Founded in 1811, Astoria was the first American settlement established west of the Rockies. Located at the northern end of the Oregon coast along the Columbia River, it’s rich in history and boasts many magnificent buildings and homes like the Flavel House, one of the most well-preserved examples of Queen Anne architecture in the Northwest. Astoria is also famous as the setting of the 1985 cult classic, “The Goonies” and offers a wealth of outdoor adventures too.
There are several hotels here, but you’ll find many more Airbnb rentals making it easy to experience what it might be like to live here as a local while enjoying plenty of extra perks too.
Capt Eric Johnson House
Stay in a slice of history by booking this home. Built in 1875 for the man who pioneered the area’s salmon canning industry, John Fox, it was named for its second occupant, Captain Eric Johnson, who was a Swedish immigrant and riverboat pilot. Renovated in 2021, you’ll have a private entrance to your two-bedroom suite, accessed from the large parlor and central staircase. It accommodates up to four guests and includes a kitchenette with a minifridge, microwave, and a coffeemaker with coffee supplied. There’s also a laundry room and a spacious bathroom with a subway-tiled tub/shower and window where you can watch the ships pass by on the river below. Wi-Fi and a TV with Roku are included too.
Victorian Farmhouse with a View
This beautiful historic home is perfect for Goonies fans and anyone who wants to enjoy an amazing view. From the huge wrap-around porch you’ll have a view of the river and the iconic “Goonies House.” Plus, the famous sea lions that congregate by the hundreds on and around the pier, known as the “Goondocks” in the movie, are easily reached on foot as is the streetcar to downtown, Coffee Girl, and Rogue Brewery. Another highlight is the hot tub for soaking under the stars. The rental sleeps up to four in two bedrooms and includes a full kitchen, dining and living room as well as a deck with a gas grill for cookouts and a fire pit for marshmallow roasting.
Pier 12
Enjoy a unique stay that delivers one of the best views in Astoria as it’s perched right over the Columbia River in the Pier 12 building. A cozy space for two, in this “secret hideaway” you can watch the pilot boat come and go right from your room, along with the big ships, sea lions, and all sorts of birds that pass by. There’s no kitchen or TV, but you’ll have strong Wi-Fi along with a French press and grinder. Plus, it’s in a highly walkable location, with many restaurants, cafes, and bars easily reached on foot. There’s a comfy bed that sits on an elevated platform and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and Japanese onsen-style towels.
Scenic Sunsets
If you’ve ever seen the 1986 film “Short Circuit” you’ll probably recognize this place as the Victorian-era farmhouse was the fictional home for actor Ally Sheedy. Built in 1882, from the patio you’ll enjoy a rare view of the Astoria-Megler bridge and the mouth of the Pacific Ocean while still being just minutes from downtown. SC fans will also appreciate that it was remodeled so that it looks like it did in the movie, with memorabilia and promotional artwork throughout. And, you’ll have all the modern conveniences too.
The Float House at Jack Creek
Astoria is known for its fun quirks and this floating house perfectly fits the image. It sits on the John Day River just minutes from downtown. You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds, with convenient access to activities on the river, relaxation, and proximity to all the area attractions. It was originally a floating store but it’s been converted to include all you need for a comfortable stay and lies adjacent to 16 acres of farmland, providing an especially tranquil setting. Larger than it looks, it includes three bedrooms plus an office, sleeping up to eight guests, along with a full kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, and a washer/dryer. You’ll even have complimentary kayaks and a rowboat for exploring the river.
Big Blue House in Union Town Astoria
This three-bedroom is a unit in a historic triplex that boasts views of the docks and Astoria-Mengler Bridge crossing the Columbia River at the confluence of the Pacific Ocean from a picture window in the living room. It accommodates up to five and includes a well-stocked kitchen with everything you need to make your own meals, although you’ll find several restaurants easily reached on foot for dining out too. Wi-Fi, TV, and laundry facilities are included too.
Astoria Loft Downtown
Guests often say that five stars aren’t enough for this place and that they never want to leave. Of course, you’ll want to head out the door occasionally as it’s right in the center of downtown, steps from the waterfront, shops, and restaurants. Unique and eclectic, it’s like “living inside of an art gallery” with the bonus of an actual art gallery next door. It includes Wi-Fi, TV, and kitchenette items, including a microwave, fridge, hot plate, and coffeemaker. A complimentary breakfast is provided at the cafe nearby.
Suite with River Views & Sauna
The CatBird Seat is the private, second-floor suite of an 1890 Victorian-era home accommodating up to four guests. It includes a kitchenette with all the usual appliances other than an oven, a dining area, and a living room with a view of the Columba River. Other highlights include the nook with a sauna and a deep claw foot tub, either of which is ideal after a day exploring in the rain. The hosts also provide a complimentary charcuterie snack tray and Fort George Beer.
Carriage House at Historic Rosebriar Mansion
The Carriage House is a romantic guest cottage that dates back to the 1880s, the oldest structure on the property which also includes the Rosebriar Mansion. The mansion has another rental unit and another area where the host lives. It’s just a few blocks up the hill from the downtown core and includes a luxurious king-size bed, a bathroom with a shower and separate oversized tub, and a porch ideal for sipping your morning coffee or evening wine.
Cozy Country Experience at the Coast
If you want to enjoy a more rural countryside location, this one-bedroom apartment for two is attached to a full-time residence that sits on five acres. It’s just 15 minutes from downtown Astoria while beaches, bike rides, and hikes can be reached within 20. You’ll easily be able to walk down to the river too and enjoy a fabulous view from inside and the deck. The space also includes a 32″ HDTV, Wi-Fi, and a full kitchen.
Norblad Hotel - Astor Suite on 8th Floor Downtown
The Astor Suite sits on the top floor of downtown Astoria’s tallest building with the Norblad Hotel right next door which handles check-ins for a seamless experience. A minimalist space, it sleeps up to two in one bedroom and includes high-end furnishings along with a fully equipped, modern kitchen that includes a Keurig coffeemaker. As one might expect, thanks to its height the views are fantastic and the tall windows make the most of it, providing a 180-degree view of downtown and the Columbia River.
Shipping Container Glamping in Astoria
Enjoy a unique space in this cozy shipping container home the host refers to as “Boxcar Children all grown up.” It’s a drive-thru coffee shop turned tiny house that can sleep five and comes with a full kitchen, TV, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and bathroom as well as a 900-square-foot wraparound covered deck. It sits on a partially wooded, private 2.5-acre property with a creek, providing a peaceful rural setting just six miles south of Astoria.
