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Astoria, Oregon: A Living Museum on the Columbia River

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 6:36 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Astoria, Oregon – A Guide to the Harbor Town on the Columbia River

Travel + Leisure’s recent feature on Astoria, Oregon gives readers a vivid snapshot of a town that feels both like a living museum and a modern gateway to the Pacific Northwest. Tucked at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is a blend of maritime heritage, artistic flair, and natural beauty that makes it a “must‑visit” stop for anyone traveling the coast or the Gorge. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the article’s highlights—what makes Astoria special, the must‑see sights, where to eat and sleep, and the best ways to experience the local culture.

1. Why Astoria Should Be on Your Radar

Astoria’s appeal comes from its status as one of the region’s oldest European‑settled communities and its intimate connection to the river that has powered the Pacific Northwest’s economy for centuries. The article opens with the town’s history: founded in 1811 as a trading post for the Pacific Fur Company, it later became the first capital of the Oregon Territory (1848‑1850). The original courthouse—now a museum—reminds visitors that this small town has seen the early days of western expansion.

Travel + Leisure also highlights Astoria’s literary pedigree, noting that it was the birthplace of naturalist John Muir, a fact that lends the town a sense of reverence for the wilderness that surrounds it. In addition, the Astoria‑Megler Bridge, the world’s longest reinforced‑concrete continuous‑beam bridge, spans 12,200 feet over the Columbia River and is a visual landmark that the article underscores as a “must‑see” for its engineering marvel and panoramic views.

2. Top Attractions

• Astoria Column (Sky Trail)

At the heart of the city sits the 180‑foot‑tall Astoria Column, a replica of a Roman triumphal arch. A winding staircase leads to a small museum at the base, and at the top, a steel “sky trail” offers 360‑degree views of the Columbia River, the Pacific Ocean, and the Oregon Coast Range. The article calls the column “a symbol of Astoria’s resilience and a practical guidepost for any visitor who wants to get a quick visual sense of the town’s geography.”

• Columbia River Maritime Museum

A quick detour to the maritime museum is another highlight. The museum’s displays cover shipwrecks, the history of the shipbuilding industry, and the evolution of the river’s commerce. One exhibit—dedicated to the infamous “Astoria 10” shipwreck—tells the story of a cargo ship that ran aground in 1973. Travel + Leisure points out that the museum’s interactive “Shipwreck Rescue” exhibit is especially engaging for families.

• Astoria-Megler Bridge

While the bridge is more famous as a feat of engineering, the article notes that its western end, right at the border of Washington, provides a scenic overlook that’s perfect for photos. Visitors can even walk a short segment of the pedestrian path that runs parallel to the highway. For those who want to learn more, the piece links to the bridge’s official page for details on maintenance and construction.

• Astoria Riverfront Park and the Pacific Crest Trail

Astoria’s riverfront park offers a linear trail that runs from the Old Town waterfront to the Columbia River Gorge. This path provides an easy way to see the city’s waterfront, historic piers, and the old cannery district. The article also mentions the nearby Pacific Crest Trail, which begins its trek in Oregon and passes through the coastal wilderness near Astoria—ideal for hikers looking to blend a day of exploration with a longer trek.

• Art Galleries and Studios

Art lovers will appreciate Astoria’s small but vibrant scene of galleries and studios. The “Astoria Art Center” hosts rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists, and the “Betsy Johnson Gallery” showcases contemporary work. The article links to the gallery calendars so readers can catch a show before they go.

3. Dining Recommendations

Travel + Leisure’s article breaks down dining options by mood and price point. For breakfast, the Portland Coffee Co. (now “The Coffee Barn”) serves excellent pour‑over coffee and a handful of pastries, while the Maui Café offers a classic American breakfast with a Pacific twist.

• Main Street Restaurants

• The Blue Goose – A seafood‑centric chain with a robust oyster selection, the Blue Goose is lauded for its fresh fish and waterfront location.
• Muck's Restaurant – Known for its “Muck's Burger” and creative seafood plates, this spot is a local favorite that consistently draws both tourists and residents.
• The Astoria Oyster Bar – Located in a historic building, the oyster bar is praised for its farm‑to‑table approach and a small but delicious wine list.

• Casual Eats

• Tobacco’s Pizzas – For a casual slice, the article highlights the unique “Smokey” pizza topped with smoked meats and a homemade sauce.
• Café L’Etoile – A quaint French café that offers croissants, quiches, and a full breakfast menu.

• Nightlife

For evening drinks, the Old Town Tavern offers craft cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere that invites locals and tourists alike to mingle over a game of billiards or a live acoustic set.

4. Where to Stay

Astoria’s lodging options range from boutique hotels to historic inns. The article recommends:

• Hotel Astoria – Located in the historic Old Town district, this boutique hotel boasts a restored livery stable lobby, a rooftop bar, and an on‑site restaurant that serves classic Oregon cuisine.
• Red Dog Lodge – A rustic inn just outside the town’s limits that offers cabin‑style rooms and access to nearby hiking trails.
• Sable Inn – Located by the river, this inn provides modern amenities with a focus on local art and eco‑friendly practices.

Travel + Leisure notes that each property often includes a free breakfast featuring local produce and that many of the smaller inns partner with local coffee roasters to supply in‑house beans.

5. Seasonal Events

The article underscores Astoria’s calendar of events, which keep the town vibrant year after year.

• Astoria International Film Festival – Celebrates independent cinema and takes place in a restored theater in downtown Astoria.
• Astoria Heritage Day – A summer event that includes live music, historical reenactments, and a boat parade along the Columbia River.
• Fall Harvest Festival – Showcases local produce, cider tastings, and a “Harvest Walk” that leads visitors through orchards and farms.

Travel + Leisure provides links to the official event calendars, giving readers the option to plan their visit around a specific celebration.

6. Getting Around

Astoria’s compact layout means most attractions are within walking distance of the central “Old Town.” However, the article advises renting a car if visitors plan to explore the surrounding coastline or the Columbia River Gorge. Biking is a popular alternative; a city‑wide bike‑share program is mentioned, and the “Astoria–Megler Bridge Bike Path” extends for 13 miles from Washington into Oregon.

7. The Final Takeaway

In sum, Travel + Leisure presents Astoria as a microcosm of Oregon’s broader narrative—a town that honors its maritime past, celebrates its literary roots, and offers a welcoming, small‑town vibe while still providing the amenities of a modern destination. Whether you’re drawn by historic sites, a craving for fresh seafood, or the lure of the Pacific coastline, Astoria offers an experience that feels both grounded and expansive. The article concludes by urging readers to book a stay in the heart of Old Town so they can experience the town’s charm “on a first‑hand basis” and see why Astoria remains a “hidden gem” for both casual day‑trippers and dedicated history buffs alike.