Virgin Voyages' guide to Astoria, Oregon
On the south bank of the Columbia River, where it pours into the great Pacific you’ll find Astoria, Oregon. This charming seaside village epitomizes the Pacific Northwest’s affinity for breathtaking views, seasonal adventures & (so much) more.
The Quiet Gem of the Pacific Northwest
Proudly perched at the windswept, verdant edge of the Pacific Northwest – where the rumbling Columbia meets the ocean – Astoria is one part salty-sea legend, one part indie-movie daydream. This is where rolling forested hills meet whimsical waterfront coffee shops, Victorian homes line steep streets, and the air floats with scents of fir trees, brine, and extra strong coffee.
Pop into Fort George Brewery for a locally brewed IPA, or hunt down what might just be the best bowl of clam chowder in the world. Explore the grand halls of the Columbia River Maritime Museum to hear tales of ancient shipwrecks, peruse Hallmark-movie esque independent bookstores and vintage stores or find a bench (or a bar) by the river to sip a great beer or an indescribably good latte and take in the verdant landscapes and watch the driftwood do what it does best (drift by).
Shore Excursions
Astoria Escapades
Craft beer, renowned wine & bodacious birds.
Astoria Ale Trail VIP
Embark on a pub tour at your own pace, where you can relish and revel in Astoria's iconic brewery scene. Along the way, you'll enjoy three tastings at your choice of six local brew pubs, each offering a unique pour and hometown vibe. Explore downtown Astoria at your leisure using your included shuttle ticket, where you can spend your day making stops at nearby museums, piers, and pubs worth lingering in.
Willamette Valley Wine Country Tour
Travel from the coast into the western Willamette Valley and enjoy tastings at two premier wineries — Apolloni, known for Italian-inspired reds, and Ardiri, perched in the scenic Laurelwood District. You'll sample a dozen wines, explore the vineyard grounds, and enjoy a picnic-style lunch with a view. It’s a flavorful escape into Oregon’s signature terroir.
Kayak the John Day Slough
Paddle past houseboats, wildflowers, and willow thickets as your guide shares local lore and ecological insights into the region. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, eagles, and great blue herons in their natural habitats on this relaxing float through the scenic John Day Slough.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Movies filmed here include The Goonies, Into The Wild, Free Willy & more!
Astoria might not appear to have a Hollywood history, but maybe you need to look at your treasure map.
As your day in Astoria comes to an end, you’ll leave with the scent of salt on your jacket, the lingering aroma of incredible coffee, and the echoes of sea lions barking in the distance. A town that has weathered countless storms, this seaside gem of Pacific Northwest Americana’s vibes are so strong it’s drawn the eyes of some of Hollywood’s biggest hitmakers.
Whether you spent your time meandering the harrowed halls of the Columbia River Maritime Museum, listening to tales of nautical nightmares, immersing yourself with the welcoming locals (and a pint of sumptuous stout) at Fort George Brewery, or simply taking in the picturesque mountain and ocean views – featuring greens and blues that seem like they only exist here – you’re certain to leave Astoria with a clear understanding of what we mean when we say it’s the place where the past meets the present, and adventure meets ease.
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