Photo credit: Dawn Woolcott
A sunny walk along the Astoria waterfront makes for a perfect weekend getaway. The old wood pilings have turned green with age and are revealed at low tide, a beautiful contrast of color against the blue skies. There is plenty to see and do along the waterfront which is right in the heart of downtown. The sounds of sea lions barking for space underneath the piers echoes along the boardwalk. Even if you can’t see them, you’ll know they’re there. You can catch a peak at them at Buoy Beer right there on the waterfront – they have installed a glass floor section where you may see the sea lions that love to hang out underneath the building. There are several breweries in the area including Fort George Brewery & Public House in their historic location just a few blocks away. Downtown Astoria is easy to walk, is mostly level, and compact. The historic Flavel House Museum is right there and is very well maintained and displayed. It appears as if the family has just stepped out and will return at any minute. Just across the street from the Flavel House is the Oregon Film Museum located in the old jail. A walk down Commercial Street offers many nice independently owned shops – you don’t see many franchise stores here at all. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from – for super fresh fish-n-chips, try BowPicker Fish-n-Chips food cart right close to the Columbia Maritime Museum. You can’t go wrong with casual PNW favorite, Mo’s Clam Chowder. The food at the local brew pubs are always good too. For a more full service restaurant, you might enjoy the huge portions and friendly service at the unique T. Paul’s Supper Club. If it’s happy hour, you can’t go wrong at Carruther’s. Astoria may not have a sandy beach, but you’ll get the full maritime experience on a day trip or weekend getaway to Astoria.
Photo: Dawn Woolcott
