If you grew up quoting The Goonies, you’re bound to feel right at home in Astoria—a small city that blends coastal charm with one of the most iconic film backdrops in the Pacific Northwest.
From fresh seafood and waterfront views to historic homes and ‘80s movie nostalgia, here’s how to spend 24 hours in Astoria, Oregon.
Morning: Welcome to the Goondocks
Start your day at Blue Scorcher Bakery & Café, a rustic co-op bakery known for its scratch-made dishes. Order the cardamom cinnamon roll (if it hasn’t sold out yet) to indulge in a spiced pastry with its own cult following. If you prefer something savory, go with the country hash or breakfast scramble. Pair your meal with a latte crafted from locally roasted beans and house-made syrups, then grab a seat by the window to watch downtown Astoria wake up.
Alternatively, get breakfast at Coffee Girl on Pier 39 for wide-open riverfront views from inside a restored cannery. Choose a patio table overlooking the water and keep an eye out for sea lions lounging nearby. Try the homemade quiche or a classic bagel sandwich with your choice of fillings. Check the monthly specials board for creative seasonal lattes, or keep it simple with a house coffee. Watch fishing boats glide through the harbor while you eat.
Head to the Oregon Film Museum, housed inside the old Clatsop County Jail. You may recognize the exterior from the opening jailbreak scene in The Goonies. Look for the Fratelli gang’s ORV replica parked out front, complete with imitation bullet holes. Wander through small but interactive exhibits focused on Oregon-made films, including props and behind-the-scenes footage from blockbusters like The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and Free Willy. Step inside preserved jail cells and use the green screen to recreate your favorite scenes.
Drive into the hillside neighborhood known locally as the “Goondocks,” where many of the exterior scenes from The Goonies were shot. Follow the steep residential streets toward Duane Street to spot the home where the group first gathered before setting off on the treasure hunt. Pull over at a public viewing area to photograph the stacked homes climbing the hill. Keep your visit brief and respectful—the neighborhood remains a private residential area.
Switch gears from cinema history to local heritage at the Flavel House Museum, built in 1885 for river bar pilot Captain George Flavel. Explore the preserved Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion for a deeper look at Astoria’s wealth during its shipping boom. Walk through rooms filled with carved wood paneling, stained glass windows, and original furnishings that remain largely untouched. Pause at the six ornate fireplaces, each featuring imported tilework from around the world. Plan around 45-60 minutes for a self-guided tour of the property.
Afternoon: River Views and Rugged Coastlines
Grab lunch to-go from a converted fishing boat at Bowpicker Fish & Chips—a fitting introduction to Astoria’s seafood scene. Walk right up to the window to get the beer-battered fish and chips, made with albacore tuna instead of the usual cod, for a lighter take on the classic dish. Add malt vinegar and tartar sauce to eat it as the locals do, then find a nearby bench or picnic table by the waterfront. Expect a long line that moves fast, and go early in case they sell out later.
For a more relaxed sit-down experience, choose between crispy wood-fired pizza and shareable brewpub fare at Fort George Brewery. Embrace the social atmosphere and industrial warehouse vibe. Sit at one of the communal tables in the taproom, or head upstairs for more space and a riverfront backdrop. Sample popular house brews like the Vortex IPA with a beer flight, then swing by the beer fridge to bring home your favorite.
Drive to Coxcomb Hill to climb the spiral staircase inside the Astoria Column for the best vantage point in the city. Soak up sweeping views of the Columbia River, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and the surrounding forest. Pro tip: Hit the gift shop first to buy a $1 wooden glider plane that you can launch from the top. Afterward, circle the tower to check out the painted murals tracing Oregon’s history from Indigenous cultures through early exploration.
Follow a section of the Astoria Riverwalk along the shoreline and past piers, breweries, and working docks. If you’re visiting between April and October, hop aboard the historic “Old 300” trolley for the same scenery without the legwork. Pass local landmarks like the Port of Astoria and Maritime Memorial Park, which honors local maritime workers. Stop at the Columbia River Maritime Museum to explore interactive exhibits filled with seafaring artifacts and fine art.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in Oregon’s dramatic coastline scenery. Start with a 30-minute drive to Cannon Beach, where you can visit Haystack Rock to see tide pools teeming with starfish and anemones. Head a few minutes north to Ecola State Park, where you can hike forested trails and pose for pictures at cliffside viewpoints. Follow the trails to Indian Beach and stand where the group from The Goonies filmed their search for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure.
Evening: Waterfront Dining and Sunset Strolls
Enjoy local seafood in a laid-back setting at South Bay Wild Fish House, where the menu rotates based on what’s fresh. Start with the calamari or clam chowder before savoring the grilled fish tacos, or try the seafood fry bread topped with Dungeness crab. Expect generous portions, nautical accents, and arcade games you can play between courses.
If you’d rather stay by the water, settle into a window seat at Buoy Beer Co. for dinner with an unobstructed look at the Columbia River. Order a selection of coastal bites like shrimp cocktail and oyster shooters, or indulge in a more filling entree like the pan-fried sole or wild salmon. Sip a crisp Pacific Pale Ale, or opt for a craft cocktail made with spirits from Pilot House Distilling.
Take a post-dinner stroll along the Astoria Riverfront for one of the best sunset spots in the city. Sit near the marina to relax as ships pass in the distance, or continue your walk into Downtown Astoria. Follow the sloped streets past historic storefronts and galleries. Stop by Dead Man’s Isle to taste rum-infused drinks at a shipwreck-themed tiki bar, or check the schedule at KALA to time your evening around a live music performance.
