Your Ultimate Astoria Oregon Goonies Tour: Reliving The Adventure
Astoria, Oregon, holds a special spot in the hearts of many, particularly those who cherish a certain 1980s adventure film. This port city, which is the county seat of Clatsop County, truly offers a distinctive charm, you know? It stands as Oregon's oldest city, established way back in 1811, marking it as the first lasting American settlement out west. This historical significance, along with its location at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River, gives Astoria a truly unique character.
There are so many things to do in Astoria, Oregon, it's actually quite surprising. Whether you are someone who loves to explore the outdoors, or perhaps you prefer to sample some delicious local food, or maybe you just want to soak up a bit of the local culture, like, the kind that celebrates beloved films, this charming town has plenty of fun things waiting for you. It's a place where history meets cinematic legend, offering something for just about everyone.
Today, we're going to take a closer look at one of the biggest draws for visitors: the chance to step into the world of The Goonies. This self-guided tour of the film's locations in and around Astoria, Oregon, offers a chance to relive those childhood dreams of treasure hunts and friendship. So, if you're ready to follow in the footsteps of Mikey, Chunk, and the rest of the gang, let's get into it.
Table of Contents
- Astoria's Allure: More Than Just a Movie Set
- The Goonies Connection: A Cinematic Treasure
- Your Goonies Adventure: A Self-Guided Tour
- Beyond the Goon Docks: Exploring Astoria
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Astoria Oregon Goonies Tour
- Your Astoria Goonies Expedition Awaits
Astoria's Allure: More Than Just a Movie Set
Astoria, Oregon, is, as a matter of fact, a place with a story that goes back a long way. It's the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, which is quite a claim to fame. The city lines the south banks of the Columbia River, and also the north banks of Young's Bay, giving it a sort of watery embrace. This location, perched at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River, provides some truly striking views, you know, especially from its bluffs.
This charming historic town, not too far from Cannon Beach, has a feel all its own. It's a place where the past feels very present, with its historic column standing tall, offering panoramic views of the river meeting the Pacific Ocean. People often come here to see the sights, and for good reason, there's just so much to take in. You can check out reviews and photos of attractions on sites like TripAdvisor, and you'll find plenty of things to fill your day, whether it's today, this weekend, or, say, in August.
The city itself, by the way, is quite active in keeping its residents and visitors informed. You can sign up for city email lists to receive news and information about projects taking place, or about city government and its various boards. It's a community that really seems to care about its heritage and its future, and that's something you can certainly feel when you are walking its streets. Astoria, it seems, is more than just a backdrop; it's a living, breathing piece of history that, you know, just happens to have been a star in a beloved film.
The Goonies Connection: A Cinematic Treasure
For fans of the beloved 1985 film, The Goonies, Astoria, Oregon, is practically a pilgrimage site. This movie, which truly brings out the adventure in all of us, whether you are a Steven Spielberg fan or just love film, has left an indelible mark on the town. It's a film that, arguably, defined a generation, and its connection to Astoria is something the city celebrates with open arms. You can, for instance, get inspired for your next road trip to see some of the most iconic Goonies filming locations in person, which is pretty cool.
The film was released on June 7, 1985, and in commemoration of its enduring appeal, the town continues to honor its legacy. We are, as a matter of fact, thrilled to celebrate 40 years of The Goonies in magical Astoria, Oregon, very soon. This milestone means even more opportunities for fans to join the unforgettable adventure and let their imagination run wild as they explore the places where Mikey, Chunk, and the others chased One-Eyed Willy's treasure. It's a chance to step right into the story, in a way.
Goonies fans are, in short, more than welcome in Astoria. While the movie certainly put Astoria on the map for many, there is plenty to see and do in this area besides just visiting the house from The Goonies. Oregon’s north coast is a vacation destination offering so much, but the film's presence certainly adds a layer of fun and nostalgia that is, you know, quite unique. It's a place where the magic of cinema truly comes alive.
Your Goonies Adventure: A Self-Guided Tour
If you grew up in the 80s, you'll remember the very awesome Goonies movie, that's for sure. For many, a trip to Astoria is all about following in the footsteps of those adventurous kids. We’ve put together this list of our favorite Goonies filming locations near Astoria, including tips for visiting them all. Most of the Goonies filming locations are, luckily, quite accessible, making a self-guided tour a real possibility. This movie tour of Astoria and the surrounding area is, typically, about 4 hours in length, giving you plenty of time to soak it all in.
The Iconic Goonies House
When you drive into Astoria, Oregon, you might be on a mission to find the “Goon Docks,” which is, like, the neighborhood where the children of The Goonies movie lived. The most famous spot, arguably, is the Goonies House itself. Located at 368 38th Street in Astoria, Oregon, this house has become a symbol for fans worldwide. For a while, the house was off the market and access was restricted, but in some awesome news for Goonies fans across the world, the iconic famous home that was a huge part of the classic Oregon film from 1985 is once again open for viewing, which is pretty exciting, honestly.
It's important to remember, though, that this is a private residence. So, while you can certainly explore the coastal town where the beloved 1985 movie was filmed, visitors should always show respect for the property and its residents. You can take photos from a distance, but remember to keep noise down and avoid disturbing anyone. It's about enjoying the magic, you know, without causing any trouble.
Visiting the house is, in a way, like stepping into a piece of film history. It allows you to visualize those opening scenes and feel a real connection to the story. Just seeing it there, perched on the hill, can bring back so many memories for fans. It's a moment that, for many, makes the whole trip worthwhile, especially when you consider its significance to the film.
The Oregon Film Museum
For a deeper dive into the cinematic history of Astoria, a stop at the Oregon Film Museum is practically a must. This museum is, as a matter of fact, housed in the old Clatsop County Jail, which itself was featured in the opening chase scene of The Goonies. Here, at 732 Duane Street, you can discover stories from the making of The Goonies and find out about other notable films shot in Astoria, including Kindergarten Cop and Free Willy, which is pretty cool.
The museum offers interactive exhibits that allow you to create your own movie magic. You can, for instance, step into a jail cell that looks just like the one Chunk was in, or try your hand at filming a scene. It's a really engaging place that provides context for Astoria's role in Hollywood history. You get to see props, costumes, and learn about the people behind the scenes, giving you a fuller picture of the film's creation. It's definitely worth a visit if you are, like, interested in how movies come together.
This spot serves as a central point for understanding Astoria's film legacy, not just The Goonies. It helps to explain why this specific town became such a popular location for filmmakers. So, if you are looking to truly immerse yourself in the cinematic side of your Astoria Oregon Goonies tour, this museum is, you know, a very important stop.
Other Unforgettable Goonies Spots
Beyond the main house and the museum, Astoria offers several other locations that Goonies fans will recognize. While some spots are private or have changed over time, others still hold a resemblance to their on-screen counterparts. For instance, the famous "Goon Docks" neighborhood itself, with its unique houses and hilly streets, sets the scene for much of the film. Driving through these areas gives you a real feel for the world the characters inhabited, which is kind of neat.
The Astoria County Jail, which houses the Oregon Film Museum, was, as previously mentioned, a key location in the film's opening sequence. You can stand where Chunk was, you know, trying to confess. Then there's the famous scene where the Goonies ride their bikes through town; while specific spots might be hard to pinpoint exactly, the general atmosphere of Astoria's streets still echoes that sense of adventure. It's all part of the charm, really.
Some tours might also point out locations that inspired parts of the film, or places where the cast and crew spent time during production. While not every single frame of the movie was shot in Astoria, the town certainly provided the main canvas for this iconic story. It's a fun challenge to try and spot these places as you drive around, giving your Astoria Oregon Goonies tour a bit of a scavenger hunt feel, which is pretty fun.
Planning Your Goonies Tour
To make the most of your Astoria Oregon Goonies tour, some planning helps, you know? Many of the Goonies filming locations are fairly close to each other, making it possible to see several in a single day. We’ve put together lists and maps of all the locations and tips for visiting them all, which can be a real help. A self-guided tour means you can go at your own pace, stopping for photos or a snack whenever you feel like it.
Consider starting your day at the Oregon Film Museum to get some context and pick up a map if they have one. From there, you can navigate to the Goonies House and other nearby spots. Remember that traffic and parking can be a bit tricky, especially during peak tourist seasons, so plan accordingly. Weekdays or off-season visits might offer a more relaxed experience, as a matter of fact.
If you're looking for a more structured experience, there are sometimes guided tours available that specialize in film locations. These can be a good option if you prefer someone else to handle the navigation and provide extra insights. However, the joy of a self-guided tour is the freedom to explore at your leisure, stopping for coffee or checking out a local shop when the mood strikes. It's, like, your adventure, after all.
Beyond the Goon Docks: Exploring Astoria
While the Astoria Oregon Goonies tour is a major draw, this charming town has so much more to offer, honestly. Astoria is, as a matter of fact, beautiful, with its bluffs overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River and its charming streets. The city is definitely worth a visit, even if you are not a Goonies fanatic, but when you add the film connection, it just makes it even better.
One of the must-see attractions is the Astoria Column. This historic monument provides incredible panoramic views of the city, the Columbia River, and the Pacific Ocean. It's a place where you can really grasp the scale of Astoria's location and its historical significance as the first permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. The climb to the top is, you know, worth the effort for the sights alone.
Beyond the landmarks, Astoria offers a vibrant local scene. You can explore outdoors, perhaps along the riverfront, or indulge in some local cuisine. The town has a growing reputation for its food scene, with fresh seafood and a variety of dining options. There are also plenty of local shops and galleries to browse, offering unique souvenirs and a taste of the local culture. It's a place where you can easily spend a whole day, or even a weekend, just exploring and relaxing, which is pretty nice.
For those who love a bit of quirky fun, consider a road trip that includes St. Helens, Oregon, which, you know, transforms into Halloweentown every fall! It's another example of Oregon's connection to film and its ability to embrace a bit of cinematic magic. This means your trip to Astoria can be part of a bigger, film-themed adventure through the state, which is quite an idea.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Astoria Oregon Goonies Tour
Is the Goonies house in Astoria, Oregon, open to the public?
The Goonies house, located at 368 38th Street in Astoria, Oregon, is a private residence. While it has been open for viewing at certain times, and has recently reopened for fans to see from the outside, it is important to remember it is someone's home. Visitors are asked to be respectful, keep noise down, and view the property from a distance, without trespassing. It's about enjoying the sight, you know, without bothering the residents.
What other Goonies filming locations can I visit in Astoria?
Besides the famous Goonies house, a key location to visit is the Oregon Film Museum, which is housed in the old Clatsop County Jail. This jail was featured in the movie's opening chase scene. You can also explore the general "Goon Docks" neighborhood, which is the setting for much of the film, and get a feel for the town's atmosphere that appeared on screen. There are, arguably, other spots that might be recognizable if you know the film well.
How long does a typical Astoria Oregon Goonies tour take?
A self-guided movie tour of Astoria and the surrounding area, focusing on Goonies filming locations, typically takes about 4 hours in length. This duration allows for travel between spots, time for photos, and a visit to the Oregon Film Museum. Of course, you can always spend more or less time depending on how much you want to explore each location and what else you plan to do in Astoria.
Your Astoria Goonies Expedition Awaits
Astoria, Oregon, truly offers a unique blend of history, natural splendor, and cinematic nostalgia. Whether you're a lifelong Goonies fan eager to relive those childhood adventures or simply looking for a charming coastal town with a rich past, Astoria has something to offer. The chance to walk where Mikey, Chunk, and the gang once roamed is, for many, a dream come true, especially with the 40th anniversary of the film coming up. It's a place where stories come alive, and you can, you know, really feel the magic in the air.
So, why not plan your own Astoria Oregon Goonies tour? Gather your fellow adventurers, pack your sense of wonder, and prepare to discover the secrets of this remarkable town. You might just find your own treasure, whether it's a new favorite restaurant, a stunning view from the Astoria Column, or simply the joy of reliving a beloved film. To learn more about Astoria's unique charm and other attractions, check out our site. You can also find additional travel tips and itineraries on Travel Oregon's official website.
The Goonies of Astoria Oregon - Filming Locations - Pacific Northwest
A Goonies Tour of Astoria, Oregon
A Goonies Tour of Astoria, Oregon
