Astoria, located at the tip of the Oregon Coast, feels like a world apart. So does the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa, where you can truly escape the stress and hubbub of everyday life.
Perched atop 500 pillars and set 600 feet into the Columbia River at the foot of the iconic Astoria-Megler Bridge, this luxury hotel offers tasteful amenities, a full-service spa and an on-site bar. Best of all, each of the 46 rooms offers an unobstructed and breathtaking view of the Columbia River. Here’s how to spend three romantic, adventurous and rejuvenating days from this sumptuous home base in Astoria.
Day 1: An Afternoon on the River
Feel stress evaporate the moment you check into your room. Refresh in the rain shower or clawfoot tub or jetted tub with a view and settle into a plush robe. Inevitably, the view will draw you in. Step out onto your balcony and bask in the smells and sounds of the river, or grab a Pendleton blanket and curl up on the cozy window seat. Each guest room features marine-inspired art from local artist Duncan Berry that brings elements of the setting inside.
Use your room’s binoculars to spot sea lions, blue herons and eagles. Witness all manner of vessels sail by, from cruise ships and Coast Guard cutters to tankers loaded with wheat bound for China. For details and destinations, ask for a copy of the shipping news at the front desk, or check out the Columbia River Ship Report online.
Once you’re sufficiently relaxed, head to the second floor and peruse the hotel’s Hall of History. Curated by the Clatsop County Historical Society, these artfully arranged photos and videos document Astoria’s fishing traditions and canneries, Scandinavian heritage and the construction of the iconic Astoria-Megler bridge.
Then stroll downstairs for drinks and a light dinner at Bar 600, a relaxing lounge in the airy hotel lobby. Take in more stunning views of the Columbia River while you snack on caprese or pulled-pork sliders and sip on a cocktail or a glass of Oregon pinot noir.
Day 2: Out and About in Astoria
Once a salmon capital, Astoria has retained its romantic charm and is stocked with top-notch restaurants, breweries and museums. After breakfast at the hotel, head out for a fun and intimate tour with Onward Adventures to experience the town through a local’s eyes. The itinerary and pace are flexible, but there are three must-see attractions. First is the Oregon Film Museum, housed in the old Clatsop County Jail building, which celebrates the state’s rich legacy of cinema and television. Look for the exhibit dedicated to “The Goonies,” famously filmed in Astoria and celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025.
Another highlight is Pier 39, site of the oldest fish-processing plant on the Columbia River. Explore the Hanthorn Cannery Museum and eclectic shops, then grab a cup from Coffee Girl.
Finally, your group will also ascend into the hills to the Astoria Column. This one-of-a-kind attraction is adorned with a painted histogram detailing the region’s rich history, including Captain Gray’s arrival at the Columbia River, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the arrival of the railroad in Astoria.
Once your tour is complete, head back to Cannery Pier for a break before dinner. Guests can take a complimentary chauffeured ride in the hotel’s vintage luxury Rolls-Royce or Rambler to downtown Astoria for the evening. Get before-dinner drinks at Dead Man’s Isle and be whisked from the Pacific Northwest to a tropical paradise. Choose from an array of inventive cocktails, many featuring rum. For a surprise within a surprise, seek out the “secret” micro Japanese otaku bar, where you’ll find over 50 Japanese whiskies.
Top off the evening with an intimate dinner at Fedé Trattoria, where you’ll enjoy authentic Italian fare in a waterfront setting. Choose from an ever-changing menu house-made pastas featuring ingredients sourced from local fishermen, farmers and purveyors. After dinner, stretch your legs on the Riverwalk Trail along Astoria’s historic downtown waterfront before returning to your hotel.
Day 3: Morning at the Spa
It’s your final morning, but that doesn’t mean it has to be rushed. Head downstairs for a leisurely breakfast, where a chef will make you an omelet to order with your favorite fresh fixings.
Cap off your time at the Cannery Pier with a spa date with your partner. Choose from the Cannery Coastal Calm & Detox massage or facial — a full aromatherapy experience, thanks to nourishing Aveda products. Afterward, soak in the mineral hot tub or relax in the Finnish sauna. Leave refreshed and determined to repeat the experience next year.
