Start your day on the Astoria Riverwalk, which is the easiest way to get your bearings and feel the rhythm of town. Park near the Columbia River Maritime Museum area or along the waterfront lots, then stroll west or east depending on the light and the wind; the full riverfront path is about 1.5 miles each way, but you can just do a scenic out-and-back for an hour or so. Expect views of working docks, old cannery buildings, tugboats, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and probably a breeze off the Columbia even in summer—layers help. Most of the walk is free, flat, and very walkable, with plenty of benches if you want to linger and watch the ships.
From the riverfront, step into the Columbia River Maritime Museum for a really solid introduction to Astoria’s identity as a port town. Give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours here; admission is typically around the mid-$20s for adults, and it’s worth it if you like shipwrecks, lighthouses, Coast Guard history, and the practical side of coastal life. Afterward, head a short walk to Fish St. Dockside Pub & Grill for lunch. It’s an easy, no-fuss waterfront stop with harbor views and the kind of seafood-and-comfort-food menu that fits the day—think fish tacos, chowder, sandwiches, and local beer. Plan on about $20–35 per person, and if it’s a sunny day, ask for a table with a view; it’s one of those places where you can let the pace slow down a bit.
After lunch, drive up to Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill—it’s only about 10 minutes from downtown, but the road is steep and winding, so take it slowly and expect a few tight turns. Parking is free at the top, and the column itself is usually open daily with a small donation suggested; bring a couple dollars for the tradition, and don’t skip the climb if your legs are up for it. The view from the top is the payoff: the river, the bridge, the town grid, and the hills all laid out below you. It’s especially good in the afternoon when the marine layer lifts, and you can burn a little time just taking photos and watching the weather move across the water.
Head back down into town for dinner at T. Paul's Supper Club, a local favorite for a more polished but still relaxed Astoria meal. It’s a good end-of-day spot after the waterfront and hilltop views, and the room has a comfortable old-school feel that suits the town. Expect to spend about $25–45 per person, a little more if you order drinks or seafood specials. If you still have energy after dinner, take one last short walk near the riverfront before calling it a night—Astoria is at its best when you let the evening be unhurried.