Astoria, Oregon, is a charming town rich in character, history, and stunning coastal scenery. What makes it especially appealing are the diverse tour options available — whether you’re after a laid-back sightseeing stroll, an in-depth exploration of the coast, or a fun scavenger hunt. We particularly love the small-group tours that bring you closer to local stories and hidden corners, like the Tour of Astoria, which offers personalized insights and a chance to visit iconic spots like the Astoria Column and the Goonies House. The city’s laid-back vibe combined with its scenic vistas makes it an ideal place for memorable excursions.
For those who want to get a broader taste of the Oregon coast, the Full Tour of 4 coastal towns from Astoria to Seaside with lunch provides a full day of sightseeing, delicious local eats, and access to hidden viewpoints. And if you prefer exploring at your own pace, the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour lets you discover the region with automated commentary, perfect for flexible travel schedules. For a more interactive experience, the Ultimate Scavenger Astoria presents a fun, self-paced challenge to uncover the city’s quirkiest facts and landmarks.
Below, we’ve broken down each of these top tours to help you decide which best suits your travel style and interests.
1. Tour of Astoria
At number 1 on our list, the Tour of Astoria stands out for its small-group format—limited to just 14 people—which ensures a personalized experience. Priced at $65 per person, it offers about 3 hours of guided sightseeing, picking you up directly from your accommodation. This convenience alone makes it a hassle-free way to explore. The tour hits key highlights like the Astoria Column, where panoramic views and the climb up 125 feet are a must-do, and the Goonies House, which draws fans of the classic film.
What makes this tour special is the host’s stories about Astoria’s history and culture, plus their top tips on local shops, restaurants, and upcoming events. Tour-goers often appreciate the inclusion of pamphlets packed with fun facts—adding depth to the experience. The itinerary also includes visits to the Flavel House Museum, Fort Astoria, and the Hanthorn Cannery Museum, providing a well-rounded taste of the town’s past and present. With excellent reviews praising guides like Katie and Bill for their patience and local knowledge, this tour is a fantastic choice for first-timers or those wanting an intimate look at Astoria.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see the highlights and hear engaging stories about Astoria.
2. Full Tour of 4 Coastal Towns from Astoria to Seaside with Lunch
For around $210, the Full Tour of 4 coastal towns offers a comprehensive experience lasting about 7 hours. This is ideal if you want an immersive day exploring not just Astoria, but nearby seaside towns like Seaside, Cannon Beach, and others. The tour kicks off in Seaside, where you’ll stroll along Broadway, checking out the Gilbert District’s vibrant restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops—plus some fun stories about local bars and historic sites.
The highlight for many is the hike to Tillamook Head, one of the coast’s best trails, offering spectacular views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and the rugged coastline. The guide highlights lesser-known facts — like the origin of wooden pilings and the impact of tsunamis — making it a well-educational experience. The tour also includes a delicious lunch, giving you a break from sightseeing while sampling local flavors.
This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy full-day adventures with a mix of history, scenic hikes, and cultural insights. The reviews are glowing, praising the guide’s depth of knowledge and the ability to discover hidden gems. The pace is active, so comfortable shoes and a good attitude are recommended.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want to combine sightseeing, hiking, and local culture in one day.
3. Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Oregon Coast
At number 3, the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour offers a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore the coast on your own terms. Priced at just $19.99 for the group, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer independent exploration without the pressure of a group. The tour runs from 8 hours up to a full day and uses your phone’s GPS to deliver behind-the-scenes stories, local tips, and directions automatically.
This tour covers major highlights like the Oregon Coast, the historic Astoria with Victorian homes and the Astoria Column, and iconic spots like Cannon Beach. It also guides you to lesser-known places, including miles of beaches, a cheese factory, and historic bridges, allowing you to tailor your trip based on your interests. The flexibility means you can spend more or less time at each stop, making it excellent for spontaneous travelers or those with tight schedules.
Reviewers love how easy it is to use, with many mentioning the “lots of history and funny tidbits,” and how it gave them the freedom to explore at their own pace. For those seeking a personalized experience without the expense of a guided tour, this option is hard to beat.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent travelers who want detailed local insights without the fixed itinerary.
4. Ultimate Scavenger Astoria
Number 4 on our list, the Ultimate Scavenger Astoria is a lively, interactive activity perfect for families or groups looking for fun. Priced at $24 per group, it lasts around 3 hours and is designed for self-paced participation. This scavenger hunt takes you through the city’s most interesting landmarks, offering an entertaining way to learn about Astoria’s sights and stories.
What makes this activity stand out is its flexibility—whether you’re racing to beat the clock or just casually exploring, you set your own pace. The reviews describe it as “lots of fun” and highlight how it reveals things about Astoria that many visitors overlook. It’s a playful approach that combines learning with some friendly competition, making it suitable for all ages.
While some participants wished for an earlier start, most appreciate the opportunity to discover new corners of the city in a laid-back, interactive way. It’s perfect for families or groups who enjoy puzzles, challenges, and a bit of friendly rivalry.
Bottom Line: A lighthearted, engaging way to see Astoria with a group, especially if you enjoy games more than traditional tours.
5. Aspirational Astoria Scavenger Hunt
Finally, the Aspirational Astoria Scavenger Hunt offers a highly interactive, personalized experience. Priced at $21.60 per person and lasting about 2 hours, it provides a remote, live-hosted scavenger hunt via your phone. This tour is designed for those who want a customized, social experience with a dash of detective work.
Unlike traditional scavenger hunts, this activity includes a live host who guides and encourages you throughout the adventure. It’s a creative way to discover the city’s sights, solve clues, and learn interesting facts while competing with friends or family. Since it’s offered across many cities, the format works well for travelers who like flexible, engaging activities with a bit of an edge.
Though it currently has no reviews, its innovative format makes it appealing for groups wanting a unique, tech-savvy activity. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy puzzles, social challenges, and customized experiences.
Bottom Line: A good pick if you want a lively, interactive challenge with personalized guidance.
$21.60 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour in Astoria
When deciding between these options, think about your budget, time, interests, and mobility. If you prefer a guided, intimate experience, the Tour of Astoria is hard to beat. If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines scenic walks and local eats, the Full Tour of 4 coastal towns offers excellent value. For those who want flexibility, the Self-Guided Audio Tour is a budget-friendly and informative choice.
Families, groups, or activity seekers might prefer the Ultimate Scavenger Hunt for its fun and interactive format, while tech-savvy travelers may enjoy the Aspirational Scavenger Hunt for a personalized, real-time experience.
Booking early, especially for guided tours during peak seasons, is advisable. Consider your physical activity level and interests—whether you’re after cultural insights, outdoor adventures, or playful challenges—to find the best fit.
Astoria offers a diverse array of tours to suit every traveler’s style. Whether you’re looking for a quick, guided overview or an immersive day exploring the coast, these options give you a great starting point. We recommend balancing your interests and schedule to select a tour that will leave you with memorable stories and a true sense of the town’s charm. Don’t wait too long—early booking ensures you get your spot in the most popular experiences.