Astoria, Oregon

Overview

Astoria, Oregon, is where sea mist meets cinema history, where fishermen swap stories over craft brews, and where every alleyway looks like a Wes Anderson set waiting to happen. Perched on the Columbia River, just before it spills into the Pacific, Astoria is Oregon's oldest American settlement (est. 1811) and quite possibly the quirkiest. With under 10,000 residents, this coastal gem packs in Goonies filming sites, Victorian houses, maritime lore, and a strong breeze of salty weirdness. Whether you're into cult movies, haunted houses, or fish 'n' chips with a side of shipwreck stories, Astoria rolls out the foggy red carpet for you.

Top Attractions

The Goonies House

Yes, that house. A private residence (view from the street only), but a holy site for film pilgrims.

Astoria Column

Climb the 164 steps for panoramic views and a paper airplane toss tradition—wind willing.

Oregon Film Museum

Housed in the old Clatsop County Jail (featured in The Goonies) with props, photo ops, and film lore galore.

Flavel House Museum

Step into Victorian elegance—bonus points if you spot a ghost in a petticoat.

Astoria Riverwalk

Walk, bike, or trolley past cannery ruins, sea lions, breweries, and that crisp Columbia air.

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Deep dive into shipwrecks, bar pilots, and Astoria's turbulent maritime history.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Goonies Never Say Die: Astoria was the filming location for the 1985 cult classic The Goonies, and fans still show up in pirate hats.
• Haunted Hotspot: From the Liberty Theater to the Flavel House, ghost sightings are as common as seagulls.
• Lewis & Clark's Last Camp: The famous explorers ended their journey just across the river at Fort Clatsop.
• Bridge to the Stars: The 4.1-mile Astoria-Megler Bridge has starred in films and terrified acrophobes alike.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Film Location Tours: Self-guided tours of The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and Free Willy filming sites—maps available online and at the Oregon Film Museum.
• Riverwalk Trolley Ride: For just a buck, ride the historic trolley past canneries, ships, and barking sea lions.
• Ghost Tours: Join a spooky stroll through Astoria's haunted past—Victorian drama included.
• Beer & Book Crawls: Grab a pint at Fort George Brewery, then browse the stacks at Lucy's Books.
• Bridge Watching & Photography: The Astoria-Megler Bridge is peak PNW aesthetic—especially at twilight.
• Storm Watching: Winter waves crash so hard they're almost poetic—watch from the comfort of a cozy café.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 miles)

• Silver Salmon Grille (Astoria): No buffet, but known for heaping seafood portions and house-made clam chowder.
• Golden Luck Restaurant (Astoria): Chinese buffet-style lunch specials with generous servings and small-town charm.

Casinos Nearby (~30 miles)

• Chinook Winds Casino (Lincoln City, 75 miles) and Ilani Casino (Washington, 80 miles): A stretch, but your closest full casinos. Note: In Astoria, the only real gamble is on the weather—and the fog usually wins.

Oddities Nearby (~20 miles)

• Shipwreck of the Peter Iredale (Fort Stevens): Rusted remains of a 1906 wreck still embedded in the beach—gorgeous, eerie, and Instagrammable.
• The Bumblebee Cannery: A semi-creepy tribute to Astoria's canned fish empire—museum, ruins, and big tuna energy.
• Sea Lion Symphony: Visit the East End Mooring Basin to hear a chorus of sea lions performing their greatest hits (off-key, always).
• Captain George Flavel's Grave: Local legend, sea captain, and probable ghost—his ornate grave is weirdly photogenic.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 miles)

• Liberty Theater: Audience members report cold spots and shadowy figures—critics from another realm?
• Flavel House Museum: Disembodied voices and flickering lights—Victorian ghosts love drama.
• Uppertown Firefighters Museum: Some say an old fire chief still watches over the gear—whether it's on display or not.
• Fort Stevens: Ghost soldiers, eerie tunnels, and the best place to freak yourself out after dark.

Local Events & Festivals

• Goonies Day (June 7): Annual celebration of all things Goonies, with film screenings, cosplay, and treasure maps.
• Astoria Scandinavian Festival (June): Folk dancing, Viking hats, and enough lefse to feed a longboat.
• FisherPoets Gathering (February): Spoken-word event where fishermen and women tell salty tales and drop poetic bars.
• Pacific Northwest Brew Cup (Fall): Live music, local brews, and waterfront cheers.

Lodging Options

Luxury: Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa

Rooms over the river with clawfoot tubs and wine at check-in (from $300/night).

Mid-Range: Hotel Elliott

Historic downtown hotel with rooftop views and cozy charm (from $180/night).

Budget: Astoria Rivershore Motel

Clean, simple, and centrally located (from $100/night).

Camping: Fort Stevens State Park

Forest, beach access, and ghost hunting by night (from $25/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

Bowpicker Fish & Chips

A converted boat serving beer-battered albacore—line up early.

Fort George Brewery

Beloved for craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and community vibes.

Bridgewater Bistro

Upscale dining with bridge views and seafood galore.

Blue Scorcher Bakery Café

Organic, vegetarian-friendly, and possibly powered by fairy dust and sourdough.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Layers, raincoat, beanie, camera, and comfy shoes for those steep streets.
• Safety: Safe and walkable—mind the hills and the very opinionated seagulls.
• Accessibility: Most downtown attractions are accessible; historic homes and trails vary.

Nearby Destinations (~20 miles)

• Fort Stevens State Park: Beach hikes, shipwrecks, and WWII bunkers to explore.
• Gearhart & Seaside: Classic beach towns with boardwalks, saltwater taffy, and surf shops.
• Warrenton: Shopping outlets, crabbing spots, and a cool shipyard vibe.
• Cape Disappointment (just across the river): Dramatic cliffs, lighthouse hikes, and ironically named perfection.

Recommended Duration of Stay

2-3 Days: Long enough to chase movie scenes, ride the trolley, toast a sunset, and fall in love with fog.

Target Travelers

• Film Buffs & '80s Kids: Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and nostalgia for days.
• Coastal Explorers: Bridge views, shipwreck hikes, and wind-swept selfies.
• History & Haunting Fans: Maritime legends and haunted mansions—ghosts included.
• Craft Brew & Culture Seekers: Quirky downtown, community events, and lots of hops.

Destination Joke

Why don't Goonies get sunburned in Astoria?

Because the fog never says die.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Fog, Film, and Fish Tacos: 48 Hours in Astoria" - Dive deeper into Astoria's unique charm.