Sleepy Oregon Fishing Town Experiencing a Tourism Gold Rush Thanks to Its Hollywood Connection

There’s a little town in Oregon where Victorian mansions gaze out over a working port, sea lions bark under brewery floors, and kids still chase treasure maps through the rain. Once a fur-trading outpost, later a logging hub, a fishing capital, then nearly a ghost town, it reinvented itself with each chapter of American history, especially since the 1980s as it’s become a popular area for making films.

Astoria: Where the West Truly Begins

Tucked into Oregon’s northwestern corner where the Columbia River spills into the Pacific, Astoria lays claim to being the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Established in 1811 by fur traders working for John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company, it predates the Oregon Trail and carries the DNA of America’s earliest push west.

Just a few miles away, Lewis and Clark spent the brutal winter of 1805-06 at Fort Clatsop, drenched and cold, before returning east. It was one of the final stops of their journey, and the beginning of Astoria’s. Named for Astor (who never actually visited), the town eventually grew into a port city with strong Scandinavian roots and a tough-as-nails maritime culture.

Where is Astoria?

Astoria is located in the far northwestern corner of Oregon, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. It sits just a few miles south of the Washington state line and is connected by the 4.1-mile Astoria-Megler Bridge. Surrounded by forested hills and dramatic water views, Astoria anchors the northern edge of the Oregon Coast.

The Hollywood Connection that Turned it into a Tourist Hotspot

If you ever watched “The Goonies” and dreamed of finding a treasure map in your attic, you’ve already fallen under Astoria’s spell. The 1985 cult classic made the town famous, and fans still travel from around the world to catch a glimpse of the “Goonies House” perched high above town.

Other films made in Astoria include:

• “Kindergarten Cop” (1990) – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fish-out-of-water comedy used Astoria’s John Jacob Astor Elementary School and other local spots
• “Free Willy” (1993) – The Hammond Marina in nearby Warrenton was featured prominently
• “Short Circuit” (1986) – The Astoria-Megler Bridge provided a dramatic setting
• “The Ring Two” (2005) – The sequel to the horror hit utilized Astoria’s foggy atmosphere
• “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” (1993) – Parts were filmed in and around town
• “Benji the Hunted” (1987) – The beloved dog’s adventure in the Pacific Northwest
• “Come See the Paradise” (1990) – A drama featuring Astoria’s historic jail

The old Clatsop County Jail, featured in The Goonies, now houses the Oregon Film Museum. And with a recent $1 million state grant fueling a planned $10 million expansion, the film legacy here isn’t going anywhere.

Why are so many films made in and around Astoria?

So many films are shot in Astoria because it offers a rare blend of dramatic natural beauty, historic architecture, and small-town charm — all within a single, easily accessible location. Here’s why filmmakers love it:

1. Diverse Scenery in a Compact Area: From misty forests and rugged coastline to Victorian homes and industrial docks, Astoria provides multiple distinct settings within a short drive.
2. Atmospheric Weather and Light: The overcast skies and moody Pacific Northwest ambiance add a cinematic feel — perfect for both dramatic and nostalgic films.
3. Iconic Landmarks: Features like the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the Flavel House, and the historic jail make for visually compelling backdrops.
4. Film-Friendly Town: The city has embraced its film legacy, with local officials and residents generally supportive of productions. The Oregon Film Museum even celebrates this history.
5. Historical Character: Astoria’s age and architectural preservation give it a timeless quality that’s hard to replicate on studio backlots.

From Salmon to Stouts

Astoria thrived for decades on fish, logs, and grit. Salmon canneries once lined the riverbanks. Bumble Bee Seafoods ran its operations here until shuttering in 1980. The Astoria Plywood Mill, the town’s biggest employer, closed in 1989. The rail line was pulled up in 1996.

That could have been the end. But instead, Astoria pivoted. With help from preservationists, artists, and a new wave of entrepreneurs, the town slowly transformed. Tourists came first for the Goonies, then stayed for the beer, the views, and the history. Today, Fort George Brewery alone produces over 31,000 barrels annually, and Buoy Beer Company draws crowds with its glass-floor sea lion lounge.

Tourism is now the town’s heartbeat. In 2022, Astoria and neighboring Warrenton welcomed over 490,000 visitors who generated nearly $120 million in travel-related spending. Cruise ships, art festivals, and events like the Fisher Poets Gathering (where commercial fishers read poetry) help keep the town alive and weird in equal measure.

10 Can’t-Miss Astoria Experiences

Astoria Column – Climb this 125-foot tower for views that stretch from ocean to mountain, and launch a wooden glider from the top (just don’t forget to retrieve it).

Columbia River Maritime Museum – Learn why the Columbia Bar is called the “Graveyard of the Pacific” and tour the floating lighthouse, the Lightship Columbia.

Astoria-Megler Bridge – Drive the 4.1-mile bridge to Washington for some of the best views on the West Coast.

Buoy Beer Co. – Sip craft brews above a colony of barking sea lions.

Fort Stevens State Park – Explore a fort once shelled by a Japanese submarine during WWII.

Astoria Riverfront Trolley – Hop on Old 300 and ride along the river with narrated history.

Flavel House Museum – Step inside a perfectly preserved 1885 Queen Anne mansion.

Fisher Poets Gathering – Hear sea shanties and poems from real-life fishermen each February.

Youngs River Falls – Swim or picnic by a 65-foot cascade just 10 miles outside town.

Astoria Riverwalk – Follow the Columbia through town on foot or bike, and watch ships as big as skyscrapers glide by.

Is it expensive to buy a home? 

Not terribly.  Here’s a chart setting out the median home prices over the last five years.

Between March 2021 and March 2025, the median home price in Astoria rose from approximately $371,000 to over $470,000. This steady climb reflects a nearly 27% increase over four years, signaling growing demand and limited supply in the small coastal market. While the pace of growth has slowed slightly year to year, Astoria’s housing market continues its upward trajectory.

How does the town score across other important categories?

It’s fairly consistent across the board. It’s not a top ranking town to live in but it scores respectibly well across every category.

FYI, these scores obtained in conjunction with a third party data analytics firm. Scores based on surveys and data analysis.

A Town That Knows Who It Is

Astoria has around 10,000 residents, but its cultural footprint is far bigger. It punches above its weight with museums, galleries, and events. The Columbia River Maritime Museum sees over 100,000 visitors a year. Some hotels now book up months in advance.

Still, this isn’t just a tourist town. The port is active. The fishing fleet is real. Artists live alongside welders, and espresso stands share blocks with hardware stores. It’s gritty, yes. But it’s real – and that’s what keeps people coming back.

Astoria didn’t try to become something new. It just kept being itself – and eventually, the world caught on.