The Best Local Attractions in Astoria and Beyond

While the thrill of the catch often brings visitors to our doorstep, the region surrounding the Columbia River, Willamette River, and the Pacific Ocean is brimming with land-based adventures. JT’s NW Guide Service is proud to call Astoria and the surrounding Oregon coast home, and we want to make sure your entire vacation is as legendary as your time on our boat. Whether you are traveling with family or seeking a quiet retreat after a day of hauling in salmon, this area offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Between your morning drift and your evening dinner, take some time to explore the local charm that makes this corner of the Pacific Northwest so special. From towering historic landmarks to the freshest seaside dining, here are the top things to do in Astoria and the surrounding areas during your stay.

1. Climb the Iconic Astoria Column

No trip to Astoria is complete without a visit to the Astoria Column. Perched high atop Coxcomb Hill, this 125-foot tower offers a staggering 360-degree view of the Columbia River, the Pacific Ocean, and the lush forests of the Oregon Coast Range. It is a rite of passage for visitors to climb the 164 spiral steps to the observation deck and release small balsa-wood gliders (available at the gift shop) into the coastal winds.

The column itself is a work of art, wrapped in a detailed hand-painted mural that depicts the history of the region—from its indigenous roots to the arrival of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Even if you aren't a fan of heights, the park grounds offer some of the most beautiful sunset vistas in the state. After you’ve enjoyed the view, you can feel even more confident booking a trip with JT’s NW Guide Service knowing exactly where the river meets the sea.

2. Explore History at Lewis and Clark’s Fort Clatsop

For a dose of American history, head just south of Astoria to the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. This site features a meticulously built reconstruction of Fort Clatsop, the winter encampment where the Corps of Discovery hunkered down in 1805 after reaching the Pacific. It is a fantastic family-friendly experience where kids can interact with park rangers in period clothing and imagine life as a pioneer.

The park offers miles of lush, moss-covered trails like the "Fort to Sea Trail," which leads you through temperate rainforests all the way to the beach. Walking these trails gives you a deep appreciation for the rugged landscape that Captain Todd navigates daily. Immersing yourself in the history of the Columbia River makes the prospect of fishing its waters even more meaningful.

3. Discover Maritime Secrets at the Maritime Museum

Located right on the waterfront in downtown Astoria, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is one of the finest of its kind in the country. This museum tells the gripping stories of the "Graveyard of the Pacific," the treacherous area where the river meets the ocean. You can explore a retired Coast Guard lightship, learn about the brave bar pilots who guide massive cargo ships through the channel, and see a collection of artifacts that span centuries of sea travel.

The museum’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer a perfect vantage point to watch current-day maritime traffic move along the Columbia River. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours on a misty Oregon afternoon. After learning about the power of these waters, you’ll truly appreciate the safety and stability of the 28-foot Nemesis used by JT’s NW Guide Service.

4. Walk the Wreck of the Peter Iredale

For an experience that feels like a scene from a movie, drive out to Fort Stevens State Park to see the remains of the Peter Iredale. This four-masted steel vessel ran aground in 1906, and its skeletal remains still jut out from the sand on Clatsop Spit. It is one of the most photographed shipwrecks in the world and provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for a family beach day or a morning stroll.

Fort Stevens is a massive park that offers much more than just the wreck. You can explore abandoned military bunkers that once guarded the mouth of the Columbia River during the Civil War and World War II. Seeing these heavy defenses in person reminds you of the strategic importance of our local waterways, and it’s a great way to build excitement before you book your next fishing adventure.

5. Dine and Drink at Fort George Brewery

After a day of exploring, follow the locals to Fort George Brewery in the heart of downtown Astoria. Built on the site of the original 1811 settlement, this brewery is the epicenter of the city’s vibrant craft beer culture. With multiple levels of dining, including an upstairs pizza gallery with views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge, it’s the ideal spot to relax and swap stories about the "one that got away."

The menu features locally sourced ingredients and a rotating selection of IPAs and stouts that have put Astoria on the map for beer lovers. If you’re looking for something more formal, the Bridgewater Bistro offers elegant dining with a 270-degree view of the water. Whether you’re grabbing a pint or a plate of fresh dungeness crab, you’ll be surrounded by the same coastal spirit that fuels JT’s NW Guide Service.