Astoria boasts a highly walkable environment, particularly evident in its downtown area and along the Riverwalk. Here, travelers can conveniently access a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, and historical sites, making it ideal for those who wish to explore without a car. The city's compact layout and pedestrian-friendly focus make daily errands and sightseeing comfortable and enjoyable by foot.

Public transportation in Astoria offers basic connectivity, mainly through the NW Connector bus service, which connects the city to neighboring coastal towns like Seaside and Cannon Beach, and extends to Portland. The Astoria Riverfront Trolley adds a charming, albeit limited, seasonal route along the waterfront. However, the transit system's overall coverage may not be sufficient for all travelers, often necessitating alternative means of transportation.

While Astoria offers some bike paths, particularly along the scenic waterfront, these do not comprehensively cover the entire city. The hilly terrain adds an extra challenge for cyclists, potentially deterring some from using bikes for commuting or errands. Although biking is possible for certain areas, the lack of extensive and safe biking infrastructure can be a disadvantage for travelers looking to primarily rely on two wheels.