Port Area Snapshot
Astoria’s small‑town cruise pier nestles along the broad Columbia River where Oregon meets the Pacific. Ships tie up at Pier 1—steps from downtown shops, craft breweries, and the waterfront trolley—making it simple to soak up Oregon history, forested hills, and salty‑sea views in one easy stop. The Port of Astoria cruise berth handles about two dozen ships a year, and rolling green bluffs frame every photo. Within 30 minutes visitors can climb the famous Astoria Column, explore Civil‑War–era Fort Stevens, or taste fresh‑caught salmon. Compact, walkable, and packed with coastal charm, Astoria is an effortless highlight on Pacific Northwest itineraries.
Port Overview
Address: Port of Astoria Cruise Terminal, 10 Pier 1, Astoria, OR 97103 (Cruise Guide: Tips & Port Advice)
Cruise terminals: 1 dedicated berth at Pier 1 (the port operates three deep‑draft terminals total) (portofastoria.com)
Major cruise lines: Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, American Cruise Lines river boats (portofastoria.com)
Annual passengers: ~35,000–50,000 (about 23 oceangoing calls scheduled for 2025) (The Astorian)
Port features:
• Riverfront pier within 0.5 mi of downtown
• Visitor‑info tent & volunteer greeters
• Historic Riverwalk trolley stop at the gate
• Large motor‑coach parking & CBP facility
Typical weather:
- Winter: highs ~46 °F / lows ~36 °F; frequent rain & river fog
- Summer: highs ~68 °F / lows ~52 °F; mild, breezy, drier days
Transportation & Access
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Astoria Regional (ASQ) 5 mi/10 min – limited service; PDX (Portland Intl.) 95 mi/2 h via US‑30 | https://www.flypdx.com |
| Public transit | Sunset Empire bus Routes 10/101 stop 0.3 mi from pier; $2 fare to Seaside & Cannon Beach | https://www.ridethebus.org |
| Rail | Nearest Amtrak: Kelso‑Longview, WA – 55 mi/1 h 15 min (Cascades & Coast Starlight) | https://www.amtrak.com |
| Shuttles | Free downtown loop every 15 min on ship days; private tour coaches depart Pier 1 curb | https://www.portofastoria.com/cruise-visitors |
| Rideshare | Uber/Lyft permitted; pickup zone signed at terminal gate; typical ride to Column $8 | https://www.uber.com |
| Accessibility | Gangways ADA‑compliant; trolley has wheelchair ramp; buses with lifts on request | https://www.travelastoria.com |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astoria Column | 164‑step tower with 360° views of river, ocean & town | 9 am–dusk • $5 parking | https://astoriacolumn.org |
| Columbia River Maritime Museum | Hands‑on shipwreck & Coast Guard exhibits | 9:30 am–5 pm • $16 | https://www.crmm.org |
| Oregon Film Museum | “The Goonies” jail + movie props | 10 am–5 pm • $8 | https://oregonfilmmuseum.org |
| Fort Stevens State Park | Civil‑War fort, beaches & shipwreck | Dawn–dusk • $5 day‑use | https://stateparks.oregon.gov |
| Astoria Riverwalk & Trolley | Scenic 3‑mi waterfront stroll; $1 vintage trolley rides | Trolley noon–6 pm | https://old300.org |
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater Bistro | Riverfront views & piano nights | NW seafood • $$$ | https://bridgewaterbistro.com |
| Carruthers | Historic‑chic ambience | New American • $$‑$$$ | https://carruthersastoria.com |
| Silver Salmon Grille | Local wild salmon specials | Coastal grill • $$ | https://silversalmongrille.com |
| Buoy Beer Company | Sunset pints over the water | Gastropub • $$ | https://buoybeer.com |
Budget‑Friendly Dining
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowpicker Fish & Chips | Lunch | Albacore fish‑n‑chips • $ | https://goo.gl/maps/bowpicker |
| Frite & Scoop | Afternoon treat | Fries & house‑made ice cream • $ | https://friteandscoop.com |
| Blue Scorcher Bakery | Breakfast/Lunch | Organic bakery & sandwiches • $ | https://bluescorcher.coop |
| T Paul’s Urban Café | Lunch/Dinner | Wraps, burgers, salads • $ | https://tpauls.com |
Safety & Local Tips
- River weather changes fast; pack a light rain jacket even in July.
- Downtown streets are hilly—wear comfy shoes with grip.
- Oregon has no sales tax; souvenir prices are as marked.
- Use crosswalks—the Riverwalk trolley runs quietly along the tracks.
- Free city Wi‑Fi (“Astoria Visitor”) covers most of the pier & downtown core.
Cruise Day Logistics
- All passengers clear a CBP/security tent at pier exit; photo ID required for re‑entry.
- Historic trolley stops at the terminal about every 20 minutes; exact times posted at the gate.
- Volunteer “red‑coat” greeters hand out free maps and $1 trolley tokens.
- Ship tours & private excursions board from the marked coach lane beside Pier 1—listen for group numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is downtown from the ship?
A: About a 10‑minute flat walk along the Riverwalk boardwalk.
Q: Is there luggage storage ashore?
A: No lockers at the pier; keep bags on the ship or with a tour operator.
Q: Does the terminal have Wi‑Fi?
A: Yes—look for the free “Astoria Visitor” network at Pier 1 and along Commercial Street.
Q: What currency is accepted?
A: U.S. dollars; credit/debit cards are widely used and there is no sales tax.
Q: Can travelers rent bikes nearby?
A: Yes—Bike Astoria at 14th & Duane Streets rents cruisers and e‑bikes; 10‑minute walk.
Q: When does the last trolley return to the pier?
A: Usually around 6 pm; exact times vary by season—check the sign at the stop.
Q: Is Astoria safe after dark?
A: Downtown is generally safe; normal street‑smarts (stay lit areas, watch valuables) are advised.