The Riverfront Walk In This Coastal Oregon Town Is 6.5 Miles Of Breezy Beauty

To really explore one of Oregon's towns, you need to get out of your car and take a walk. You'll see all kinds of things you might miss while driving by, and get some fresh air in the process! Astoria is one of the Oregon coast's most charming towns, and it has a 6.5-mile-long riverfront path that you'll want to stroll.

The Riverwalk Trail in Astoria includes a slice from all parts of town, from the bustling port to the downtown area, to quiet, peaceful spots for birdwatching.

There's plenty to see and do along the way when you stroll this trail. You'll go right underneath the magnificent Astoria-Megler Bridge, the longest of its kind in the U.S..

See the sea lions congregated on the dock - you can't miss them. These quirky creatures reach up to 700 pounds, and they're actually a huge nuisance to fisherman who have tried almost everything in order to get them to move on.

While they damage docks and eat the local fish population, they are admittedly entertaining!

As you stroll past the packing houses, you'll see quaint murals that add to the atmosphere.

Keep an eye out for the interpretive signs along the trail. They'll tell you about the wildlife here, as well as the history of Astoria.

You'll also see some pretty amusing signs along the trail. If you choose to ride your bike on this path, make sure you don't do it while drinking, or this could be your fate!

Stroll past fishing boats and other working vessels...

...and make sure to stop in for a visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. You'll hear stories and see displays about the seafaring history of this town, and the tragic deaths of fishermen over the years. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check out the huge anchor in front of the museum!

Visit the shops and restaurants in the downtown area. You'll pass by many of them while walking or biking on this paved trail.

Make sure to bring your camera; there are plenty of picturesque views.

Most people on foot only complete some of the trail, as it's nearly 13 miles, round-trip. To see the entire trail, bring your bike or rent one nearby. Some of the hotels near the Riverwalk offer free bikes for the use of guests.

Have you strolled along the Astoria Riverwalk? Tell us about your adventure, and show us your photos in the comments!

While you're in Astoria, make sure to climb this historic tower to see some incredible views, and ride the riverfront trolley for a narrated ride past some of the town's iconic sights.