Whether you’re searching for a romantic getaway, an artists or authors retreat, or a serendipitous solo escape, Astoria is the top of my list in terms of experience payoff for distance traveled from Pierce County or the greater South Puget Sound, Washington. The combination of relaxation, good food, breweries & wineries, shopping, beaches, history & ghost stories, film lore (“Goonies never say die!”), photographic beauty, and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, etc. is hard to beat! Not to mention wildlife sightings like seals and pelicans and spears of foxglove, giant bopping white cow parsnip, and daisies spilling from hillsides and coastline alike.

As a solo-female traveler, in this case, I’ve felt very comfortable coming to Astoria. More often than not, someone will strike up friendly conversation, and the general vibe is laid back and welcoming. As a lover of good food & drink, antiques, bookstores, and a beautiful aesthetic, it’s no surprise that Astoria keeps me coming back.

If you’re driving from Washington State, I recommend coming by way of I5 to 101 via Olympia, toward Montesano via HWY 8 (then 12), down 101 by way of Raymond. The difference of taking most of I5 toward Longview is mere minutes (I’m looking at an 8 minute total difference), and significantly more scenic. Although- if you’re prone to motion sickness, like lucky me, I’d recommend you use your Dramamine, patches, weird googly glasses, etc. to prepare as the route is very windy and you will frow up if you don’t take precautions.

I typically like to leave early in the morning (about 7:45am for me) and take my time going down 101, stopping in South Bend or Raymond for a leg stretch- there are some cute coffee shops and beautiful view points. Once you come across the Astoria-Megler Bridge, set your GPS to the Bridgewater Bistro to walk along the pier and get lunch when you’re sufficiently wind whipped enough to need a glass of wine.

Bridgewater Bistro- if you see this: this is my petition to bring back the smoked salmon crostini… thank you. *plays tiny violin*

Hotel check-in likely isn’t until later in the day, so it’s the perfect time to get your first little gander in to all of the shops downtown. I find parking to be easy, and if it’s not, just make sure you have comfortable walking shoes anyways because Astoria is easy to get around.

Here’s my List of Must Sees (Shops)-

Vintage Hardware (Antiques- smalls, vintage furniture, reclamation… when I finally buy the beautiful craftsman home of my dreams, I’ll be taking a trip here) 1343 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103
Pat’s Pantry (I love their lose leaf tea) 1153 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103
Phog Bounders Antique Mall (Great Antique store) 892 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103
Look Around Books, Lucy’s Books, Godfather’s Books- Honestly, all worth a stop and all located on Commercial Street within a short distance
A Gypsy's Whimsy Herbal (fun herbal store- I got the packet of essential oil bath salts here) 1130 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103
Finn Ware (Would I be a good Scandinavian without recommending a look here?) 1116 Commercial St #4126, Astoria, OR 97103
MENAGERIE Co-Op (Just a lot of fun stuff in here) 1162 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103

Even though I haven’t stayed at the other hotels in Astoria, I haven’t felt the need to after my visits to the Bowline Hotel. Each stay has felt special in its own way, and I have to give a nod to their wonderful staff. On this trip, I was fortunate enough to receive a major room upgrade and, honestly, I fear I may have spoiled myself because I’m definitely going to want that room again in the future. Woops.

The Bowline Hotel:
https://adrifthospitality.com/bowline-hotel/
1 9th St, Astoria, OR 97103

(My Room: The Ice House, 10/10 Recommend!)

I haven’t mentioned it yet, but this trip to Astoria was for my 37th birthday. Over the past few years, I’ve been on a journey of rediscovery and learning how to enjoy life on my own terms. I think a lot of people are hesitant to do things solo, but while companionship is wonderful, there’s something incredibly freeing about traveling alone.

Don’t get me wrong, I fully expect that someday I’ll be in another relationship and enjoy sharing adventures with someone else. But for now, I appreciate that solo trips mean doing, seeing, eating, and drinking exactly what I want, when I want. There’s a certain kind of peace in setting your own pace and simply enjoying the experience for yourself.

After a day of driving, sightseeing and wandering the shops, I was excited for the respite of the hotel. My room was GLORIOUS- perched at the top corner of the hotel property overlooking the Columbia River, and nestled just over the saunas at the end of the pier. On my first day in Astoria, there couldn’t have been better weather- a warm, comfortable, golden, 60 degrees. T-shirt weather, but cool enough at night to enjoy the soaking tub and fireplace in my room.

If I have one honest piece of feedback about the Bowline, it would be The Knot Bar & Restaurant. I genuinely want to love the food there because everything else about the property has been such a positive experience, but unfortunately, I've struck out twice now.

During my first visit, I splurged on the Braised Rib of Beef, which reminded me more of an overcooked pot roast than the rich, tender dish I was expecting. On this trip, I ordered the Toasted Hazelnut Salad and the Seasonal Mushroom Pasta. The salad dressing had an unexpectedly warm, savory flavor that wasn't quite to my taste, and the pasta arrived with mushrooms that were warm on the outside but refrigerator-cold in the center. After sending it back, the replacement came out hot, but the pasta was unfortunately overcooked and the sauce tasted more or less like pasta water. I'm hoping this has simply been a case of bad luck, because I'd happily stay at the Bowline again in a heartbeat.

After an evening of soaking in the tub with cinnamon and ylang ylang bath salts and indulging in a room service chocolate and hazelnut mouse (fabulous… and it was my birthday, so YOLO), I woke up slowly to the glimmer of indigo waves through the windows, and spent some time journaling at the little table in my room. Between the river views, the quiet atmosphere, and the comfortable pace of the morning, it was exactly the kind of start I had hoped for on my birthday getaway.

As I sat there taking it all in, I found myself making a mental list of all the reasons I'd happily book the Ice House Suite again.

Why I'd Book the Ice House Suite Again:

• The COMFIEST bed
• Stunning Columbia River views
• Private patio overlooking the water
• Cozy gas fireplace
• Oversized soaking tub perfect after a day of exploring
• Large double walk-in shower
• In-room coffee and tea
• Plenty of room to spread out at 425 square feet

Eventually, I pulled myself away from my cozy waterfront perch and headed into downtown Astoria for breakfast at Stranded Coffee House (1410 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103). There, I enjoyed a cardamom latte mad of dreams, alongside their savory breakfast featuring some delicious potatoes. I also have to mention, their customer service was top notch and I will absolutely be back! It was the perfect start to the day and exactly what I needed before setting off to explore more of Astoria.

By the time I crossed the bridge and pointed my car back toward Washington, I felt refreshed, inspired, and honestly a little reluctant to leave. Between the historic streets, waterfront views, incredible coffee, and quiet moments spent watching the Columbia River roll by, Astoria once again proved why it has become one of my favorite Pacific Northwest destinations.

Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is permission to go. To take the trip. To celebrate the birthday. To wander into the bookstore, order the fancy latte, book the room with the soaking tub, and simply enjoy where you are.

For my 37th birthday, Astoria was exactly the right choice.

Other Things to See and Do in Astoria

While I packed quite a bit into my birthday getaway, there are still plenty of things on my Astoria list for a future visit:

Explore the historic Victorian homes that dot the hillsides above downtown.
Tour the Flavel House Museum, one of Astoria's most iconic historic homes.
Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum to learn more about the region's fascinating maritime history.
Walk a larger portion of the Astoria Riverwalk and keep an eye out for sea lions.
Take a ride on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley.
Visit nearby Fort Stevens State Park and see the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck.
Explore the beaches around Gearhart and Seaside.
Spend more time antiquing, bookstore browsing, and coffee shop hopping through downtown.
Visit during a different season to experience Astoria's famously moody coastal weather.

Until next time,
May your coffee be warm and your adventures worthwhile!
Andrea ♥