Things to do in Astoria

Visit Lewis and Clark National Historical Park to get a sense of the wilderness that Native Americans, traders, explorers, pioneers and military personnel experienced in the early days of exploration and settlement of the region along the mouth of the Columbia River.

Built in 1926, the tall Astoria Column is a major landmark rising over the city of Astoria. Learn about this impressive structure’s history. Discussion of building something on top of Coxcomb Hill began in 1898. Members of the Astoria community were inspired by the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris a decade earlier. After the city’s centennial in 1911, specific plans began to take shape for the tower, including a histogram depicting area events.

Visit downtown Astoria’s Liberty Theatre to attend exciting performances and appreciate the beauty of a nearly 100-year-old structure. After a dreadful 1922 fire destroyed much of the growing town of Astoria, citizens regrouped and rebuilt. The theater opened in 1925, presenting silent films, vaudeville acts and big bands, such as Duke Ellington.

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum for a fascinating look at life, work and nature on and in this mighty river that runs west across Oregon ending just beyond Astoria. View the many photos, artifacts and even a floating ship that bring maritime history alive.

The Oregon Film Museum in Astoria documents more than 100 years of film making in this northwestern state, many miles from Hollywood’s glitz and glamor. Learn why the region is so versatile for simulating settings in many different environments. View posters, props, script pages and quotes from some of the movies that have been filmed in the state, starting with The Fisherman’s Bride in 1908.

Astoria’s rich history along the Columbia River is revealed in the Heritage Museum, managed by the Clatsop County Historical Society. Learn about trading, logging, fishing and other activities in the county. Astoria’s former city hall was built in 1904. This pale yellow two-story building now houses the Heritage Museum. Admire its elegant façade before stepping inside.

Tour the Flavel House Museum, which was originally the home of Captain George Flavel. Starting as a hard-working river pilot, Flavel invested his earnings in Astoria real estate and grew quite wealthy. Upon retirement he had this elegant Queen Anne-style home built for himself and his wife Mary Christina Boelling and their two daughters.

If you’ve ever wondered how the tuna got into the can in your cupboard, a visit to the Hanthorn Cannery Museum in Astoria will answer all your questions. Learn about this region’s long role as a major supplier of processed seafood between 1875 and 1981.