Blue Book Information
The Blue Books are curated guides designed to equip Cruise Ambassadors with quick, reliable access to essential local information. Each book includes up-to-date cruise schedules, highlights of nearby tourist attractions, recommended restaurants and shops, and concise descriptions of key locations. Whether greeting guests at the dock or offering tips around town, Ambassadors can use these handy reference tools to confidently showcase the region’s charm and ensure visitors feel welcomed and informed.
Getting Around
Visitors can explore Astoria by walking its charming downtown, hopping on the seasonal trolley along the waterfront, or using local ride services. Biking is also popular, with scenic routes connecting parks, viewpoints, and historic sites throughout the city.
Location | Description | Est Distance from Pier 1 |
|---|---|---|
Cannon Beach, Oregon | Iconic Haystack Rock, art gallaries, and coastal beauty. | 25 miles (drive) |
Seaside, Oregon | Classic beach town with promenade, aquarium, and family-friendly attractions. | 17 miles (drive) |
Fort Clatsop | Reconstructed Lewis & Clark fort with trails and interpretive exhibits. | 6 miles (drive) |
Astoria Column | Built in 1926, with a 525 ft. spiral mural that commemorates Oregon and Astoria development. 164 steps to the top. Gift shop sells $1 planes to toss from the top. | 2.8 miles (drive/steep walk) |
Pier 39 | Historic cannery with sea lion viewing on the way. Coffee and boutique shops. | 2.5 miles (walk/trolley) |
Columbia River Maritime Museum | Nauticle exhibits, Lightship Columbia tour, and Columbia River history great gift shop. Open 9:30am - 5:00pm. | 1.6 miles (walk/trolley) |
10th and Commercial | Heart of downtown, 1st bus stop. Shops, cafe, galleries. | 1.2 Miles (walk/trolley) |
Opened in July 1966, 4.1 miles. Cantilever through-truss ideal for wide crossings. Designed to withstand strong winds and tidal forces. Final link in the US Hwy system between Mexico and Canada. Ferries operated from 1921 to 1966 across the river. At its peak, four ferries operated the route with a 30-minute crossing time in good weather. In 2016 a group purchased the old Tourist II in hopes of restoring it, however in July of 2022 it began taking on water and partially sank near the 6th street viewing station.
Built in 1913 with wood and steel. Runs 3 miles along the river from Basin Street to 39th Street. First stop is in front of the Riverwalk Inn - trolley kiosk. Seasonal operation depending on weather. $1 per boarding, or $2 for all-day pass. Cash or Venmo accepted. Can hold aprox 40 passengers. Not wheelchair-accessible. Fills up fast!
Open 9:30 - 5pm. Nationally recognized museum. Opened in 1963. Lightship Columbia moored outside of the museum. It served as a floating lighthouse guiding ships across the bar. Lightship open daily 11am-3pm.
shopping
Astoria has approximately 120 retail stores in its downtown district. Spanning categories like clothing, gifts, books, galleries and specialty stores. Looking for keepsakes: Salty Raven, Flim Museum Gift Shop, Sunday Market, Luminari Arts, Finnware, Chamber of Commerce and Maritime Gift Shop to name a few.
Local Favorites: Cathedral Trail. Forested climb to the Astor Column. Astoria Riverwalk: Flat 4.9 mile path along the river. Shivley Park: Wooded trails, picnic shelters, playground. Alderbrook Park: Great for families and a casual stroll.
Located at 714 Exchange. Queen Anne-style Victorian built in 1885. Built for Capt. Geo Flavel, a bar pilot and businessman. Open Wednesday - Monday 10am to 4pm. Closed Tuesdays. Tickets are purchased in the Carriage House at 7th and Franklin.
Wildlife
Home to a rich variety of wildlife. Comorants, gulls and pelicans along with bald eagles. Sea lions can be found at the east end mooring basin along with river otters. Deer are frequently spotted throughout the residential areas in town. Outside of town there are large herds of Elk.
Astoria has few cabs, and they fill up quickly. Check Google for current cabs that are running.
Enterprise Rental Car is located under the bridge on Marine Drive. It is highly recommended that you book well in advance.
Buses to Seaside and Cannon Beach can be located at website: https://nwconnector.org/interactive-map/?tab=routes&cat=269
CCH ByLaws
Bylaws are the official rules that govern how an organization operates. They outline the structure, roles, and procedures that guide decision-making and leadership.