Astoria, Oregon
Astoria, Oregon is a charming and historic port city on the Columbia River, near its confluence with the Pacific Ocean. As the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, it has a rich past as a fur trading post and a major fishing port. Today, Astoria is a city of stunning natural beauty, a vibrant arts scene, and a deep appreciation for its maritime heritage. For a cruiser, Astoria is an excellent destination for those who want to experience a unique slice of the Pacific Northwest, with a walkable downtown and a variety of attractions all within easy reach.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your ship will dock directly at Pier 1, which is a dedicated cruise pier in downtown Astoria. This is a huge advantage, as you can walk right off the ship and onto the city's waterfront. The walk to the city center is very short, only a few minutes. The Port of Astoria's cruise hosts will greet you upon arrival and are there to provide you with maps, directions, and helpful tips.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Port of Astoria's cruise terminal is a simple, open-air setup. There is no large, permanent terminal building, but a temporary structure is often set up to welcome visitors. The walk from the ship to the town is on a flat, well-paved surface.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
While there is no main terminal, the area right by the pier is well-equipped for visitors. You'll find a small welcome area with local volunteers. Public restrooms are available. The port also hosts a "pier-side market" on cruise ship days, where you can find a variety of local vendors selling art, jewelry, and souvenirs. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the pier, and you are immediately surrounded by the city's charming downtown.
🗣️ Language
The local language is English. You will have no problem navigating, communicating, or exploring the area.
💰 Money
The currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, and contactless payments are very common. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases from street vendors or for the trolley. ATMs are easy to find in the downtown area, a short walk from the port.
🚗 Transportation
Astoria's downtown is very walkable, and its main attractions are clustered in the city center.
· Walking: The best way to explore downtown is on foot. The historic buildings, shops, and restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the cruise pier. The Astoria Riverwalk, a paved path that runs along the waterfront, is a great way to see the city.
· Astoria Riverfront Trolley: This historic trolley runs along the Riverwalk, and it's a fun and scenic way to get around. The trolley is run by volunteers, and you can hop on and off at any point for a small, all-day fee.
· Taxis: Taxis are available but are very limited.
· Public Bus: The local public bus system is a very affordable way to get to places outside the downtown area, like the Astoria Column.
· Tours: A great way to see the region is to take a pre-arranged tour. Many tours will take you to the Astoria Column or Fort Clatsop.
♿ Accessibility
Astoria has an accessibility rating of 6 out of 10. The cruise pier and the downtown area are generally flat and easy to navigate. Many of the sidewalks have curb cuts and ramps, and the main attractions are accessible. However, the Astoria Riverfront Trolley is not ADA-accessible, and some of the historic buildings may have stairs or other barriers. The Astoria Column is not wheelchair accessible.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town from the cruise port is to simply walk. You are already in the heart of the city, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions.
🚽 Toilet
Public restrooms are generally available and clean in Astoria, especially at major tourist attractions, museums, and in the downtown area. They are free to use.
💊 Drugstore
· Rite Aid: 101 E Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103. This is a short walk from the cruise port.
· Walgreens: 2315 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103.
✨ Authentic Experience
1. Dine at the Bowpicker Fish & Chips: For a taste of local culinary scene, seek out the famous Bowpicker Fish & Chips. This unique food cart is a fishing boat that serves up some of the best beer-battered albacore tuna in the region. It's a no-frills, delicious, and authentic local experience.
2. Walk the Riverfront and Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum: For a deep dive into the city's maritime heritage, walk the Astoria Riverwalk to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. The museum tells the story of the Columbia River and its role in the region's history, with a variety of fascinating exhibits and a beautiful view of the river.
3. Visit the Astoria Column: The Astoria Column is a a must-see. This 125-foot column, located on Coxcomb Hill, offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, the Columbia River, and the Pacific Ocean. You can climb the 164 steps to the top and get an incredible view.
