If you and your travel mates can’t decide between a weekend getaway full of cultural exploration, an outdoor adventuring extravaganza, or a relaxing retreat, hop in the car and drive to Astoria and Warrenton, two Oregon Coast towns sitting side-by-side at the Northern tip of the Oregon coast. As soon as you arrive in Astoria, you’ll be struck by the gorgeous historic buildings peppering the hillsides of the oldest American town west of the Rockies, looking out onto the wide expanse of the Columbia River. Drive a little further and you’ll come across miles of beach as far as the eye can see.

No matter the weather or time of year, you’ll never run out of things to see and do in Astoria and Warrenton. Or if you prefer to sit back and relax, they have that covered too!

Can’t-Miss Landmarks

• The Astoria Column is the highest point in town, built in 1926, is not only a piece of art, but after climbing the 164 steps to the top you’ll have panoramic views of the city, down to the Columbia River and beyond.
• Drive across or marvel from shore at the four-mile Astoria-Megler Bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. And once a year in October, join others to run across the bridge as part of the Great Columbia Crossing 10K.
• Take an urban “hike” along the Astoria Riverwalk Trail to learn more about the first American settlement on the West Coast. Follow the trail from the busy port area, underneath the Astoria-Megler Bridge, past shops and pubs, and a marina, to the converted Hanthorn Cannery at Pier 39. Along the way, pass cyclists, locals walking their dogs and sea lions bobbing in the river. In the warmer months, jump on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley for only $1.
• The architecturally stunning Columbia River Maritime Museum offers an array of dramatic historic and current maritime exhibits and details how ship pilots guide boats through the notoriously dangerous Columbia River Bar. You can even rent an electric boat and set it to "sea” in their outdoor pond.
• One can spend the good part of a day at Fort Stevens State Park, exploring the views of the Pacific Ocean, miles of trails and fishing/swimming holes, not to mention the famous 1906 Peter Iredale Shipwreck and the remaining fort structures that have been used in battles since 1865 to protect the mouth of the Columbia River.
• You’d be amiss if you didn’t make a stop at Warrenton Marinas to hit the water; whether that’s paddle boarding, kayaking, a guided fishing trip, or an immersive experience on The Arrow 2 Tugboat Tour.

Top-Notch Food & Drink

This isn’t your typical coastal small town when it comes to the dining and beverage scene. As you’d expect, there are plenty of fresh seafood offerings, and the region is recognized for its many breweries, distilleries and coffee shops, but Astoria offers so much more - from sushi and Thai cuisine, to Mediterranean, Italian, Cajun and beyond. Watch the ships cruise by from one of the many waterfront restaurants, or take in the sites of the bustling streets packed with boutiques and galleries from one of the many food carts, cafes or cozy bistros.  

Fantastic Boutiques, Galleries and Markets

For those who like to bring home unique treasures, Astoria is packed with trendy boutiques featuring jewelry, clothing, housewares and more, along with book stores, antique stores, and shops offering unique food offerings like smoked fish, salts and condiments. Art galleries pepper each of the streets, housing art from local, regional and national artists in genres ranging from modern to classic. And if you happen to be visiting on the second Saturday of the month, you’ll hit the Second Saturday Art Walk, where studios and galleries are open late, often premiering special exhibits highlighting local artists in a variety of mediums. 

Fabulous Accommodations

From cozy bed and breakfasts to a wide range of hotels and motels, camping and personal lodging, there are numerous places to stay in the area. Boutique hotels such as the luxurious Cannery Pier Hotel (currently closed for renovations until March 31, 2022) and the brand new Bowline Hotel dot the piers along the river, with balconies overlooking the water. Or if you prefer to stay in the heart of downtown Astoria just steps away from local shopping and food carts galore, there are gorgeous accommodations in remodeled historic buildings such as Hotel Elliott and The Norblad. And if you’re traveling with a large group of friends or family, vacation rentals and larger hotels or campgrounds abound.

Easy Drive from Seattle!

Need one more reason to visit? Astoria and Warrenton are the closest Oregon Coast locations for Washingtonians, just a bridge away from the Long Beach Peninsula. We look forward to hosting you!