7 Picture-Perfect Main Streets On The Atlantic Coast

Wherever you are, Main Streets are usually at a centralized location in town for ease of accessing everything you need from places to eat, shop, or unwind. If you are spending a few days in a small town, the chances are you will spend a considerable amount of time on its Main Street, so it’d better be a nice one.

On the Atlantic Coast of the United States, the small towns are dotted with landmarks rich with maritime heritage, art galleries displaying works connected to the ocean, and places to dine on fresh, locally sourced seafood. Whether you are on St. George Street, St. Augustine’s pedestrian-only street in the oldest city in the United States, or strolling past the Colonial-era buildings of Thames Street in Newport, the Main Streets of these Atlantic Coast towns are bound to leave you in awe.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket is the southeasternmost town in both Massachusetts and New England, based on a small island off the coast of Cape Cod. Nantucket’s cobblestone paved Main Street leads right down to the wharf meaning you can access it straight off the ferry. The Club Car has been a staple of dining in Nantucket since it was established in 1977, serving French-inspired dishes from the land and the sea. A train car is attached to the side of the building and operates as a piano bar for patrons to enjoy beverages after their dinner.

Pick up nautical-themed and island-inspired gifts such as ornaments, jewelry, and message stones from It’s a Shore Thing. On Upper Main Street, the Hadwen House honors Nantucket’s whaling heritage and, according to the Nantucket Historical Association, is the only Greek revival-style mansion of its age in the area open to the public. Today it operates as a museum where visitors can view displays of Nantucket lightship baskets, decorative arts, and historic maps of Nantucket.

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is one of southern New Jersey’s premier destinations which is largely down to its main street, Washington Street Mall, a three-block pedestrian-only outdoor mall. Cape May is the United States’ original seaside resort and its mall houses over 75 establishments and is decorated with multiple benches, gardens, trees, and string lighting elevated overhead. Experience fine-dining at Tisha’s Fine Dining, serving elevated New American cuisine for lunch and dinner in both indoor and outdoor seating.

The Museum of Fine Arts and Popular Culture displays roughly 190 pieces of art that varies between Victorian art, contemporary surrealism, and social statement pieces. Keeping in theme with Cape May’s Atlantic coastal setting, Whale’s Tale has been a landmark gift shop for over 30 years, selling specimen seashells and nature-themed books, ornaments, and other gifts.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is regarded as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the contiguous United States, founded by the Spanish in 1565. Its history and heritage can still be seen in town today and is preserved on St. George Street, a pedestrian-only street that is lined with original Colonial-era structures and landmarks, many of which now house an array of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Oldest Wooden School House Historic Museum and Gardens helps visitors understand what homestead life was like through educational and recreational entertainment.

For an authentic taste of Spanish heritage, the Spanish Bakery and Café specializes in freshly baked bread and Spanish baked goods such as empanadas. The Hispanic Garden is a Spanish-style garden is filled flower-filled ceramic vases, an octagonal mosaic design in the center, and water features. This green space within St. George Street adds life and is appealing on the eyes.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is mostly associated with the nearest access to Acadia National Park, but Main Street is an adventure in itself. Agamont Park is at the northern end of Main Street and while there are green spaces dotted along the street, none of them are as exposed to views of the water as Agamont Park is. Additionally, the park is equipped with picnic facilities, blooms with seasonal flowers in the summer, and has views of Bar Island, allowing you to enjoy Maine’s scenery without having to leave Main Street.

Galyn’s spacious dining rooms decorated with contemporary Maine art is the ideal location to sample fresh, locally sourced seafood such as lobsters, oysters, and scallops, as well as steaks and vegetarian options. The Bar Harbor Town Clock was placed on Main Street in 1905 where it remains today as a popular landmark in town.

Newport, Rhode Island

Thames Street runs parallel to the waterfront in Newport, granting easy access to the numerous bars, restaurants, shops, and historic homes that line either side of it. Learn about Newport’s Maritime past and Gilded Age at the Museum of Newport History which is housed inside of the Old Brick Market Building. The museum showcases collections of manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs, that trace back five centuries in time.

The Red Parrot Restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historical Places as it was originally used as a meat packing house. Although it is a casual dining experience, its history can be seen throughout the restaurant in its authentic wood and brass finishes. Sheldon Fine Art Gallery has an everchanging gallery, featuring the work of more than 200 artists whose works range from contemporary pieces to coastal scenes.

Stonington, Connecticut

Stonington is a historical coastal village set on a mile-long peninsula in Connecticut. Even with its small size, it manages to pack lots in to Water Street which runs through town, blending waterfront views, green space, and an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Just as you cross the bridge and enter Stonington, Wadawanuck Square is more than just the site of the library. It is alive with old growth trees that create shaded areas for picnics and the benches scattered throughout the park are ideal for a quiet moment when on Water Street.

The Water Street Café has a warm and inviting atmosphere that is elevated by their handcrafted mahogany bar. Right at the end of Water Street, the Old Lighthouse Museum offers exhibits on local fishermen, sailors, and sea captains, and visitors who climb its 29 stone steps can see Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Long Island, New York, from the tower on a clear day.

Beaufort, North Carolina

Front Street is the central point of downtown Beaufort with access to the boardwalk on one side, and restored historic homes on the other side. Fisherman’s Park allows water lovers to launch kayaks and canoes right on Beaufort’s main street. Furthermore, if you need a break from roaming around town, there are benches or picnic tables where you can rest and enjoy views of Taylor Creek and the nearby Rachel Carson Reserve.

The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort narrates North Carolina’s history through exhibits on the state’s seafood industry, lighthouse, and sailboats and motorboats. The Rhumbar is right on the water serving dishes that are a blend of Southern flavors with a Caribbean flare which can be enjoyed on their patio overlooking the water.

Main Streets That Have It All

It’s not every main street you can access green spaces, get great views of the Atlantic Ocean, and browse a blend of historical landmarks, museums and galleries, and restaurants and bars, but somehow the small towns distributed along the Atlantic Coast of the United States manage to pull it off. From Cape May’s pedestrian-only outdoor mall main street, to Newport’s Thames Street that runs adjacent to the water, the Atlantic Coast has some of the most colorful main streets around.