Although Astoria entered in Western history in 1792 when Captain Robert Gray first entered the Columbia River. After that event, other explorations of the river succeeded with diverse success included the expedition led by Lewis and Clark from 1803. And, before Gray's trip, there is 10,000 years of history as Native Americans (Clatsop, Tillamook, Chinook) lived in the region hunting and fishing. Stop by any of Astoria's museums to have a better idea of the rich and diverse history of exploration, colonization and settlement of the region.

- Columbia River Maritime Museum. The museum exhibits a comprehensive collection of model ships and marine artifacts that span centuries of the region's nautical history from simple canoes crafted by Native Americans to the sophisticated vessels of today. The museum includes six galleries, the Great Hall, the Lightship Columbia and four interactive featuring aspects of Astoria's life displays that the whole family will enjoy. It is located on Asoria's waterfront at 1792 Marine Drive.

- Flavel House Museum. This magnificent Victorian mansion built by Captain Geoge Flavel in 1885 will enable the visitor to experience how life was more than a century ago as they walk around the house admiring the rooms, the furniture, the art pieces and the gardens. Admire the Columbia river from the cupola. Located at 441 th Street, it is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.

- Located at 1618 Exchange street, the Heritage Center Museum housed many of the most important offices of the city: Astoria City Hall, public library and the Columbia River Martime Museum. Now, the museum takes the visitor to a journey along the region's natural history, Native Americans' life, European immigrants' experience of colonization and the most important events in maritime history.

- Uppertwon Firefigthers Museum. It houses an interesting and comprehensive collection of artifacts and equipment used by firefigthers since the 19th century. Within the same building is the Children's Museum.