11 Best Downtowns In The Pacific Northwest
Downtown is often the heart of a city, where you can best feel its pulse. It does not matter whether it’s an urban metropolis or a quaint town square. The best downtowns are beautiful, even if the scale and intensity are slightly different. They brim with color and character, are neat and walkable, and offer great attractions, a robust and diverse list of things to do. The Pacific Northwest is widely known for its pristine outdoor beauty, from its rugged coastline to its snow-capped mountains. Not just that. This beautiful corner of America is also pockmarked by a delightful cornucopia of beautiful downtowns, spaces that make you want to grin all day. So, which spots take the palm? Keep reading to discover the best downtowns in the Pacific Northwest.
Coupeville, Washington
Coupeville was settled in the years before the Civil War and has the distinction of being Washington's second-oldest town. Therefore, the air here is fragrant and fresh, carrying nostalgic whispers of yesteryear, of the pioneers who first settled, and of the enterprising shipbuilders and lumber traders. The special thing about Coupeville is that it is part of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, a natural paradise on the Salish Sea that offers spectacular opportunities for recreation. Coupeville’s waterfront is especially striking, particularly with its historic red wharf and peaceful view of Penn Cove. You will find beautiful, old buildings, some dating back to the 1800s. A couple of them are now repurposed into mind-rousing art galleries, cute shops, and seafood restaurants serving locally sourced mussels. Talking of mussels, Front Street Grill offers them in delicious doses and should be on your tabs. The alternative is Toby's Tavern, a comfy neighborhood nook with water views. Captain Coupe's Park & Boat Launch is an awesome access point for exploring Penn Cove and doubles up as a great place to view Mt. Baker as well. You can explore the trails and attractions of Whidbey Island, including standouts like the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and state parks like Fort Ebey and Fort Casey.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria has postcard beauty that is quite rare to chance upon these days. It starts with what looks like a contrived setting at the mouth of the scenic Columbia River. Then there is Main Street with its quiet atmosphere and eye-catching Victorian buildings. Astoria Column, rising high on Coxcomb Hill, is a 125-foot tower painted with scenes from the westward sweep of US exploration and settlement. The top is incredibly panoramic and offers excellent views over the surrounding area, including the city, the Columbia River, and the surrounding forests. You can watch ships weaving their way under the Astoria-Megler Bridge or admire fascinating artifacts of maritime history at the phenomenal Columbia River Maritime Museum, including a dramatic exhibit of a Coast Guard boat battling the massive waves at the mouth of the Columbia River. There is Astoria Riverwalk, where you can hop on a trolley at some point, and the 5-star rated Busu Eatery Astoria, a Japanese restaurant that serves hearty dishes in an infectious atmosphere of kindness.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend had a brief boom in the late 1800s, mostly because it was primed to be the Northern Pacific Railroad’s westernmost stop. When the railroad venture stopped short in Tacoma and failed to link up with Port Townsend, many people believed that the town's 15 minutes of fame were over and wrote it off. But today, downtown Port Townsend is among the most beautiful spaces to explore in the Pacific Northwest. From the ornate Victorians that dot the town to the bell tower overlooking downtown to the town's rich maritime culture, Port Townsend is quite a sight. Fort Worden Historical State Park is always ranked as a highlight. It overlooks Admiralty Inlet at the entrance to Puget Sound and has beaches, museums (the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum is unmissable), and lush forests to explore. Silverwater Cafe serves "Northwest Mediterranean cuisine," according to the proprietors, in a good atmosphere, while Nicko's Grotto, just across the street, is an Italian restaurant known for delicious calamari, crab cakes, and pasta dishes. Meanwhile, the nearby Fort Townsend Historical State Park is a calm, forested campground with a variety of easy trails and a beach.
McCall, Idaho
Whether you want to spend a weekend in a lakefront cabin, wander through pine-speckled forests, or hop into thermal hot springs for an experience of a lifetime, McCall is where you want to be. Set on the shores of the beautiful Payette Lake, the town is as photo-worthy as they come. Think Norman Rockwell. Main Street, primarily 2nd Street, is a beautiful stretch with all kinds of eye-swaying attractions. You can kickstart your adventure at Pueblo Lindo, a pretty place for a variety of Mexican eats, including delicious burritos, enchiladas, and margaritas. The downtown area has lakeside hikes in Ponderosa State Park, a calm, swoon-worthy space that also offers wildlife-viewing opportunities and spectacular views. Talking of views, the scenic overlook at Osprey Point is the showstopper, and the contest is not even close. That said, many people come to McCall for the North Fork of the Payette River, well-known for whitewater rafting. So, plan to join a guided rafting trip with a company like Confluences River Expeditions, which has been providing trips on the Main Salmon River since 1982. You will enjoy a trip through the Frank Church Wilderness with its 2.4 million acres of preserved forests and calm, clear waters.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, with its art galleries and charmingly walkable layout, is no stranger to coveted awards. For example, Statesman Journal ranks it as one of the safest Spring Break destinations in the U.S, and Condé Nast Traveler places it on the list of “The 28 Most Beautiful Towns in America.” Downtown Cannon Beach features picturesque sidewalks and courtyards speckled with beautiful art galleries (Like White Bird and DragonFire), unique specialty shops, cozy restaurants (such as Tom's Fish & Chips), and mind-rousing public art. Haystack Rock, which rises 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline, is one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks. It has been featured in countless novels and is home to colorful tidepools and diverse birdlife. More than that, it is one of the most accessible viewing sites of tufted puffins in the Northwest. Other unmissable outdoor attractions include Ecola State Park, perched dramatically on the edge of Tillamook Head. It offers several miles of hiking trails, neat picnic areas, and great vantage points for bird and whale watchers.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a beautiful Bavarian-themed village with lots of delicious German-inspired food, numerous epic festivals throughout the year, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you want to stroll cobblestone-style streets, gaze up at snow-kissed peaks, or uncover some little gems and nooks, downtown Leavenworth fits the bill. With its unique architectural styles and the Cascade Mountains backdrop, Leavenworth is reminiscent of a quaint European setting. Front Street, unique for being a pedestrian-only area, serves as the town's main hub. Icicle Creek, with its spectacular nature trails, begins high in the Cascade Mountains and connects to the Wenatchee River near Leavenworth. Learn about the town's early years at the Greater Leavenworth Museum, admire stimulating art at Front Street Park, then relish some delicious schnitzel cordon bleu at Andreas Keller Restaurant, a quaint, family-owned spot with Old-world flair.
Poulsbo, Washington
Poulsbo boasts a downtown that sits on Liberty Bay, a backdrop that features the snow-capped Olympic Mountains, and an architectural landscape with Norwegian influences. The town is widely famous for its Scandinavian heritage and has been called “America's Little Norway.” More than that, Poulsbo won 2nd place in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small Town Cultural Scene in 2023. You will relish a mid-morning stroll along the waterside boardwalk as you watch the boats bobbing in the marina, a spectacle that is as sublime as words can paint. You can follow your nose to Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, a quaint family-run establishment known for finger-licking cinnamon rolls. Poulsbo's Fish Park, a fun place to drift into bliss, is a bayfront area with lovely walking paths, lots of Native plants, and unforgettable artwork. Pass by Liberty Bay Waterfront Park and the deceivingly small SEA Discovery Center, especially if tagging kids along.
Winthrop, Washington
Winthrop is intentional about how it looks, and it shows. In the 1970s, it adopted an Old-West theme for its downtown architecture in readiness for the opening of the North Cascades Highway. Consequently, it was remodeled to resemble a 1890s Western town, an aspect that makes it look like a time capsule. You can come to explore one of the most extensive Nordic trail systems in the country, cruise along the North Cascades Scenic Byway, which passes through North Cascades National Park, or get snug with a gripping read at the Trail's End Bookstore, where you can enjoy a world-famous classic as you also sip spectacular views of the river. Pop inside the adjoining galleries (such as Winthrop Gallery) before working your way to Pearrygin Lake State Park, an outdoor playground with a yummy range of outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, boating, swimming, and picnicking.
Ashland, Oregon
A small, winsome town with an artsy twist, Ashland is a cherished name in the Pacific Northwest's vacation scene. Its downtown is within a small, peaceful valley. The backdrop features the Ashland Canyon and raw views of the rural hillsides across the valley. Ashland is known for art, although it packs much more. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which runs from March through October, is an exciting occasion to watch timeless enactments like "Much Ado About Nothing" and other Shakespearean plays. Similarly, Varsity Theatre is right on Main Street and has been a staple of the community since the 1930s. The theatre’s interior is loved for its beautiful Art Deco style, an element that gives it a touch of warmth and style. Don't miss Lithia Park, a whimsical space with a river running through, a nearby Japanese garden, and lots of deer.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim is known for rolling fields of purple blooms and has appropriately been called the "Lavender Capital of North America.” It is near the boundary of Olympic National Park, meaning the surrounding scenery features the austere grandeur of craggy mountaintops. The town's downtown is charming and walkable and is dotted with cute cafes, fancy boutiques, and some artsy spots. Speaking of art, Olympic Theatre Arts features a wonderful lineup of productions and is often a cool spot to enjoy an afternoon performance. A few steps away, Sequim Museum & Arts is a free, uncluttered museum with friendly docents that tells the story of Sequim’s founding through nicely set-up displays. Start with some yummy croissants at Pane d'Amore Artisan Bakery, before stepping out to fun outdoor spots like Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, a pristine wildlife refuge that offers hiking trails, a stunning beach, and a historic lighthouse at the end of Dungeness Spit.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Gig Harbor is known for its nautical charm, restful rhythm, and soothing waterfront views. Visitors enjoy heart-ravishing views of Puget Sound and a conveniently walkable waterfront area. Nab a chair at Java & Clay Cafe, a unique spot that combines a fantastic breakfast space with a paint-your-own ceramics studio. It has both inside and outside seating and is just across the street from Skansie Brothers Park and Netshed. After this, stroll down to Donkey Creek Park, where there is an overlook to the river where Salmon run. You can sit on a bench and rest, people-watch, or enjoy the peaceful scenery that envelops the place. Alternatively, hop onto the short trail that takes you under a bridge and behind a beautiful museum with interesting displays. Harbor History Museum keeps the carefully restored Shenandoah boat, one of only two Skansie-built seiners left in Gig Harbor; one of a handful still in existence; and the only Skansie-built fishing boat that is open for public viewing. There is also a fully restored schoolhouse from the late 1890s.
While several towns are jumping-off points to some mind-bending outdoor space, perhaps a world-famous national park or recreation area, the downtown is a special place. It is the eye of the town, the portal to its soul. Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest is dotted with several towns with stunning downtowns, many of which act as full-time destinations, not access points to nearby attractions.
