Even if you don't like fishing, fishing towns have an undeniable charm that is hard to resist. If you want to spend a vacation somewhere without crowds of tourists, set your eyes on Astoria, Oregon.
For over a century, the town's life has revolved around its abundant supply of salmon, which has fed locals in more ways than one. Visitors love heading out on the water and learning how to fish the species, but it's also possible to lay back and let other people do the hard work - then feast on their delicious fresh catches.
With just under 10,200 people, Astoria is calm and peaceful. It boasts beautiful waterfront homes that you can rent, so you never miss the sight of the water.
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Though small, Astoria is popular enough to have accommodation options for every budget and taste.
Best luxury hotel in Astoria: Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa
Best mid-tier hotel in Astoria: Bowline Hotel
Best budget hotel in Astoria: Selina Commodore Astori
To get to Astoria, fly into Portland International Airport. Then, rent a car and drive up north to the border with Washington state.
Having a car will also help you move around town and enjoy its surroundings, since public transportation here is unreliable.
Book a flight to Portland
Rent a car in Portland
Bigfork, Montana, is another great alternative for those wanting to vacation in a fishing town. Its only issue is that it's quite popular, especially in the summer when the weather is warm and Flathead Lake is refreshing.
Still, if you don't mind a bit of a crowd, this town is worth a visit.
Where to stay: The Inn On Bigfork Bay
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Rent a car in Montana
Don't mind going out of the way? Go all the way to Alaska and see the magic of the Inner Passage in Ketchikan.
Known as the salmon capital of the world, the town has delicious food, gorgeous nature and cultural centers where you can learn about the indigenous groups of the area.
Where to stay: The Landing Hotel & Restaurant
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Rent a car in Ketchikan