Astoria: Movie Landmarks, Cannery & Column Tour with Pickup

Summary

Astoria’s movie moments, river views & local stories on a small group ride

You’ll climb Astoria’s iconic Column for sweeping river views, snap photos at Goonies film spots, wander historic cannery docks echoing with sea lion calls, and get local tips from your guide—all with easy pickup and time to linger over coffee or wine by the water.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the smell—seaweed and wood smoke, kind of tangled together as we climbed out of the van near the Astoria Column. Our guide, Sarah, handed us these little paper gliders and grinned like she’d done this a hundred times. There’s something about seeing the Columbia River from up there that makes your legs feel lighter, even if you’re still catching your breath from all those stairs. I didn’t expect to laugh so much just watching people (me included) try to launch those gliders into the wind. It’s silly but somehow perfect.

We rolled through neighborhoods that felt both grand and a little worn around the edges—Victorian houses with peeling paint and wild rhododendrons. At one stop, Sarah pointed out a house used in The Goonies. There was this guy on his porch who waved at us like he saw tour vans every day (maybe he does). We got our photos with the famous jeep from the movie—my friend tried to quote a line and totally blanked. Nobody cared. The whole thing just felt easy.

I liked how nothing was rushed. At Hanthorn Cannery, you could hear sea lions barking under the old pilings while we wandered through what used to be a fish plant—now it’s part museum, part coffee shop, part wine bar. I tried a pastry at Coffee Girl that tasted faintly of cardamom and salt air. Some folks went for wine instead; I just sat by the window watching ships move slow on the river. It started drizzling but nobody seemed bothered.

Sarah had tips about where to eat later (“Skip the tourist chowder place—go two blocks up for real crab.”) She gave us pamphlets but honestly it was her offhand stories—about shipwrecks or how locals still argue about which movie scene was filmed where—that stuck with me more than any brochure detail. I left feeling like I’d seen Astoria sideways: not polished up for postcards, but real and kind of stubbornly proud. Still think about that view from the top of the column sometimes, especially when it’s gray back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Astoria's landmarks and history

• Climb 125-foot Column, enjoy views
• Walk grounds, see carriage house
• Take photo with Goonies jeep
• Visit guest store for Goonie items
• See Fort and historic Rhododendron tree
• Walk to Mikey's house, take photo
• Watch ships and sea lions at Hanthorn Cannery
• Visit free Museum and local shops
• Stop at Vineside Wine Bar and Coffee Girl
• Visit Rogue Brewery and Goonie Gear shops

Top questions

How long does this Astoria tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is pickup included in this Astoria guided tour?

Yes, pickup is included from multiple locations in Astoria.

What time does pickup start for this tour?

Pickup usually starts at 9:30 AM unless it's a cruise day; then it's one hour after docking.

Will we see Goonies filming locations on this tour?

Yes, you'll visit several Goonies filming spots including Mikey's house and get photos with the jeep.

Are food or drinks included during the tour?

No meals are included but you'll have time to visit cafes or wine bars at stops like Hanthorn Cannery.

Is there a lot of walking or climbing involved?

You’ll need moderate fitness—there are stairs at the Column and some walking at sites like Hanthorn Cannery.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to pickup points in Astoria.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport with flexible pickup from various spots in Astoria (or right after your cruise docks), entry to all stops like the Astoria Column and Hanthorn Cannery Museum, plus plenty of local advice from your guide so you can make plans for lunch or further exploring afterward.