The Best 48 Hours in Astoria, Oregon

8pm – Relax on the balcony while you let your food settle. Either in your own private area, or over on our pier by the fireplace. Listen to the local wildlife (a sea lion serenade, perhaps?) and watch the water lap at the pilings. Once you’ve had enough fresh sea air, head back to your room for a dip in your oversized soaking tub, followed by Bowline robes, of course.

8am – Grab breakfast at Astoria Coffeehouse & Bistro, a short walk from the hotel. Order a coffee drink (check the specials board for some creative beverages), a sweet or savory something at the bar, then have a seat indoors or outdoors.

Greasy spoon more your style? Labor Temple is serving up diner breakfast classics with an old town ambiance. Check their website calendar, you might want to come back later in your trip to catch a show.

9:30 am – Walk off your breakfast at one of Astoria’s excellent outdoor recreation or historical locations. (Even in the rain! It’s been said there is no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. Put on a raincoat!) Astoria’s Parks and Recreation Department maintains 63 parks throughout the county! You’re sure to find one that will suit your interests.

We recommend you start with Astoria Riverwalk which has over 6 miles of riverside trails, much of it paved and very accessible.

If you’ve walked out and want a ride back to where you started, hop on the “Old 300” – the Astoria Riverfront Trolley.

$1 per ride, $2 all day, CASH ONLY

Schedule: April through October: Friday/Saturday/Sunday 11am-5pm, Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 1pm-4pm, no Wednesday service

Route Map

11am  – The Columbia River Maritime Museum is located along the Riverwalk, and boasts an extensive collection of boats, maritime artifacts, interactive displays, 3D movie theater, gift shop, and fine art. Explore exhibits geared to both kids and adults. 

1pm – FISH-N-CHIPS TIME! Bowpicker is a big lunchtime fave (expect to stand in line for a little while). Or how about a different delicious potato-inclusive combo at Frite and Scoop? Choose your own chips adventure!

3 pm – Drive the winding road to the top of town and explore the Astoria Column. Ascend the 164 steps of the historic monument, fly a glider, check out the history, and take in the views stretching from the ocean to the mountains. Visiting the park or climbing the column is free. Parking pass is $5 per vehicle, good for one year! Open daily 5am – 10pm

5:30pm – Descend into the basement to enter Galactix! This immersive Sci-Fi lounge, features classic and rare video game arcade machines, snacks, extensive beer/cider list, and the spaciest bathroom we’ve ever seen. Plus! Pizza progress tv!

7 pm – Dinner

Sure, Astoria is home to excellent seafood establishments, but did you know Astoria is also home to excellent Thai, Indian, Italian, Japanese and Bosnian food? It’s true! Our current culinary obsessions: Fedé, Drina Daisy, and Curry and Coco.

8pm – XANADU! 

The first and only queer bar on the PNW Coast is wonderful and open to all! Check their website for a schedule of events and theme nights including drag shows, karaoke, trivia, and watch parties. Or just stop by anytime for the fruitiest cocktails and mocktails, and a full food menu (also available for takeaway.)

10pm – Nightcap in at the Knot Bar. Do some good while you’re drinking with us – you’ll find our monthly “Cocktail for a Cause” benefiting non-profit partner organizations throughout the region. Feel great about your life choices as you retire to your luxurious room.

DAY 3

8:30 am – Sleep in! Relax and watch boats cruise the Columbia River while you drink your morning coffee on your balcony. Or, wake yourself up in one of the barrel saunas on the pier with a front row view of the river.

10 am – There’s tons of spots to grab a great breakfast in Astoria! Whether you want to take a walk over to Broder or a quick drive to Pig N Pancake, we’re sure you won’t leave hungry!

11:30 am – After breakfast, you might wander through downtown Astoria. (Check out is at noon, but don’t worry, you can stay and play in Astoria a while longer before heading home.)

Is it summertime? Go to the Sunday Market! For over 20 years, Astoria Sunday Market has featured fresh produce, local arts & crafts, food, music and more on 12th St. in downtown Astoria. (Sundays – May 12-Oct 13, 2024 – from 10-3)

History buffs, garden admirers, woodworking enthusiasts, and period interior design nerds won’t want to miss the Flavel House. One of the best-preserved examples of Queen Anne architecture in the Northwest, the stately home is chock-full of historically accurate furnishings, Flavel family heirlooms, and contextual information. Get tickets at the carriage house on the SW (uphill) corner of the property before going into the main house.

2pm – Shop shop shop shop. Buy some cool things from local artists, makers, collectors, and curators. Our top 3 picks: Lonely Crab Records, Short Wave, Port Hopper.

4 pm – Sadly, it’s time to head home. What a wonderful 48 hours in Astoria! We hope you’ve had an amazing time. Come back really soon!