Explore on your own rating
Flat riverside walk or shuttle into a historic small city.
Where ships dock
- Port of Astoria Pier 1, at the west end of the Astoria Riverwalk
Getting to town
Downtown is about 1.2 miles east along the flat, paved Riverwalk. The Port of Astoria runs a shuttle to downtown about every 30 minutes while a ship is in. A private all-day shuttle (Sundial) also stops downtown and at the Maritime Museum (about $15 to $20). Clatsop Cruise Host volunteers meet ships with maps.
The seasonal "Old 300" riverfront trolley costs $1 a ride or $2 for the day, but it is small and fills fast. Fort Stevens and Cannon Beach are best by tour.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: U.S. dollar.
Top sights nearby
- Columbia River Maritime Museum (about 1.6 miles)
- Astoria Column (uphill, 164 steps to the top)
- Astoria Riverwalk and sea lions at the docks
- Flavel House Museum
- Fort Stevens and Cannon Beach (tour)
Beaches
- Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock (about 40 minutes by road; tour)
Safety & tips
- The Column is about 2.8 miles from the pier and a steep climb: take a taxi up.
- Layers and a rain jacket are wise on the Oregon coast.
- The Riverwalk trolley is not wheelchair accessible.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
From downtown allow 30 minutes on foot or catch a shuttle 45 minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in Astoria, Oregon? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find Astoria, Oregon shore excursions on Viator ↗
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answers
Can you explore Astoria, Oregon on your own?
Yes, it is rated Easy. Flat riverside walk or shuttle into a historic small city.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Astoria, Oregon?
Downtown is about 1.2 miles east along the flat, paved Riverwalk. The Port of Astoria runs a shuttle to downtown about every 30 minutes while a ship is in. A private all-day shuttle (Sundial) also stops downtown and at the Maritime Museum (about $15 to $20). Clatsop Cruise Host volunteers meet ships with maps.
When should I head back to the ship in Astoria, Oregon?
From downtown allow 30 minutes on foot or catch a shuttle 45 minutes before all-aboard.
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