Wellness Guide To Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is beautiful port city on the Columbia River “where the river meets the ocean.” It’s also the oldest city in Oregon: the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.

Walking through Astoria + seeing all the beautiful architecture, it was clear that Astoria was a thriving city back in the day. However, it almost felt a bit like a ghost town now… there was barely anyone on the streets when we were there (granted, we were there Sunday — Tuesday when a lot of spots were closed!).

Gorgeous coastal views, vintage shops, eclectic art, a rich history, + blackberries everywhere… I was left wanting to learn more about Astoria + ended up watching this short documentary which was interesting!

“Astoria is gritty, + likes it that way. But that rustic exterior is just a cover for the many enchanting dichotomies you’ll find waiting around the next corner. Here, fisherman are poets, loggers drink espresso, + Main Street welcomes both nouveau gallery + five n’ dime.” — The Little Town That Could

Coffee + Cafes

• Blue Scorcher Bakery + Cafe: The cutest organic cafe — we went here twice we loved it that much!
• Green Door Cafe: Gluten free restaurant with an eclectic menu… looked absolutely amazing, but sadly it was closed Monday + Tuesday.
• Peter Pan Market + Deli: Sandwiches that are perfect for takeaway to the Cathedral Tree Hike!
• Coffee at Cambium: Coffee + baked goods in an art gallery
• Gathered Bakeshop + Market: Sweet treats with coffee + tea
• Columbia River Coffee Roaster: Local coffee roaster
• Coffee Girl: Coffee with a view
• We Got The Juice: Smoothies + juice!

Restaurants

• Bridgewater Bistro: The most sought-after restaurant in Astoria that overlooks the Columbia River. Make a reservation!
• Bowpicker Fish + Chips: Please go here + tell me how good it is. I was so bummed that it was closed Sunday + Monday + Tuesday (the days we were visiting Astoria!).
• South Bay Wild Fish House: Another popular fish + chips spot — try both here + Bowpicker + see what you like more! Closed Sunday + Monday + Tuesday.
• Nekst Event: I was dying to go to here, but it was closed for a private event — known for their pho + banh mi. Check out their website to see the hours… they were only open for dinner on Sunday + Monday in the summer.
• Fede: Literally every single person who lived in Astoria said *this* was their favorite restaurant (+ I asked at least 5 people!). Italian food! Again, it was closed when we were visiting… are you sensing a theme here? lol
• Drina Daisy Bosnian Restaurant: Mediterranean restaurant that looked super charming. Closed on Mondays + Tuesdays.
• Curry+Coco Thai Eatery: This is where we ended up eating dinner — since everything was either closed or not available. It was good, but not a “must eat” unless you are craving Thai food.
• Frite + Scoop: Super cute ice cream + french fries shop.
• Food trucks to check out: The Lot is a food pod where a lot of the food trucks are gathered. I really wanted to try: Good Bowl, Tres Bro’s, Lily Rose Coffee + Crepes
• Breweries to check out: Fort George Brewery (live music every Sunday!), Buoy Beer Company, Astoria Brewing Company

Wellness + To Explore

• Astoria Column + Cathedral Tree Trail: LOVED this short 1.5 mile trail with a stunning view of Astoria. Bring a picnic for after your hike to enjoy the views!
• Astoria Riverwalk: LOVED running this 6 mile waterfront path lined with blackberry bush after blackberry bush.
• Gnat Creek: We didn’t go here, but it looked like a great 7 mile out + back trail 30 minutes outside Astoria.
• Lewis + Clark National Historical Park: Replica of Lewis + Clark’s fort. There’s a Fort To Sea Trail that starts here, too!
• Fire Station Yoga: Heated + unheated yoga, meditation classes, + workshops
• Go shopping: Vintage shops, art galleries, boutiques, bookstores… wander around Astoria + pop into whatever’s calling you. I loved the store Short Wave. Ask for a map of Astoria when you arrive + they will give you a list of shops + restaurants!
• Day trip to Cannon Beach: I preferred the town Astoria to Cannon Beach (Cannon Beach was very touristy), but the nature near Cannon Beach is amazing! Definitely check out Ecola State Park + Haystack Rock.

Stay

If you visit Astoria, you have to stay at the Bowline Hotel + splurge on a room with a river view. It was absolutely beautiful + I daydreamed of journaling all day, cozying up in a blanket with the most perfect view. They also have two wood barrel saunas that are free to use at any time for guests! Another perk: the Bowline Hotel has a partnership with Bikes + Beyond for a free one hour bike rental per guest!

*Yes, there are sea lions that you might hear at night — but don’t let that deter you from staying here! We used a sound machine + could not hear them at all.

Pro Tips

• Astoria Co+op for all of your grocery + picnic needs!
• If you’re visiting on a Sunday, go to the Astoria Sunday Market
• I don’t recommend visiting on a Monday or Tuesday (sadly, the days that we were there!) — it seems like a lot of cafes are closed both of those days!
• Make Astoria your first stop on an Oregon Coast Road Trip!

Have you been to Astoria? Any of your fav spots that I missed?!

Love,
Elisabeth