9 Standout Main Streets On The Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast region of the US is characterized by its powerful and cold Pacific Ocean waters, dramatic, rugged cliffs, and volcanic underwater activity called the Ring of Fire. This region is made up of three contiguous, or "mainland" states, which are California, Oregon, and Washington, and Alaska. Each of these states has something unique to offer, like diverse landscapes and geology, beautiful weather, ancient Indigenous cultures, and vibrant small towns tucked in between major iconic cities.
Skagway, Alaska
Nestled in an area called Inside Pass, surrounded by glaciers and mind-blowing mountain views, it really does not get prettier than Skagway, Alaska. The downtown area, centered around Broadway Street, is highly walkable and has a very authentic Alaskan feeling to it with its wooden sidewalks and Gold Rush era buildings. Running through all the charming shops and eateries is the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, which is today more of a scenic adventure than a primary travel route.
There are several things to do on Broadway Street, like visiting family-owned coffee shop Glacial Coffeehouse, which also serves delicious breakfast sandwiches and bagels. Red Onion Saloon, a former brothel now turned into a bar and local history museum, is an original 1890s staple in Skagway. Go shopping at the independent boutique store, Skagway Handloom and Handicrafts, which offers many one-of-a-kind goods specific to Alaska.
Port Townsend, Washington
On the rugged Quimper Peninsula of the northwest US state of Washington, the historic coastal city of Port Townsend stands out. Home to around 10,000 people, this charming seaside city sits between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the massive Port Townsend Bay. Then downtown is packed with lovely Victorian architecture, and its main street, the aptly named Water Street, has a ton of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, all with ocean views.
A few of the attractions in this area include visiting the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, which serves as both a museum and aquarium, featuring hands-on exhibits. It features many interesting and hands-on exhibits, including the popular lighthouse lens. For dinner, visit the local staple Bayview Restaurant for fresh-caught seafood and stunning water views. For dessert, head to Elevated Ice Cream Co., an ice cream shop offering unique flavors and a complementary candy store.
Astoria, Oregon
In northwestern Oregon, at a breathtaking scenic location where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, you will find the lovely coastal city of Astoria. It is best known for being the oldest settlement by early Americans west of the Rocky Mountains, but it was originally inhabited by Indigenous Tribes such as the Clatsop. Today, it is rich in history and culture, with colorful Victorian architecture lining its main street, Commercial Street, and a thriving arts and craft beer scene.
Locals recommend visiting top-rated attractions downtown, such as the Astoria Riverwalk, a paved trail that stretches six miles along the Columbia Riverbank. Here, you can see quintessential Washington sights, including sea lions on the piers and historic remnants of shipwrecks along the water's edge. On Pier 12, grab a craft beverage at riverfront favorite Sleeper Coffee, or a couple of blocks over, visit the iconic Fort George Brewery for a local IPA or burger. A truly unique shopping experience can be had in Astoria as well, at the Hidden Underground Experience, a mall that is literally under the streets at 10th and Marine Streets, where you can explore quirky boutique stores selling everything from thrifted clothing to antiques to art.
Ferndale, California
Northern California is known for many things, including its famously remote and undeveloped Lost Coast and the massive redwood forests of Humboldt County, which contain some of the tallest trees in the world. In that county, you will find the hidden gem coastal town of Ferndale, home to only around 1,500 people. It is surrounded by dairy farms and maintains a small-town feel, highly charming and welcoming. Ferndale has been described by many as a time-capsule town due to its lack of urbanization and beautiful, preserved Victorian architecture.
The downtown area is centered around Main Street, which offers a variety of entertainment options. Enjoy the beautiful West Coast weather by taking a walk with the whole family through Hadley Gardens, a curated public park overflowing with native plants, plus there is a very pretty life-size Victorian dollhouse on site. If you need caffeine, grab a coffee and go on a little adventure at Mind's Eye Manufactory and Coffee Lounge, which has a fun, whimsical atmosphere, even having an aquarium in the bathroom, as well as delicious coffees and pastries. For dinner, Ferndale Pizza Co. is a longtime local favorite, with a unique menu and funky pizza toppings.
Sonora, California
In California's Central Valley, in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is the laid-back and charming town of Sonora. It is a historic Gold Country town, nicknamed "Queen of the Southern Mines" due to its rich history in the mining industry. This drew settlers from every corner of North America, including many from the city of Sonora, Mexico, from which the California version got its name. Hispanic culture makes itself known here, especially in the food options, and contributes to the town's vibrant diversity.
On the more modern end of the spectrum, Sonora also has a cute, compact downtown area with striking Victorian buildings. Many of these contain local vendors and businesses, and quite a few sit on the main drag, which is Washington Street. Some of these include Goodness Coffee, a highly-rated cafe with craft drinks and a Salvadoran food menu, and Escondite De La Torre, which is a popular restaurant serving Mexican cuisine. You can also buy some local goods at the Local Collective gift shop, and they also sell soft serve ice cream and espresso drinks, making for a cozy atmosphere where you can casually shop around.
Long Beach, Washington
In southwest Washington state, on the coast of Long Beach Peninsula, is the small city of Long Beach. The town's name comes from its arguably biggest attraction, which is a 28-mile-long continuous beach. It also has an accompanying boardwalk and an epic Discovery Trail, an 8-mile paved walking and biking path that runs parallel to the beach. The ocean views here, needless to say, are endless and truly incredible.
Along Long Beach's main street, called Pacific Avenue, you will find even more things to explore, including attractions great for the whole family like the World Kite Museum and Funland Family Fun Center, which is a popular arcade. Marsh's Free Museum across the street is, in fact, not a museum, but rather a huge gift shop filled with neat little trinkets at low prices. For a snack or homemade dessert, visit the exceedingly popular Dylan's Cottage Bakery, which has thousands of positive online reviews and different menu specials daily.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach sits at the mouth of the Columbia River, on the northern Oregon Pacific coast. It has a permanent population of only about 1,500 people, but it stands out as an incredibly picturesque area with plenty of things to do, so it attracts around a million visitors per year. Many of those tourists come to see Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall sea stack volcanic rock formation that, at low tide, is surrounded by marine life at its base and usually covered in sea birds like puffins in warmer months.
However, downtown Cannon Beach is just as much of a standout attraction. It is known for its art galleries and artist vendors, such as DragonFire Gallery, a highly popular shop that showcases the various wares of local Pacific Northwest artists, including blown glass, pottery, jewelry, paintings, and more. The town is very walkable, with charming streets lined with shingle-style cottages, which make for a pleasant aesthetic along its main street, Hemlock Street. There are lots of food options as well, including unique choices like Castaways Global Cuisine for Caribbean, Cajun, and French dishes.
Carpinteria, California
Southern California is known for its surf culture, beautiful beaches, warm weather, and diverse cultural influences, especially Hispanic and Asian. It is also dotted with charming little coastal cities, which truly stand out among the large bustling cities. One of these is Carpinteria, a hidden gem with only around 13,000 residents, which is near both Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, but it stands up to both in appeal.
This city's walkable downtown, with a main street called Linden Avenue, rejects big box stores and is packed with locally owned shops and diverse food options. Some of those on Linden include Siam Elephant Thai Restaurant, for classic Thai cuisine, Giannfranco's Trattoria for authentic Tuscan Italian, and The Worker Bee Cafe, a daytime spot for American breakfast favorites. At the end of Linden Avenue is Carpinteria State Beach, which has actually been nicknamed "World's Safest Beach" for its calm, family-friendly, less crowded atmosphere.
Seward, Alaska
The gateway town of Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, is at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Pacific Gulf of Alaska. Its population of about 2,600 people gives it a small-town feel, but it still has a bustling main street called Fourth Avenue, which leads to the town's working harbor and lots of local businesses. Seward is a great place not just to experience Alaska, but also to bring your children. Fourth Avenue is a compact area with vibrant murals celebrating local history and depicting sea life, which has given the city so much.
Things to do include the Alaska Sealife Center, which is an ethical aquarium focusing on education. They have touch tanks and family-friendly exhibits, so it is a great place to take kids. Yet another child-friendly activity, the Seward Children's Museum, is a block away on Third Avenue and has a wide array of activities to keep little ones busy. Kids certainly also love Sweet Darlings candy store right across the street. More for the parents, Resurrect Art Coffee House is a funky coffee shop inside an old church, serving unique drink options and fresh pastries.
On the Main Streets of the Pacific Coast...
You will be able to relax in beach towns emanating chill energy, like Carpinteria State Beach just off Linden Avenue. You will experience and enjoy stunning scenery like the Riverwalk in Astoria, just off Commercial Street, or the insane ocean views from the Water Street boardwalk in Port Townsend, Washington. You will also diversify your palette with delicious food in places like Cannon Beach, Oregon, along Hemlock Street. Many of these towns are perfect for families, too, like Seward, Alaska, and Ferndale, California. The Pacific Coast has an attraction for everyone!
