9 Prettiest Main Streetscapes In Oregon
Turning onto one of Oregon’s small-town main streets has the amazing ability to make you feel like you have arrived somewhere special. Maybe it is the sound of waves crashing just beyond the sidewalks or the strong presence of Old West Charm that draws you into these streets. Or perhaps it’s the ever-present mountain views that capture your attention. Whatever it is that makes you fall in love with the streetscapes in Oregon, it is important to remember that the prettiest ones will stay in your heart and mind forever.
Sisters
The wooden facades and panoramic Cascade Range mountain views make Sisters’ main street, Cascade Avenue, feel like an Old West postcard. Cascade Avenue is a visually cohesive downtown, lined with Western-style storefronts that house cafes and specialty shops. Sisters Coffee Company is a local favorite, serving freshly roasted coffee and hearty food. If you are interested in local history, the Sisters Museum is a great place to start. This volunteer-run museum offers free admission and features educational exhibits, as well as guided tours. Another free museum (although donations are welcome) along Cascade Avenue is the Fantastic Museum, which contains an eclectic mix of memorabilia. One of the museum’s newest exhibits is the remains of Olaf the Giant Viking, a beloved figure who stood over seven and a half feet tall.
Jacksonville
California Street in Jacksonville is another main streetscape that feels frozen in time, while also being the home to lively food and arts scenes. This beautifully preserved stretch of brick sidewalks is a National Historic Landmark due to its historic buildings and gas-lamp ambiance. The Pacific Northwest is known for its wines, and Jacksonville’s wineries and tasting rooms do not disappoint. On California Street, visit South Stage Cellars to enjoy a glass of wine and a charcuterie plate containing delicious locally-sourced items, or pop down the street to the tasting room of Somar Family Vineyards to try a flight of their newest releases. Just off the main streetscape is the Britt Festival Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue where live performances take place throughout the year, including the Britt Music & Arts Festival, which runs from June through September.
Baker City
Main Street in the Baker Historic District is beautifully breathtaking with ornate Victorian architecture and surrounded by the Elkhorn Mountains. The Geiser Grand Hotel, named "the finest hotel between Salt Lake and Seattle" by Sunset Magazine, is a stunning example of charming historic architecture. Whether you book a room there or not, grab a drink or take a mixology class at the hotel’s bar, The 1889 Cafe, or enjoy an elegant meal at the on-site restaurant, Palm Court. Another unique downtown lodging that can be enjoyed by everyone, guests or not, is The Ison House Bed and Brew. This small, historic hotel features a pub, garden, and live music, as well as an escape room and art classes. Additionally, local artists have adorned downtown Baker City with a collection of outdoor murals, effortlessly blending the historic features of the town with modern vibrancy.
Bandon
Being located directly on the Pacific Ocean makes Bandon’s Old Town feel particularly magical at sunset. The pastel colors of the evening behind fishing boats drifting along the horizon perfectly showcase the laid-back beach town vibes of Bandon. During the day, residents and visitors often spend time at the Port of Bandon Boardwalk, where they can fish, picnic, and check out the public sculptures along the way. Seafood restaurants are popular here, and places like Tony’s Crab Shack will serve you a plate of oysters and shrimp and will also rent you fishing poles and crab traps. A short drive away from the boardwalk and downtown is the Coquille River Lighthouse, a picturesque spot located on a quiet beach.
Astoria
Running parallel to the Columbia River, Astoria’s Riverwalk is a six-mile paved trail that will show you the town’s maritime heritage and stunning waterfront views. The Columbia River Maritime Museum features interactive exhibits, engine room tours, a 3D theater, and an incredible collection of artifacts. If you go to the museum, do not forget to see the Lightship Columbia, as well; the price of touring this historic ship is included with your museum ticket. When you need a snack or a drink, walk a little further along the river (or take the trolley!) to find whatever type of refreshments you crave. Frite and Scoop has mastered the salty/sweet combination by serving French-style ice cream and freshly made fries. For a slightly more substantial meal, Astoria Brewing Company is a great place along the riverwalk to enjoy a freshly crafted beer and a bowl of chowder.
Brownsville
About 30 miles north of Eugene in Brownsville, Victorian buildings and antique shops line the town’s quaint Main Street. The exhibits at the Linn County Historical Museum exemplify Brownsville’s classic Americana feel by displaying artifacts from early settlers and Native People. Additionally, the Pioneer Picture Gallery offers free admission (although donations are welcome) and a glimpse into local history through photos. Right next door to the gallery is Randy’s Main Street Coffee, a local hotspot for breakfast and lunch. Are you a film buff? If so, you can walk some of the same steps as the cast did in the classic 1986 movie Stand by Me, which filmed several scenes on Main Street and other parts of town.
Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove’s walkable main street is part of a historic downtown known for its covered bridges and public art displays. Learn about local history by taking a walking tour of Cottage Grove’s classic Americana-inspired murals, including one at the entrance of Main Street featuring Buster Keaton. This particular painting honors the fact that Keaton's 1926 movie, The General, was filmed in Cottage Grove. Going on a tour of Cottage Grove’s covered bridges is another way to get to know the town. These bridges were built to withstand the heavy rains that often occur in the Pacific Northwest. Follow the Coast Fork of the Willamette River from the Centennial Covered Bridge, a quiet spot created for pedestrians located near Main Street, to the J. Polk Currin Swinging Bridge, which is half a mile away, before ending the tour at the Chambers Covered Railroad Bridge. All three of these bridges are located in town, but are designed differently, creating an interesting array of architectural examples. Additionally, the green spaces around Cottage Grove's bridges are wonderful places to spend time outdoors, so even if you are not an architecture buff, you can still appreciate the beautiful blend of the man-made bridges with the peaceful natural scenery.
Joseph
Located near the dramatic Wallowa Mountains, Joseph’s Main Street has a unique history that centers around bronze casting. In the 1990s and early 2000s, residents of Joseph worked to beautify the downtown area by removing power lines that blocked views of the mountains, as well as installing cobblestone streets and seven large bronze statues. The subjects of these works of art represent themes important to the West, including a statue of Chief Joseph, a Native American leader of the Nez Perce tribe who fought to protect local lands. As you walk along Main Street, you can also pop into the Valley Bronze Gallery, a foundry where a collective of artists showcases their bronze castings and works of metal art, as well as the Wallowa County Museum, which is another great place to learn more about the history of the Nez Perce tribe and the pioneers who settled in Joseph.
Yachats
Highway 101 in Yachats delivers undeniable beauty along the Pacific Coast. With local eateries and shops sitting just steps away from crashing waves and rocky shoreline viewpoints, Yachats’ main thoroughfare is a coastal haven. On the south side of town, where the ocean meets the Yachats River, residents flock to the many casual bars and restaurants such as Luna Sea Fish House. This community-centered eatery is pet-friendly and frequently invites local musicians to entertain diners. For those who may or may not want to order fish, Ona Restaurant and Lounge offers both land and sea fare in a comfortable atmosphere by the water. Wherever you choose to dine, the waterfront Yachats State Park is nearby, so a scenic after-meal stroll is easily accessible.
Oregon’s prettiest main streetscapes reveal the heart of the state in simple yet unforgettable ways. Each of these communities offers postcard-worthy views that invite visitors and residents to connect with these towns and entice you to stay a little longer. Discovery, beauty, nostalgia, and genuine small-town magic are all on the menu of possibilities when you walk through the main streets of this gorgeous state in the Pacific Northwest.
