This North Carolina Town Has The Most Walkable Downtown

In Washington, North Carolina, aka “Little Washington”, the walkable Harbor District is the main attraction, with the Pamlico River waterfront as its scenic edge. That means you can go from Main Street shops and galleries to the riverwalk and marinas in just a few minutes walk. On a blue-sky day, you can step out of a shop on W. Main Street (say, The Lemonade Art Gallery) and be down on the riverwalk by Festival Park and the marinas in just a few minutes on foot.

Founded in 1776, where the Tar and Pamlico Rivers meet, this Inner Banks town is a hidden gem that many travelers pass on the way to the coast. But its compact downtown packs a lot into a small footprint, from the historic Turnage Theatre, a beautifully restored century-old venue for live shows and special events, to the North Carolina Estuarium, a hands-on spot where you can get up close with the Pamlico River’s wildlife and waterways.

Ahead, you will discover the best things to do downtown, where to eat by the water, and a few simple day trips that can turn a quick visit into a long weekend!

What’s So Special About Downtown Washington?

Washington is an easy town to navigate. To get downtown, simply head for the water. The main thoroughfare of East and West Main Street runs parallel to the Pamlico River shoreline and marks the heart of downtown, also known as the Harbor District. You can pick up a walking map at the Washington Visitors Center, located near the water on W Stewart Parkway.

Given its location on the Pamlico Sound, one of the largest estuaries in the world, it is no surprise that Washington takes its maritime heritage very seriously. Walking downtown, you will see several colorful crabs, which are eye-catching outdoor sculptures created by local artists. You may also see murals depicting scenes from Washington’s long history. These efforts won the town the 2023 Newsome Award, given by the Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies for excellence in local history projects.

That is not the only recognition Washington has earned for its attractive downtown. It is also a designated Main Street Community thanks largely to a revitalization project spearheaded by the Washington Harbor District Alliance. Boasting clean and attractive streets, a diverse mix of shops and eateries, and well-maintained historic buildings, downtown is a pedestrian-friendly hub full of character and life.

Things to Do Downtown

If you have never visited an estuarium, now is your chance. Downtown Washington is home to the North Carolina Estuarium, a natural science museum dedicated to life in and on the Pamlico River. The center contains over 200 exhibits and offers free ‘River Roving’ boat tours between April and October.

Another must-see attraction, a few blocks west of the estuarium, is the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum, which is housed in a historic railcar. This unique museum tells the story of Kalimbre, a ‘hearer’ with exceptional recall whose job it was to remember and pass along messages to help escaped slaves make the dangerous journey through North Carolina to freedom.

For those in the mood to shop, pick up a unique souvenir at one of Washington’s many art galleries and gift shops. The Lemonade Art Gallery on W Main Street offers handcrafted jewellery, original oil prints, and decorative notecards made by their featured artists. Also on W Main, the Riverwalk Art Gallery is a creative cooperative that displays works by local artists and hosts workshops and events.

To see more local creativity in action, check the schedule at the historic Turnage Theatre, which has been in operation for over a century. The Turnage began in 1913 as a Vaudeville theater and expanded in 1930 with the addition of a modern movie screen. Today, it hosts a diverse range of creative offerings from art shows to dance performances, and spoken word events to choral concerts.

Downtown Eats and Treats

After exploring downtown, you are bound to get hungry. Many of Washington’s restaurants preserve the town’s heritage. The Mulberry House opened on the waterfront in 2021 in the historic Fowle Building and is named for the Mulberry Tavern, a 1700s saloon that offered lodging, food, and drink to Washington’s early settlers. Following in the footsteps of the town’s original residents, visitors can now enjoy tasty fare with beautiful views over the water.

Another historic eatery, the 1906 Bistro & Bourbons restaurant, is housed in a 1800s hotel, which later became a bank in the early 1900s. Renovated and transformed into a locally-owned bar and restaurant, the bistro specialises in handcrafted cocktails and upscale bites.

For a fresh and healthy lunch or brunch option, check out Blu Farm to Table. Offering fine dining on the waterfront, the restaurant prides itself on sourcing the freshest seasonal ingredients from local farmers.

Downtown Recreation

Downtown isn’t just about sightseeing, shopping, and snacking. There are also plenty of green spaces to take a break, stretch your legs, or enjoy a picnic. Festival Park is located in the heart of the harborfront district and, true to its name, hosts regular events and concerts, including the popular Summer Music Festival. There are walking paths, a playground, and a picnic shelter for those who just want to come and enjoy the riverside views.

On the edge of downtown is Havens Garden, which features a playground, fishing pier, and one of the town’s most iconic landmarks, the Havens Garden Wheel. A throwback to Washington’s maritime industry, the 10-foot steel wheel comes from a local lumberyard and is a popular spot for photographs and selfies.

Don’t just take pictures of the water, experience it firsthand with Inner Banks Outfitters. Located on E. Main Street, by the public boat ramp, the company offers kayak and paddleboard rentals so you can explore the Pamlico River on your own time and at your own pace.

Day Trips From Washington

A 20-minute drive south of Washington will take you to Bath, the state’s oldest town. Founded in 1705, this quaint riverside village is a must for history-lovers who will enjoy exploring the historic Palmer-Marsh House, built around 1751, and North Carolina’s oldest church, St Thomas, which was established in 1734. You may also want to visit the Historic Bath Site Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall, where you can browse a display devoted to the legendary pirate Blackbeard and his exploits.

Slightly further south than Bath is Aurora, around a 30-minute drive from Washington; you can also drive a few miles east from Bath to the Bayview terminal and take the short, free Bayview-Aurora ferry across the Pamlico River to Aurora. Aurora is home to the Aurora Fossil Museum, where you will find a Fossil Park, Fossil Pits, and a museum showcasing a variety of marine fossils as well as Native American artifacts.

Belhaven, located 30 minutes east of Washington on the Pungo River, is another popular stop in Beaufort County. An 1800s fishing village, you can learn about the town’s history at the Belhaven Memorial Museum or stop by the River Forest Manor, built in 1899.

Enjoy a Wander in Washington, North Carolina

Known as ‘Little Washington’ or ‘the Original Washington’ to distinguish the town from its DC counterpart, Washington, North Carolina, is a world away from that urban sprawl. Life moves more slowly here as you stroll streets that have watched over three centuries of American history unfold. Learn about the flora and fauna of one of the world’s largest estuaries, soak up the creative spirit of the local arts scene, revisit the stories of the Underground Railroad, and snack on crabs while watching the river boats. A day in downtown Washington is a day full of memorable moments.