Located on the northwest tip of Oregon, the beautiful seaside town of Astoria is positively enchanting. This historic town is the oldest U.S. settlement in Oregon (and the entire West Coast), and to this day it’s full of fascinating historical points of interest as well as unique modern amenities and beautiful scenery. This wonderful little city is absolutely worth a visit.
Located beside the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is surrounded by immense natural beauty.
Astoria was first permanently settled by westerners in 1811, when a man named John Astor created a base for the brand-new Pacific Fur Company at the mouth of the Columbia River. They called it Fort Astoria.
The fort went on to become the very first permanent U.S. settlement on the West Coast. In 1847, Astoria became the first town in Oregon to have a U.S. post office.
These days, Astoria is a gorgeous coastal city full of vibrant culture, maritime charm, and abundant natural beauty. Here's a photo of the incredible Astoria Riverwalk.
With a population of just under 10,000, Astoria is perfectly mid-sized; it retains a small town charm while simultaneously offering the amenities of a larger city.
There are many great places to book a room for the night. One of the most renowned (and unique) hotels is the Cannery Pier Hotel, located in a renovated cannery floating on the Columbia River.
This wonderful town is full of charming quirks. You can shop around on Commercial Street, check out museums, enjoy delicious food, take a scenic ride on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, and much more.
Native Americans knew of this place many years prior, but the first Western settlers to live in the area were actually Lewis and Clark themselves. The expedition spent a historic winter at Fort Clatsop, located just southwest of where Astoria is today.
There are all kinds of awesome places to enjoy delicious foods and drinks as well. One of the most beloved local joints is the unique Bowpicker Fish & Chips, an old fishing boat that serves the freshest imaginable, piping-hot fish and chips.
Keeping with the Oregon tradition, there are plenty of great places to enjoy a fresh-brewed beer, including Fort George Brewery, Buoy Beer Company, and more.
