Astoria
We've found Astoria to be a great place to escape the city and enjoy no matter the time of year. It's a short drive from Portland and there is a long list of things to do and see.
Fort George Brewery
Fort George Brewery has a restaurant and a taproom. We prefer the taproom room which is smaller and has a cozy fireplace. The taproom also serves a smaller food menu and has a different beer selection on tap than the restaurant. If visiting this brewery be sure to check out the artwork behind the taps in the taproom. Each time we visit there is a new piece of artwork displayed. Bottoms up.
Astoria Column
Pay $2 for parking, stop in the visitor center and purchase a wood airplane. Next climb the 164-step spiral staircase to see the incredible 360 views from the top. Once at the top, and all parties have their wooden airplane the real fun can begin. Each take your turn throwing your wooden airplane at the top to see who can throw the furthest! Or if you are cheap find some other plane who has fallen in the near by bushes and go again.
Riverfront Trolley
The trolley was built in 1913 and had composite car bodies constructed from wood and steel. The Old 300 is still the property of the San Antonio Museum Association.
Bowpicker
Bowpicker is, by far, the best fish and chips we've had in Oregon. This goodness is fried up in a tiny boat that is docked on land. Soda and water are available for purchase and setting is picnic tables outside. There can be a very long line but it's worth the wait.
Ninth Street on the Boardwalk
Sebastian-Stewart Fish Company occupied this building from 1945 to 1965. Shortly after Ocean Foods used this building for their processing business. The Astoria Holdings Co., currently operates this sardine plant. They process about 22 million pounds of trout-sized fish in a year. Around 70% is used for long line tuna fishing. Interesting fact - the rest is shipped to Japan as food grade under the label, “Delicious Seven Star Fish.”
Buoy Beer Company
This restaurant location is amazing. They are located on the water and even have a glass floor were you can watch sea lions while you wait for a table. Since it's usually just the two of us, we prefer to belly up to the bar and watch the ships go past while enjoying a beverage. Honestly the food isn’t great and the beer is ok but that view of the river makes it all worth it.
Sea Lions vs Man
These sea lions have taken over the local fisherman docks. They are quite the site to see with their noisy barking and occasional attempt to snag a fish but they aren't exactly good for business. Port employees have attempted numerous deterrent tactics over the years but nothing seems to work.
Astoria Bridge
This bridge was open in 1966 and spans about 4 miles. This bridge has been featured in some classic films such as Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Free Willy 2, and The Goonies. Doesn't that just scream you need to cross it for your inner child.
Peter Iredale Shipwreck
The Peter Iredale in her heyday was a four-masted steel barque sailing vessel that landed ashore Oregon in 1906 in route to the Columbia River. The beast was bound to Portland, OR with 27 crew and 1,000 tons of material. There was a thick mist and a rising tide but with the strong winds the vessel became grounded.
Del Ray Beach
This is the only place in the world besides Fraser Island in Australia, we are aware of, that you are legally drive the beach for a 10 mile stretch. You can also have a bonfire where ever your heart desires. This is a perfect place to throw a football, fly a kite, build a sand castle, have a picnic and tell stories around a fire.