Astoria on April 22, 1865.
Garden of Surging Waves is a city park that honors and celebrates the Chinese heritage of Astoria and the Lower Columbia River Basin. It adds a cultural focus to the architectural and local history, encompassing Astoria and the wider Lower Columbia River Basin.
Maritime History and Local Tradition
At the entrance to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, an interactive map exhibit of the Graveyard of the Pacific shows where more than 200 large ships and 700 people have lost their lives at sea. In Brix Maritime Hall, visitors can also operate the controls of a working model of a Columbia River tugboat and learn about the tugboat industry. The map focuses on shipwrecks; the model demonstrates how a tugboat is operated.
Maritime Memorial Park honors people who worked in the maritime industry, earned their living at sea, or had a close connection to the sea. The Astoria Regatta celebrates the maritime history and future of the Northwest. It has been held since 1894, is considered a family tradition throughout Clatsop County, and has been recognized by the Oregon State Historic Commission as a historic cultural tradition.
Viewpoints and Waterfront Paths
Astoria Column stands on Coxcomb Hill. It was completed in 1926 and dedicated that same year by the Great Northern Railway. At 125 feet tall, it is a unique work of Pacific Northwest art; 164 spiral steps lead to an observation deck. From there, views extend west over the Pacific Ocean and north over the Columbia River.
The paths differ in both length and character: Cathedral Tree Trail is 0.9 miles long and runs from Astoria Column through the city forest to the 2800 block of Irving Avenue. Astoria Riverfront Trail is more than six miles long, is suitable for walking and cycling, and offers history, culture, art, food, and river views along the way. These distances give you two different scales to consider when planning, without suggesting that the paths need to be treated as one continuous route.
The 6th Street Viewing Platform is a two-story wooden observation platform directly on and over the water. The viewing area offers panoramic views, and local sea lions can also be watched there. This spot adds a dedicated waterfront viewpoint to the longer paths.
Seasonal Events
Astoria Sunday Market takes place downtown on Sundays from May through October and spans three city blocks, with vendors and food. Seasonal programming may change. If you would like to include the market or the regatta in your trip plans, check the relevant dates and program details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Gearhart, Seaside, Warrenton, Arch Cape, Cannon Beach.
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