Thinking about visiting Astoria, Oregon? If you’re considering a guided tour, you’re in luck—there’s a popular option that many travelers highly recommend. This Tour of Astoria, offered by Onward Adventures, has garnered a perfect 5-star rating from over 100 reviews, making it clear that most who join come away feeling satisfied. The tour is designed to give visitors a well-rounded glimpse of this charming coastal town, combining iconic sights, local insights, and a personal touch that larger groups often miss.
What we love about this experience? First, the personalized approach—with a small-group size limited to just 14 guests, you’ll get plenty of personal attention from friendly guides. Second, the flexibility and thoughtful stops mean that your tour is tailored to your interests, whether that’s history, movie sites, or local flavors. However, one thing to keep in mind is the moderate physical activity involved, especially at the Astoria Column, which requires climbing stairs for the stunning views. This tour seems best suited for travelers who appreciate a more intimate, customizable experience and aren’t afraid of a bit of walking.
Key Points
- Small-group setting for a more personal experience
- Round-trip pickup included, making logistics easier
- Flexible itinerary based on guest interests
- Knowledgeable guides who share stories and insider tips
- Affordable pricing considering the comprehensive stops
- Service animals are welcome, great for pet owners
An In-Depth Look at the Tour of Astoria
If you’re trying to get a genuine feel for Astoria without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, this guided tour offers an excellent way to see the highlights comfortably. At $65 per person, it’s a relatively affordable way to enjoy a mix of sightseeing, history, and local culture in about three hours.
Planning more time in Astoria? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary, Step by Step
Stop 1: Astoria Column
This is the tour’s showstopper—literally. The 125-foot tall column offers sweeping views of the Columbia River and the surrounding landscape. Visitors love the chance to climb the stairs inside and breathe in the salty coastal air while soaking in the scenery. The view is often described as fantastic, and the experience of standing at the top leaves many feeling accomplished and refreshed. Since admission is included, you won’t have to worry about extra costs here, which adds to the value.
Stop 2: Flavel House Museum
Next, you’ll stroll around the grounds of this historic home, with a chance to peek inside if you wish. While the tour doesn’t include admission, just wandering the exterior offers a glimpse of Astoria’s architectural past. It’s a quick visit, but one that adds context to the town’s story as a once-thriving cannery city with charming, old-fashioned homes.
Stop 3: Oregon Film Museum
If you’re a movie buff, this stop delivers fun photo opportunities—like getting your picture with the Goonies jeep. The museum also features a gift shop with Goonies memorabilia, making it a must-see for fans. Expect about 15 minutes here, and while admission isn’t included, the photo ops and themed souvenirs make it worthwhile.
Stop 4: Fort Astoria
Here, you’ll get a quick look at the historic fort, with informative stories about its significance. An old Rhododendron tree over 100 years adds a dash of natural beauty. This stop is free, making it an efficient way to blend history and scenery without adding extra costs.
Stop 5: Goonies House
No Astoria tour would be complete without a visit to Mikey’s house from the cult classic movie The Goonies. It’s just a short walk up the street, and many visitors enjoy snapping a quick photo from the sidewalk. It’s a fun, casual moment that captures the movie magic of Astoria.
Stop 6: Hanthorn Cannery Museum & Local Shops
The last stop is a lively area along the Columbia River, where you can explore the Hanthorn Cannery—now a museum showcasing Astoria’s coastal and industrial past. The setting is picturesque, with ship views, sea lions, and sunsets. You’ll also find local shops selling Goonies gear, along with cafes like Vineside Wine Bar, Coffee Girl, and Rogue Brewery. This stop offers about 30 minutes of relaxed browsing and sightseeing, and it’s free to explore.
What Travelers Say
Many reviewers emphasize the expertise of guides Katie and Bill. One called Katie “our best travel guide ever,” appreciating her patience and tailored experience. Another mentioned that Bill and Katie are “a great couple and great tour guides,” making everyone feel comfortable and engaged. Guests also enjoy the flexibility of the trip, especially when last-minute cruise ship delays occur—guides quickly adapt, adding extra stops or personalized touches.
The value for money is also a common compliment. For just $65, guests get a carefully curated experience with multiple iconic sights, insider tips, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Several reviews mention how the tour felt personal, almost like exploring with friends rather than in a large, impersonal group.
The Experience and Logistics
The tour lasts approximately three hours, which is enough time to see the key sights without feeling rushed. Pickup is included, which simplifies logistics, especially if you’re arriving on a cruise or staying nearby. With a maximum of 14 guests, the group remains intimate, allowing guides to provide more attention and tailor stops based on your interests.
The moderate physical activity mainly involves climbing the Astoria Column stairs, which might be a consideration if mobility is a concern. The tour is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels, as it involves walking and some climbing but not strenuous activity.
Pricing and Overall Value
At $65 per person, this tour offers a solid value that packs in multiple highlights and personalized storytelling. Admission fees are included for the Astoria Column, but not for the Flavel House Museum or Oregon Film Museum, so you might spend a little on extras if you choose to visit inside. However, even without additional tickets, most see this as a well-rounded, cost-effective way to experience Astoria.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour is a good fit if you’re looking for a personalized, informative experience that packs in the highlights of Astoria in a short time. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value guided storytelling, want to avoid the hassle of planning, and appreciate small-group intimacy. It’s also great if you love movie sites, scenic views, and local history, and don’t mind a bit of walking.
Final Thoughts
The Tour of Astoria by Onward Adventures offers a friendly, well-organized way to discover this coastal town’s charm. The guides’ warmth and local knowledge shine through, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a memorable journey into the heart of Astoria. The stops are thoughtfully selected, offering plenty of photo opportunities and stories that stick with you long after the tour ends.
While the price is reasonable and the stops are highlights, keep in mind that the tour involves some physical activity, and a few attractions require additional tickets if you want to go inside. Still, the flexible, small-group format makes it a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic and relaxed exploration.
Whether you’re a first-timer, a movie fan, or simply someone who appreciates a good story and scenic views, this tour is likely to leave you feeling like you’ve truly experienced the best of Astoria.
Tour of Astoria
“Katie was our best travel guide ever! She spent 3.5 hours with usin her car-a private tour just for the two of us!! She listened carefully to what …”
FAQs
Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers stress-free round-trip pickup from your accommodation, making it easy to focus on enjoying the sights without worrying about logistics.
How many people are in the tour group?
A maximum of 14 guests, which keeps the experience intimate and personalized.
What’s the duration of the tour?
About 3 hours, providing enough time to see all the stops comfortably without feeling rushed.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are more than welcome on this tour.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellations are available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the moderate physical activity and short durations mean it could work for older children comfortable with walking.
Do I need to buy extra tickets?
Admission is included for the Astoria Column. Other stops like the Flavel House Museum and Oregon Film Museum do not include admission, so you might choose to spend extra there.
What’s the price?
$65 per person, which is quite reasonable given the variety of stops and personal guidance.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely—multiple reviews praise Katie and Bill for their storytelling, flexibility, and enthusiasm for Astoria.
Is this tour good for cruise passengers?
Yes, it’s tailored to cruise travelers, with flexible timing and the ability to adapt if ships are delayed.
If you’re after a relaxed, personal introduction to Astoria with friendly guides and a good mix of sights and stories, this tour is worth considering. It offers a genuine taste of what makes this town special, all in a flexible, approachable package.
