Vintage Charm & Coastal Bliss: The West Coast’s Oldest City Is Waiting To Be Discovered

Sweeping views of Astoria, Oregon

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Do you know there was a “San Francisco” earlier than San Francisco? It is true.

Again within the early 1800s, manner earlier than Amazon Prime, businessman John Jacob Astor needed to capitalize on the thriving fur buying and selling market and based the primary official West Coast metropolis.

This Oregon hideaway is positioned alongside what stays a lovely bayside city the place the Columbia River meets the huge Pacific; clearly supreme for a buying and selling submit again then.

Quick ahead somewhat over two centuries, and what’s left of those lofty goals is a timeless city of roughly 10,000 folks – a far cry from San Francisco’s almost 900,000.

Sweeping views of Astoria, OregonSweeping views of Astoria, Oregon

Although reminiscent of San Fran with a sightly bridge over tranquil waters, but with out the tacky 90’s sitcom landmarks, up-and-down crime waves, and sky-high actual property market, this forgotten metropolis extra generally referred to as heading the shipwreck-laden “Graveyard of the Pacific”, is a pleasant retreat oozing classic vibes and coastal bliss.

Mr. Astor’s goals might not have lived as much as turning into a West Coast icon like “The Golden Metropolis”, however Astoria, with its delicate winters and historic allure, is ready to be rediscovered by these in search of an escape from the extraordinary.

Time Journey Is Actual After All

Downtown Astoria, Oregon's Liberty TheatreDowntown Astoria, Oregon's Liberty Theatre

With the fast growth of AI, who is aware of, time journey could also be doable within the close to future. Regardless, exploring downtown Astoria is as shut because it will get for now.

This stuck-in-time gem might have adopted the moniker “Little San Francisco”, however there’s one thing intangibly magnetizing to this old-timey city freed from towering skyscrapers, the winding maze of Chinatown, and the zombie-apocalypse Tenderloin District.

Exploring downtown Astoria provides guests a glimpse of the previous via Victorian buildings and quite a few museums chronicling the town’s basis of seafaring historical past and what’s turn into of this distinctive nook of the Pacific Northwest.

Astoria's Flavel House MuseumAstoria's Flavel House Museum

Downtown Astoria is worthy of a postcard in its personal distinctive manner. The quaint classic streets are lined with pleasant outlets and stopping factors for photo-ops, such because the Flavel House Museum, Heritage Museum, or allegedly haunted Liberty Theatre.

Like several downtown space, locals have their favourite go-to spots. Right here, you will wish to seize a espresso on the Rusty Cup, browse for brand new reads at quirky Portland-esque Godfather’s Books, and if you happen to’re round on weekends, peruse the Astoria Artwalk and Sunday Market (reopening in Could).

Seaside Serenity & Nostalgic Stays

3 chairs overlooking Astoria's Oregon's astounding scenery3 chairs overlooking Astoria's Oregon's astounding scenery

In the event you faux Alcatraz is floating off-shore, the backdrop is uncanny compared to what San Francisco appears like together with your again turned towards the skyline.

Visiting Astoria is among the finest spots on the West Coast to expertise seaside serenity away from the town grind, and locals these days appear content material with how their beloved hometown turned out.

House to pleasant, laid-back locals, you will shortly uncover the way it’s arduous to not be surrounded by such beautiful pure magnificence.

There are a number of designated lookout factors for unbelievable views. Verify these out:

  • Pigeon Steps
  • Astoria Column
  • Astoria Riverwalk (do not skip the trolley ride!)
Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa - Astoria, ORCannery Pier Hotel & Spa - Astoria, OR

The latter can be thought of the place the motion is at, however do not count on overwhelming crowds because it stretches 12 miles dotted with well-liked eateries like Bowpicker Fish & Chips and marked with insightful tidbits of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, a significant element of Astoria’s storied timeline.

The Riverwalk makes for an excellent base, too, with ample lodging ranging from upscale resorts to extra modest digs aligning with the city’s classic attract.

The Cannery Pier Resort & Spa could not have a greater location, whereas Bowline Resort is arguably the chicest and classy, with equally fascinating views, and the Commodore Hotel seamlessly blends historic allure and fashionable luxurious.

However, if you happen to’re the Mattress & Breakfast sort, try Benjamin Younger Home, holding a 4.9 Google score.

A Hoppy Haven For Beer Lovers

Fort George Brewery - Astoria, ORFort George Brewery - Astoria, OR

One would possibly surprise how Astorian locals bide their time. The reply is evident: beer!

You will discover flannel-rocking locals having fun with extra than simply scenic drives of their Subarus; the craft beer scene is flourishing and a hub for social gatherings.

Whereas the meals scene definitely isn’t missing both, breweries are the place to be. 

Fort George is most notable amongst locals, Yelp truly favors Breakside. 

Following Fort George, Yelp ranks Buoy Beer, Obelisk Beer Co., and Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop and Taproom rounding out the highest 5.

Wine glass on Astoria coastWine glass on Astoria coast

Do not fret, wine lovers. There’s one thing for you too.

Take a look at WineKraft Wine Bar, holding a formidable 4.8 Google Ranking, overlooking the idyllic Columbia River.

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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.



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