Astoria Column Tours

Astoria Column which includes a bridge, a small town or village and a river or creek
Astoria Column featuring a park, landscape views and cuddly or friendly animals
Astoria Column featuring landscape views and a river or creek
Astoria Column showing heritage elements
Astoria Column showing a river or creek, a bridge and a small town or village


Serving as a unique outdoor depiction of the area’s history, this tall tower has drawn visitors for nearly 100 years.

Built in 1926, the tall Astoria Column is a major landmark rising over the city of Astoria. Learn about this impressive structure’s history. Discussion of building something on top of Coxcomb Hill began in 1898. Members of the Astoria community were inspired by the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris a decade earlier. After the city’s centennial in 1911, specific plans began to take shape for the tower, including a histogram depicting area events.

For the installation completed in 1926, Italian artist Attilio Pusterla created a 525-foot-long (160-meter) mural that wraps around the tower. The attractive sgraffito engraving depicts native Chinook people, Lewis and Clark, John Jacob Astor, Oregon statehood, the arrival of the railroad and other key people and events. However, the images became barely visible after decades of wear. Study the design, which is quite clear today after restorations in 1995 and 2015.

Climb 166 steps to the granite observation plaza at the top of the 110-foot-tall (33-meter) tower. Enjoy panoramic views of Astoria and the Columbia River and launch a small wooden glider from the platform to watch it soar and settle to the ground.

The column is surrounded by a grassy area perfect for picnics. Let kids run around or roll on the lawn. Inspect the replica of the burial canoe for Chief Comcomly of the Chinook Indians, which was added to the site in 1961.

See the column from nearly anywhere in Astoria. During sunny days, watch fluffy white clouds move across the blue sky behind the tower. Look for lightning during rainstorms. At night, view the light shows presented every hour. LED illumination installed by the Friends of Astoria Column let organizers create an infinite variety of lighting designs.

Drive to the Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill from the center of town in less than 10 minutes. Parking is available for a fee and is good for one year. The tower is free to access and opens from dawn to dusk. Request a docent in advance.

Plan a trip to see Astoria Column

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland by IHG
Mark Spencer Hotel
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

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Best Lodging Options Near Astoria Column

Astoria Riverwalk Inn

Astoria Riverwalk Inn

2 out of 5
400 Industry Street, Astoria, OR
Astoria Riverwalk Inn
Norblad Hotel

Norblad Hotel

2.5 out of 5
443 14th St, Astoria, OR
Norblad Hotel
Astoria Rivershore Motel

Astoria Rivershore Motel

2 out of 5
59 West Marine Dr, Astoria, OR
Astoria Rivershore Motel
Shilo Inn Suites Hotel - Warrenton

Shilo Inn Suites Hotel - Warrenton

2.5 out of 5
1609 E Harbor Dr, Warrenton, OR
Shilo Inn Suites Hotel - Warrenton
Bowline Hotel

Bowline Hotel

4 out of 5
1 9th St, Astoria, OR
Bowline Hotel
Motel 6 Astoria, OR

Motel 6 Astoria, OR

2 out of 5
288 W Marine Dr, Astoria, OR
Motel 6 Astoria, OR
Commodore Hotel

Commodore Hotel

3 out of 5
258 14th Street, Astoria, OR
Commodore Hotel
Hotel Elliott

Hotel Elliott

3.5 out of 5
357 12th Street, Astoria, OR
Hotel Elliott
Best Western Columbia River Waterfront Hotel Astoria

Best Western Columbia River Waterfront Hotel Astoria

2.5 out of 5
3420 Leif Erickson Dr, Astoria, OR
Best Western Columbia River Waterfront Hotel Astoria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Astoria Column

Visitors to the Astoria Column can enjoy various activities such as boating along the scenic waterways and witnessing breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant colors. The area's rich history and stunning views make it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation, offering a unique blend of nature and culture for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

At Astoria Column, enjoy local shopping at nearby spots. If you're up for a drive, visit Turnaround Market, Seaside Carousel Mall, and Seaside Antique Mall, each located 14 miles away, offering diverse shopping experiences with city vibes and family-friendly entertainment.

Recreation

The Astoria Aquatic Center offers family-friendly aquatic activities, perfect for relaxation and fun. For golf enthusiasts, both Gearhart Golf Links and Seaside Golf Course provide scenic outdoor settings to enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning views, just a short drive from the Astoria Column.

Adventure

The Fort to Sea Trail, located 4 miles from the Astoria Column, offers a scenic hiking experience through lush forests and coastal views. Angora Peak Trailhead, 28 miles away, provides breathtaking vistas, while Cape Falcon Trailhead, 30 miles distant, invites adventurers to explore stunning landscapes and rugged terrain.

Nightlife

In Astoria, the Liberty Theater offers a charming mix of culture and romance, just 0.8 miles from the Column. For family fun, Captain Kid Amusement Park is an exciting arcade adventure 15 miles away, while the Coaster Theatre, 21 miles from the Column, features captivating performances.

Find the best attractions near Astoria Column

Astoria Column is surrounded by a rich tapestry of history and culture, with nearby attractions including historic sites, national and state parks, and museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant outdoor scene and urban experiences the area has to offer. For those planning an extended stay, there are several holiday rentals available near the column, complete with reviews to help you choose the perfect spot for your vacation.

  • Astoria Riverfront Trolley: Experience a delightful journey on this historic trolley as it winds along the picturesque waterfront. Enjoy scenic views of the Columbia River and learn about Astoria's rich cultural heritage from knowledgeable conductors, making it a charming way to explore the area.
  • Columbia River Maritime Museum: Dive into the fascinating maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. This museum features engaging exhibits showcasing shipwrecks, fishing, and river navigation, offering a unique glimpse into the region's seafaring past and its vibrant culture.
  • Astoria-Megler Bridge: Marvel at the stunning architecture of this modern bridge, which connects Oregon and Washington over the Columbia River. The panoramic views from the bridge are breathtaking, providing a perfect backdrop for photos and a taste of city vibes.

Best time to go to Astoria Column

The best time to visit Astoria Column can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Astoria Column falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Astoria Column falls in December, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.6°F (5.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July59.5°F (15.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August60.8°F (16.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November46.2°F (7.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Astoria Column

To save money on your visit to the Astoria Column, plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to book, while Saturdays are pricier. Take advantage of Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels, and consider package deals for flights and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future stays. With free entry to the Astoria Column, it’s an affordable destination for everyone!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Astoria Column are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Astoria Column is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Astoria Column is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at the Astoria Column with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.