Welcome to Astoria! Ride a trolley along the river with the scent of salt air in your nose, climb to cliffside views that stretch to the Pacific, and chase movie memories through misty, moss-covered forests — Astoria draws visitors for its unbeatable blend of coastal history, cinematic charm, and old-school Americana on the edge of the Columbia River.
☑️ Astoria Checklist
- Book your Flight: Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX), just over two hours east by scenic drive
- Reserve your Hotel: Stay in a historic downtown inn or waterfront boutique for walkable views and charm
- Join your Tour: Book a Goonies film location tour or guided climb of the Astoria Column
🏛️ Day 1: Riverfront Icons
- Astoria Riverwalk: Kick things off with a stroll along the wooden planks, where fishing boats bob and seals bark below
- Astoria Trolley Ride: Hop on this $1 historic trolley with friendly guides who share tales as it clatters beside the Columbia
- Columbia River Maritime Museum: Dive into shipwreck stories, fishing lore, and Coast Guard rescues inside this waterfront favorite
- Lightship Columbia: Climb aboard this floating lighthouse once stationed in the roughest waters of the Pacific
- Lunch with a View: Grab fish and chips or clam chowder at a dockside diner where freighters cruise right past your table
- Pier 39 Astoria: Explore a century-old cannery turned quirky shopping and coffee hub — it even has a shipwreck museum inside
- Sunset at Cathedral Tree Trail: Hike this short, mossy trail to a massive 300-year-old spruce and golden-hour views of town below
🎞️ Day 2: Goonies & Views
- Astoria Column: Climb the 164 steps to sweeping views where river, forest, and sea stretch in all directions
- Goonies House Viewpoint: Swing by the iconic white house from the film — you can’t go inside, but the nostalgia hits just the same
- Oregon Film Museum: Pose behind bars and explore classic film sets inside the old county jail from The Goonies
- Flavel House Museum: Wander through a fully restored Queen Anne mansion with velvet wallpaper and spooky vibes
- Lunch Downtown: Grab a craft sandwich and sit near vintage storefronts where history meets hipster
- Astoria-Megler Bridge: Snap photos of this green giant stretching over the Columbia — it’s the longest continuous truss bridge in North America
- Liberty Theatre Show: Catch a performance or classic film under painted ceilings in this restored 1920s gem
⚓ Day 3: Cannery Coast
- Hanthorn Cannery Museum: Peek into the oldest cannery building on the West Coast and see how fish fueled Astoria’s rise
- Uppertown Firefighters Museum: Explore antique engines and gear inside a tiny red building packed with charm
- Fort George Brewery Tour: Sip small-batch IPAs in a historic auto garage-turned-brewery with rooftop river views
- Lunch at Buoy Beer Co.: Dine over glass floor panels where sea lions bark right below your feet
- Astoria Sunday Market (seasonal): Shop for handmade crafts, local honey, and music in the middle of downtown
- Souvenir Stop at Astoria Vintage Hardware: Pick up nautical finds, quirky antiques, or Columbia River prints
- Dinner at Bowpicker Fish & Chips: End your trip with tuna and fries served from an old boat parked on shore — locals swear it’s the best bite in town
💡 Astoria Tips
- Bring Layers: Fog rolls in fast, and sea breezes can chill even summer afternoons
- Respect Private Property: The Goonies house is beloved but off-limits — enjoy from the street only
- Get the Trolley Schedule: It only runs seasonally and depends on volunteers, so check ahead
- Cash Comes in Handy: Some museums, food carts, and mom-and-pop shops are cash-only
- Wear Good Walking Shoes: Boardwalks and cobblestone streets call for solid soles
- Mind the Sea Lions: They’re loud, they’re wild, and they sometimes show up in odd places — admire from a distance
- Book River Tours Early: Small cruises and charters sell out, especially in summer
📅 Astoria Calendar
- FisherPoets Gathering (Feb): Storytellers, musicians, and fishers celebrate maritime life through verse and song
- Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival (April): Feast on local catch and Oregon wines under massive tents
- Goonies Day (June 7): Fans from all over come to celebrate the cult classic with tours, trivia, and truffle shuffles
- 4th of July Fireworks (July): Watch dazzling displays burst over the Columbia River with a beer in hand
- Astoria Regatta Festival (August): Parades, boat races, and a town-wide party that’s been happening since 1894
- Pacific Northwest Brew Cup (Sept): Sip your way through dozens of craft beers with live music by the water
- Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Fest (June): Traditional dances, Viking helmets, and lefse fill this lively cultural fair
🐟 Astoria Menu
- Bowpicker Fish & Chips: Crispy albacore tuna served hot from a converted boat — a local legend
- Dungeness Crab Roll: Fresh crab tucked into a buttery bun with lemon and herbs, best eaten dockside
- Salmon Chowder: Creamy, smoky, and brimming with wild-caught Pacific salmon
- Troll House Tacos: Beer-battered fish topped with slaw and spicy aioli, served in casual waterside joints
- Fishermen’s Breakfast: Eggs, hashbrowns, and thick bacon at classic diners where boots still stomp
- Tillamook Ice Cream Scoop: A creamy cone of Oregon’s best, often served in retro parlors
- Marionberry Pie: Tart-sweet and deep purple — a Pacific Northwest classic in flaky golden crust