Cruise port · United States · Pacific Coastal
Astoria cruise port guide
Astoria is a historic river town near the mouth of the Columbia River in northwestern Oregon, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Ships dock along the riverfront within walking distance of downtown, and the highlights are the hilltop Astoria Column, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Lewis and Clark's Fort Clatsop and the beaches of Cannon Beach.
- History
- Craft beer
- Coastal scenery
- Small-town charm
Photo: aselfcallednowhere, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Pacific Coastal
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- U.S. dollar. Cards are widely accepted. Oregon has no sales tax.
- Best time to visit
- April–October
- Average highs
- 48–70°F through the year
About Astoria
Astoria is a working port of Victorian houses stacked up steep hillsides, old canneries on pilings and fishing boats on the wide, powerful Columbia. Founded as a fur-trading post in 1811, it has a strong maritime history and a growing craft-beer and food scene.
On a port day, many cruisers walk or ride the riverfront trolley to the Maritime Museum, climb the Astoria Column for views over the river and the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and wander downtown's shops and breweries. Others head out to Fort Clatsop or down the coast to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.
It suits history fans, beer lovers and anyone who enjoys small-town charm and dramatic Pacific Northwest scenery. Weather is often cool, misty or rainy, so it's not for those seeking sun, and the town is quiet compared with bigger cities.
Where cruise ships dock in Astoria
Ships dock at the Port of Astoria's piers on the Columbia River at the west end of town, so there's no tendering. Downtown is about a mile (1.6 km) east along the riverfront, a 15 to 20 minute walk on the flat Astoria Riverwalk. The vintage Astoria Riverfront Trolley runs along the waterfront when operating, and local volunteers often greet ships with maps and directions. Shuttles or taxis help with the steep climb to the Astoria Column, about 2 miles uphill. Fort Clatsop is roughly 15 minutes away by car, and Cannon Beach about 30 minutes.
Best things to do in Astoria on a cruise
- 1
Astoria Column
scenery
This 125-foot (38 m) tower on Coxcomb Hill is decorated with a spiral mural of regional history. Climb the internal spiral staircase of about 160 steps for panoramic views of the Columbia, the Pacific, the Astoria-Megler Bridge and the mountains. Gift shops sell balsa gliders to launch from the top.
- 2
Columbia River Maritime Museum
history
On the riverfront, this museum explains the dangers of the Columbia River Bar, one of the world's most treacherous river entrances, through exhibits on shipwrecks, Coast Guard rescues and river pilots. The lightship Columbia moored outside is part of the visit.
- 3
Fort Clatsop
history
Part of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, this reconstructed fort marks where the Corps of Discovery spent the winter of 1805 to 1806. Rangers in period dress sometimes give demonstrations, and forest trails lead to the river.
- 4
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
beach
About 30 minutes south, Cannon Beach is a classic Oregon coast town with art galleries and a wide sandy beach dominated by the towering Haystack Rock. Tide pools at its base reveal sea stars and anemones at low tide, and puffins nest there in spring and early summer.
- 5
Flavel House Museum
history
This ornate Queen Anne-style mansion, built in the 1880s for a prominent river bar pilot, is furnished with period pieces and offers insight into Astoria's Victorian heyday.
- 6
Oregon Film Museum
family
Housed in the old county jail, this small museum celebrates movies filmed in the area, most famously The Goonies. It's a fun stop for families and fans of 1980s films.
- 7
Fort Stevens State Park
history
Near the river mouth, this park combines historic military batteries with the rusting wreck of the Peter Iredale, a sailing ship beached in 1906. Allow about 20 minutes each way by car.
Astoria weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 499 | 489 | 5211 | 5513 | 6116 | 6518 | 6921 | 7021 | 6719 | 6016 | 5311 | 489 |
| Low °F (°C) | 415 | 405 | 426 | 447 | 4910 | 5311 | 5613 | 5714 | 5412 | 5010 | 447 | 415 |
| Rain in (mm) | 11.8300 | 8.3212 | 7.2183 | 5.6142 | 2.871 | 2.257 | 0.512 | 0.719 | 2.973 | 7.4188 | 11.4289 | 12.8324 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
What to eat and drink in Astoria
Astoria's fish and chips, often made with local albacore tuna or halibut, are a must, and Dungeness crab, salmon and razor clams appear on menus in season. The town has a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries in downtown and along the riverfront. Coffee shops, bakeries and seafood restaurants are clustered within easy walking distance of the docks.
Tips for your port day
- Bring a rain jacket and layers; Astoria's weather is frequently cool and damp.
- Take a taxi or shuttle up to the Astoria Column and walk back down through the historic neighborhoods if you're fit.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the hills and riverwalk.
- Book tours to Cannon Beach in advance, as transport options are limited.
- Look for sea lions near the East Mooring Basin, just east of downtown.
Cruise lines that visit Astoria
Often on the same itinerary
Astoria cruise FAQs
Can you walk to downtown Astoria from the cruise ship?
Yes. Downtown is about a mile east of the cruise pier along the flat riverwalk, roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot.
How far is the Astoria Column from the cruise port?
About 2 miles, mostly uphill. Most visitors take a taxi or shuttle to the top and some walk back down.
Is Cannon Beach close to Astoria?
Yes, about 30 minutes by car. Tours from the ship often include Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.
What is Astoria, Oregon, known for?
Its maritime history at the mouth of the Columbia River, the Astoria Column, Lewis and Clark's Fort Clatsop, and as a filming location for The Goonies.
What is the weather like in Astoria for a cruise visit?
Often cool and changeable. Even in summer, expect temperatures in the 60s °F with a chance of fog or drizzle, so bring layers and a rain jacket.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.