I concur, eat at the Ark restaurant located up north on the peninsula, on the east side is the best out there. Their hours are limited so call ahead. Do not eat at the "Crab Shack" or "Crab House" in town....ugh, don't let the crowds there fool you -- a bad lesson learned more than once. The Red Caboose fish and chips place on the south end of the town (in a real caboose train car) of Long Beach is good to for burgers, fried clams and fish and chips.
The Cape Disappointment Light House above the North Jetty in WA, at the Columbia River mouth is worth visiting. Wonderful views of the Graveyard of the Pacific and some historical photos and notes of the old days of shipwreck rescue, Coast Guard etc.
Just S.W. of Astoria (about 8 miles?) is the newly reconstructed Ft. Clatsop -- the now more accurate life-sized model of Lewis and Clark's fort they spent the rainy winter in back in 1805 living off of over one hundred elk.
In Astoria is a great bakery, right near the Maritime museum which is also worth visiting. Englund's Marine (sp?) is a great, huge boating and outdoor store highly worth visiting and throwing a dime at, especially while the women hit the bakery. Ask a few directions and drive up the hill above Astoria to visit the famous Astoria Column for the best views around and plenty of fresh air. Our favorite restaurant in Astoria is The Lighthouse (I think that's the name) run by some English immigrants, located right downtown towards the water -- great views, good food, may have to wait for a table.
Have fun. I just read B-Cs post.... looks like we agree all the way around.
C.W.