Vintage Charm & Coastal Bliss: The West Coast’s Oldest City Is Waiting To Be Discovered
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Did you know there was a “San Francisco” before San Francisco? It’s true.
Back in the early 1800s, way before Amazon Prime, businessman John Jacob Astor wanted to capitalize on the thriving fur trading market and founded the first official West Coast city.
This Oregon hideaway is located along what remains a beautiful bayside town where the Columbia River meets the vast Pacific; obviously ideal for a trading post back then.
Fast forward a little over two centuries, and what’s left of these lofty dreams is a timeless town of roughly 10,000 people – a far cry from San Francisco’s nearly 900,000.
Though reminiscent of San Fran with a sightly bridge over tranquil waters, yet without the cheesy 90’s sitcom landmarks, up-and-down crime waves, and sky-high real estate market, this forgotten city more commonly known as heading the shipwreck-laden “Graveyard of the Pacific”, is a delightful retreat oozing vintage vibes and coastal bliss.
Mr. Astor’s dreams may not have lived up to becoming a West Coast icon like “The Golden City”, but Astoria, with its mild winters and historic charm, is waiting to be rediscovered by those seeking an escape from the ordinary.
Time Travel Is Real After All
With the rapid development of AI, who knows, time travel may be possible in the near future. Regardless, exploring downtown Astoria is as close as it gets for now.
This stuck-in-time gem may have adopted the moniker “Little San Francisco”, but there’s something intangibly magnetizing to this old-timey town free of towering skyscrapers, the winding maze of Chinatown, and the zombie-apocalypse Tenderloin District.
Exploring downtown Astoria gives visitors a glimpse of the past through Victorian buildings and numerous museums chronicling the city’s foundation of seafaring history and what’s become of this unique corner of the Pacific Northwest.
Downtown Astoria is worthy of a postcard in its own unique way. The quaint vintage streets are lined with delightful shops and stopping points for photo-ops, such as the Flavel House Museum, Heritage Museum, or allegedly haunted Liberty Theatre.
Like any downtown area, locals have their favorite go-to spots. Here, you’ll want to grab a coffee at the Rusty Cup, browse for new reads at quirky Portland-esque Godfather’s Books, and if you’re around on weekends, peruse the Astoria Artwalk and Sunday Market (reopening in May).
Seaside Serenity & Nostalgic Stays
If you pretend Alcatraz is floating off-shore, the backdrop is uncanny in comparison to what San Francisco looks like with your back turned toward the skyline.
Visiting Astoria is one of the best spots on the West Coast to experience seaside serenity away from the city grind, and locals nowadays seem content with how their beloved hometown turned out.
Home to friendly, laid-back locals, you’ll quickly discover how it’s hard not to be surrounded by such stunning natural beauty.
There are multiple designated lookout points for incredible views. Check these out:
- Pigeon Steps
- Astoria Column
- Astoria Riverwalk (don’t skip the trolley ride!)
The latter would be considered where the action is at, but don’t expect overwhelming crowds as it stretches 12 miles dotted with popular eateries like Bowpicker Fish & Chips and marked with insightful tidbits of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, a vital component of Astoria’s storied timeline.
The Riverwalk makes for a great base, too, with ample accommodations ranging from upscale resorts to more modest digs aligning with the town’s vintage allure.
The Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa couldn’t have a better location, while Bowline Hotel is arguably the chicest and stylish, with equally desirable views, and the Commodore Hotel seamlessly blends historic charm and modern luxury.
But, if you’re the Bed & Breakfast type, check out Benjamin Young House, holding a 4.9 Google rating.
A Hoppy Haven For Beer Lovers
One might wonder how Astorian locals bide their time. The answer is clear: beer!
You’ll find flannel-rocking locals enjoying more than just scenic drives in their Subarus; the craft beer scene is thriving and a hub for social gatherings.
While the food scene certainly isn’t lacking either, breweries are the place to be.
Fort George is most notable amongst locals, Yelp actually favors Breakside.
Following Fort George, Yelp ranks Buoy Beer, Obelisk Beer Co., and Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop and Taproom rounding out the top 5.
Don’t fret, wine lovers. There’s something for you too.
Check out WineKraft Wine Bar, holding an impressive 4.8 Google Rating, overlooking the idyllic Columbia River.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.