10 The Pacific Northwest Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
Main Streets take many forms, and you will seldom find two that look the same. Some have an Old-school Colonial feel. Some have a beautiful riverwalk area tucked behind the main drag. In others, the whole downtown area seems enveloped in mountains. Yet others feature beautiful canals and imposing cathedrals; eye-catching Victorian architecture and cobblestoned streets.
Whatever its defining characteristic, there is nothing as enjoyable as strolling down a charming main street. Starting with Astoria, Oregon, discover below 10 Pacific Northwest towns with unforgettable Main Streets.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria has postcard beauty that will immediately set your heart ablaze.
Beautifully positioned at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is known for its historical ties to Lewis and Clark and its charming downtown, a vibrant space that doubles up as one of the best attractions in town. Several streets around town will make your jaws drop, such as 36th Street between 31st and 30th Avenues; however, Main Street, with its quiet atmosphere and Victorian buildings, is also in a class of its own. Keep in mind that Main Street is primarily Commercial Street. Some special mentions along this stretch include Godfather's Books, a lovely space, where you will find boatloads of interesting vintage books plus a little coffee bar; Forsythea, which is right next and stocks all kinds of interesting gifts; and Gaetano's Market & Deli, for some kickass Italian sandwiches to prime you for a day-long adventure.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend, with its Victorian heritage and consistent architecture, is hands-down among the prettiest towns you will ever come across. It boasts a thriving art scene on Main Street and heart-gripping waterfront views.
Speaking of water, the aptly named Water Street is considered Port Townsend's Main Street. Before you venture out to the nearby Fort Worden State Park, you will enjoy ambling through this charming stretch and sampling its mix of delightful offerings. There is Hastings Building, an eye-catching landmark known for its Victorian architecture; JCHS Museum of Art + History, a cute space set in a 19th-century courthouse building with original jail and fire hall ( check out the horse-drawn hearse), and Elevated Ice Cream, a whimsical counter-serve with a delicious variety of ice cream flavours.
McCall, Idaho
McCall, with its setting on the shores of the beautiful Payette Lake, looks like a scene in a Hollywood movie. And it is. The incredible beauty of the town and the lake attracted the attention of Hollywood in the 1930s, leading up to its selection as the filming location for the Academy Award-nominated Northwest Passage. Main Street, primarily 2nd Street, is a beautiful stretch with all kinds of eye-swaying attractions. There is the Farmer’s Market, which boasts a good selection of shopping items, whether bagels or grapes, and Art Roberts, a nice, tranquil space with waterfront views. It definitely adds to the town's rustic charm. Pop inside St Luke's McCall Auxiliary Thrift Shop along the same stretch, and get yourself a memento at a reasonable price. Granite Mountain Nature Gallery, just around the corner, probably has the best selection of rocks and fossils you will ever see.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, one of the top art towns in the Pacific Northwest, has been grabbing one prestigious award after another. Statesman Journal ranks it as one of the safest Spring Break destinations in the U.S. It is on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of “The 28 Most Beautiful Towns in America.” And National Geographic ranks the beach as among the most beautiful in the world.
Naturally, you should expect such a town to also boast a stunning Main Street. Hemlock Street, the town's main thoroughfare, is a scintillating stretch that teems with several inviting restaurants, shops, and nice little boutiques. Greaver Gallery is a lovely, little family establishment with beautiful and reasonably priced prints, while DragonFire Gallery completely tips the scales in scope and range. Pelican Brewing, a top-rated brewpub with patio seating, is loved for its award-winning Clam Chowder. Don't miss to pick a saltwater candy at the iconic Bruce’s Candy Kitchen.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed village with lots of delicious German-inspired food, numerous festivals throughout the year, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Speaking of the outdoors, this town is nestled in the Cascade Mountains, meaning you can break your leg hiking, skiing, or mountain biking.
A combination of a stunning Main Street and breathtaking mountain scenery makes Leavenworth one of the most sought-after vacation stops. Front Street, unique for being a pedestrian-only area, serves as the town's Main Street. Leavenworth Square is like an escape to Europe. From its timber-framed buildings to its cobblestone streets, the atmosphere and energy here will make you feel light. If you want to know how the town sprang up, there is no better place than the Greater Leavenworth Museum. There is Front Street Park as well, which features mind-rousing art shows most summer weekends.
Poulsbo, Washington
Poulsbo is on the Kitsap Peninsula, an area steeped in lots of fascinating history and breathtaking natural beauty.
You may already know that Poulsbo is often called “Little Norway,” a reference to its well-established Scandinavian influence. Therefore, expect to see Nordic elements in the town's architecture, plus several other Scandinavian-inspired attractions. Front Street, the town's main drag, plays host to a delightful lineup of show-stoppers. You will find the Poulsbo Maritime Museum on this stretch, which showcases the natural history of the region in several creative ways. American Legion Park is certainly the best green space around. It connects you to the Poulsbo Waterfront vía a beautiful boardwalk with heart-warming views. Also, the SEA Discovery Centre keeps some gentle ocean dwellers that your little ones will enjoy interacting with.
Winthrop, Washington
Winthrop is a winsome mountain town along State Highway 20 in the mind-bending Methow Valley.
A well-known winter wonderland with a Wild West vibe, Winthrop has a downtown area that looks plucked straight out of a Western movie. Wooden facades. Old World ambiance. Eye-catching architecture. And you don't want to miss North America’s biggest network of cross-country ski trails.
Its Main Street, mostly Riverside Avenue, is pedestrian-friendly, meaning you will enjoy sampling most of its key attractions on foot. It runs along the scenic Methow River, giving it a tint of countryside charm. Pop inside the Shafer Historical Museum, which keeps lots of interesting equipment and machinery used back in the mining days. Alternatively, enjoy a gripping read at the Trail's End Bookstore, especially at the back so you can sip delicious river views.
A fantastic starting point should be the Rocking Horse Bakery, especially if you have a thing for delicious cinnamon rolls and good coffee.
Ashland, Oregon
A small, adorable town with an artsy twist, Ashland is a cherished name in the Pacific Northwest's vacation scene. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from March through October; it is a fantastic place to watch immortal shows like Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, or Julius Caesar.
Picking up the cue, Varsity Theatre is on Main Street and has been a staple of the community since the 1930s. The theatre’s interior, with its beautiful Art Deco style, is a cozy space to enjoy both the latest hit movies and great independent films. If you are craving delicious chicken sandwiches or eggplant burgers, Mason’s on the Main, a family-run establishment with personable staff, checks almost every box.
Sequim, Washington
You will feel transported to Provence, France, especially because the landscape here is all about rolling fields of purple blooms.
Just like its European counterpart, Sequim is widely known (and loved) for its lavender fields. It has been called the "Lavender Capital of North America.” Washington Street, the town's main drag, hosts the Sequim Visitor Information Center, a fantastic starting point for any first-time visitors. Pioneer Memorial Park is along this charm-soaked stretch and has nicely landscaped grounds with picnic tables, a historic cabin, and a totem pole.
Across the street is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the area. Dynasty serves Dry Wok-Tossed Green Beans, sprouted Barley noodles, and outrageously delicious Mongolian beef. Now head over to The Bag Ladies of Sequim, where you will find interesting gifts for family and friends. It boasts a solid 5-star rating on Google Reviews.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Gig Harbor is a soothing waterfront town with a charming main street where one can enjoy sumptuous views of the Puget Sound. What will stand out for you is: its restful rhythm, its nautical charm, its heart-stirring scenery, its many trees.
On a good day, you will find locals at the marina kayaking with friends or viewing a stunning sunset. Harborview Drive, loved for its historic charm, serves as the town's main drag. Harbor History Museum has fascinating exhibits dedicated to the area's heritage and should be high on your to-do list.
If you are a self-proclaimed sweet-toother, Iscreamery is just off Harborview Drive on Pioneer Way. It is loved for its wide variety of ice cream flavours and excellent customer service. The trick is to start at Susanne's Bakery, especially if you want to rev up your day with a scone and latte.
The Takeaway
From the art galleries that stop you mid-step to badass bakeries and indie cinemas, some main streets don’t just charm, they charm.com. Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest is dotted with several towns with stunning main streets, many of which leave first-time visitors completely blown away. The most unique thing about these beautiful main streets is that they don’t just lead somewhere; they are the destination.
