Astoria Underground Tours - Astoria, Oregon

Discovering Astoria's Hidden History: A Deep Dive into Astoria Underground Tours

Nestled in the heart of Astoria, Oregon, lies a unique and captivating attraction that transports visitors back in time. Astoria Underground Tours, located in the lower parking lot of 1125 Marine Dr, offers an unforgettable journey into the city's rich history, hidden treasures, and intriguing tales. This comprehensive article will delve into the main services, location and access, featured characteristics, practical information, and the positive aspects highlighted in customer reviews of Astoria Underground Tours.

Main Services

Astoria Underground Tours specializes in providing a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history, adventure, and local lore. Their primary services include:

• Underground Tours: The main attraction, these guided tours take visitors on a journey beneath Astoria's streets, exploring the city's extensive network of abandoned tunnels and hidden spaces. Participants will learn about the city's past, from its early days as a bustling seaport to its role in the rise and fall of the canning industry.
• Historic Walking Tours: For those who prefer to stay above ground, Astoria Underground Tours offers walking tours that explore the city's historic neighborhoods, architecture, and landmarks. These tours provide a fascinating look into the lives of Astoria's earliest residents and the events that shaped the city.
• Private and Group Tours: Whether you're a group of friends, a family, or a corporate team, Astoria Underground Tours can accommodate your needs with private and group tours. These customized experiences allow you to explore Astoria's history on your own schedule and with a personal touch.

Location and Access

Astoria Underground Tours is conveniently located in the lower parking lot of 1125 Marine Dr, Astoria, OR 97103. The tour starting point is just a short walk from the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Columbia River Maritime Museum Store. Here's some detailed information on getting there:

• By Car: From Highway 101, take Exit 36 for Astoria/Megler Bridge. Follow signs for US-101 S/Astoria. Turn left onto Marine Dr, and the tour starting point will be on your right, in the lower parking lot of 1125 Marine Dr.
• By Bus: The Astoria-Warrenton Area Transit (A-WAT) bus service operates in the area. You can take the #10 or #11 bus and get off at the Marine Drive and 12th Street stop. The tour starting point is about a 5-minute walk away.
• Parking: Free of charge street parking is available near the tour starting point. Additionally, there is a public parking lot located at 900 Marine Dr, approximately a 3-minute walk from the tour starting point.

Featured Characteristics

One of the most unique aspects of Astoria Underground Tours is the opportunity to explore the city's extensive network of tunnels and hidden spaces. These features set the tours apart from other historic walking tours and provide a truly immersive experience:

• Historic Tunnels: Astoria's underground tunnels were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to facilitate the transportation of goods between factories, warehouses, and the waterfront. These tunnels are now abandoned but offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's industrial past.
• Hidden Spaces: In addition to the tunnels, Astoria Underground Tours visits other hidden spaces, such as forgotten basements, abandoned storefronts, and even a secret speakeasy from the Prohibition era.
• Storytelling: The guides at Astoria Underground Tours are passionate about Astoria's history and bring the city's past to life through engaging storytelling. They weave together captivating tales of bootlegging, labor unrest, and everyday life in Astoria during its heyday as a bustling seaport.

Practical Information

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it's essential to be aware of some practical information regarding Astoria Underground Tours:

• Appointment Required: Due to the limited capacity of the underground spaces, it is essential to book your tour in advance. Appointments can be made by calling 4157134141 or visiting the Old Astoria Tours website.
• Tour Duration: Both the Underground Tours and Historic Walking Tours last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Age Restrictions: The Underground Tours are not recommended for children under 12 due to the challenging nature of the tunnels. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• What to Wear and Bring: Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and navigating uneven terrain. It's also a good idea to bring a flashlight or headlamp, as some of the underground spaces can be dimly lit.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.5/5 on Google My Business and 103 reviews, Astoria Underground Tours has made a significant impression on its customers. Some of the most frequently mentioned positive aspects include:

• Engaging Guides: Many reviewers praised the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, who brought Astoria's history to life through captivating storytelling and fascinating facts.
• Unique Experience: Several customers highlighted the unique and immersive nature of the underground tours, which provided a perspective on Astoria's history that they couldn't get from other tours.
• Well-Organized and Safe: Reviewers appreciated the well-organized nature of the tours, as well as the guides' commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants, particularly in the sometimes-challenging underground environments.
• Highly Recommended: Many reviewers recommended Astoria Underground Tours to friends and family, with some even planning to return for another tour in the future.

In conclusion, Astoria Underground Tours offers a captivating and unique exploration of Astoria's rich history, hidden spaces, and intriguing tales. With its engaging guides, well-organized tours, and commitment to safety, Astoria Underground Tours provides an unforgettable experience that is not to be missed. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventure-seeker, or simply looking for a unique way to explore Astoria, Astoria Underground Tours is an excellent choice.

👍 Reviews of Astoria Underground Tours

Tosh&Wendy H.

5/5

My son was doing research on Astoria Underground and what better way to learn and research than to take a little field trip. We took him and two of his friends on the tour and they absolutely loved it!!!
We drove up from Salem, which is almost a 3 hour drive and we were running late by 15 min because of unexpectedly longer traffic time, and the hosts of the tour were so kind to wait for us, even when they didn’t have to. We appropriate you guys sooo much!!!
The tour itself was super informative and fun. The kids were talking about it all the way back home, how much history Astoria has under the ground, and how fun the tour guides were.
Definitely a must when you come visit Astoria 🙂 plus Astoria itself is beautiful.

Thank you!!!

Maeve H.

5/5

This tour was fantastic and I cannot recommend it enough! The tour guides are entertaining and informative with deep connections to historic Astoria. They pack a lot of fascinating local history into just 1 hour. You cannot miss it!

Jason B.

5/5

The was such a fun and educational tour. The 3 “gentlemen” were entertaining and had local attachments and personal experiences with the underground.
It lasted about an hour but honestly I could’ve listened to their funny interactions more.
Give it a try the next time you’re in Astoria!

Hannah G.

5/5

We had such an amazing time! I believe the tour guides names were Chad and Jeff, they were AMAZING!!! I definitely recommend this experience to everyone! So many cool things to learn about this little town!

Seth B.

5/5

Interesting tour under the Astoria sidewalks. Guides gave an entertaining overview of the history of the city.

Elizabeth A.

5/5

Our group of ladies had such a great time on the Underground tour! As someone from Oregon who has been to Astoria numerous times, it was so fun to learn more about the town's history in a fun way. Highly recommend!

Yana O.

1/5

My review will be detailed and substantiated.

- 1. We came here for the first time on
weekend, around 7pm, because Google Maps showed that they were open, but in fact all the doors were closed. No one answered the phone, so after that we tried to book through the website. If you are not working, then write about it, or change your work schedule, because someone may come to you and have bad internet, which will not allow you to pay and book online.

-2. Of course, it is interesting to listen to a little history, but on this excursion it was really stretched out, in several hours, but it is not worth the time.

-3. Price. The ticket cost $20 per person + tax. There are cool museums in Astoria, much more interesting and exciting and they cost $5-6 each. Of course, everyone sets their own price, but in comparison, it will be expensive for a tour of such a low level.

-4. Atmosphere. Overall, this tour looks interesting as long as you stand at the front door. And on the way out, when you see clown cars. Nothing more interesting.

I gave 1 star because people at least came to work.

Lindsi F.

5/5

I have visited Astoria a few times, but going on this tour made me appreciate this amazing town even more! The tour guides were so fun and really seem to enjoy what they do. ◡̈ Astoria has a fascinating history… who would’ve guessed that CLOWNS were so heavily involved?! 😂🤡 We also picked up some tips about more local events that we’d like to attend. We will be back! And we think that everyone should visit Astoria, take the underground tour, and enjoy this special place to the fullest. 🩶

Arianna D.

5/5

My boyfriend & I took a day trip to Astoria without doing any research on what to do there. We were exploring the city when we came across a flyer promoting the underground tours & bought tickets, not really knowing what to expect. We walked in & were greeted by 3 friendly gentlemen that were very knowledgeable on the history of Astoria. This tour was very informative however, never boring. They interacted with all the members on the tour & cracked jokes along the way. I would 100% do this tour again & recommend anyone who just wants something interesting to do.

Tosh&Wendy H.

5/5

My son was doing research on Astoria Underground and what better way to learn and research than to take a little field trip. We took him and two of his friends on the tour and they absolutely loved it!!!
We drove up from Salem, which is almost a 3 hour drive and we were running late by 15 min because of unexpectedly longer traffic time, and the hosts of the tour were so kind to wait for us, even when they didn’t have to. We appropriate you guys sooo much!!!
The tour itself was super informative and fun. The kids were talking about it all the way back home, how much history Astoria has under the ground, and how fun the tour guides were.
Definitely a must when you come visit Astoria 🙂 plus Astoria itself is beautiful.

Thank you!!!

Hannah P.

5/5

These guys are hilarious and shared so much history of the town in a fun memorable way. They went above and beyond in chatting with us and sharing extra things after the tour ended. Highly recommend!

Maeve H.

5/5

This tour was fantastic and I cannot recommend it enough! The tour guides are entertaining and informative with deep connections to historic Astoria. They pack a lot of fascinating local history into just 1 hour. You cannot miss it!

Hannah G.

5/5

We had such an amazing time! I believe the tour guides names were Chad and Jeff, they were AMAZING!!! I definitely recommend this experience to everyone! So many cool things to learn about this little town!