8 Towns in The Pacific Northwest With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
Carved by glaciers, volcanoes, and dramatic landscapes, the Pacific Northwest of the US, formed by Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, is pure paradise. Its mountains are blanketed by lush rainforests, and the Pacific Ocean is lined by the cozy countryside. Paradisiacal peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Hood pierce the clouds, while glacial lakes such as Crater Lake and Lake Pend Oreille bring an eternal glow to the valleys. Beyond the jaw-dropping scenery, charming towns offer downtowns with dynamic communities. Ready for an exploration of these gems? Check out these towns where the downtown areas steal the show!
Ashland, Oregon
As the birthplace of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland has cemented its status as a regal arts town throughout the decades. This performing arts venue attracts theater fans and art enthusiasts all year long, sparking a vibrant downtown where lots of restaurants and shops pop up to cater to discerning palates.
After a show, walk a few steps to Main Street or Lithia Way to dig into a symphony of local offerings. For quick bites, you can't go wrong with Taqueria Picaro; locals especially love their mahi mahi tacos. If you fancy a drink with your group, the go-to in town are Skout Taphouse & Provisions and O'Ryans Irish Pub.
Commemorate your trip and snag a cool memento from the town's quirky shops. Paddington Station has all things cute for sale, such as handy kitchen items and holiday novelties. When you feel like pampering yourself, indulge in some wellness shopping at Elder Apothecary, known for its line of herbs, teas, and tinctures.
Also located downtown is the crown jewel of Ashland: Lithia Park. This panoramic central park is an ideal place to wind down and just appreciate this town's undeniable beauty. There is a Japanese garden, a fountain, a pickleball court, a picnic area, and miles and miles of riverside trails for visitors to explore.
Florence, Oregon
Dreaming of a paradisiacal coastal escape with a flourishing community? Florence might just be the haven you are looking for. It's cradled right where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean. The town is home to the otherworldly Sea Lion Caves, which is the largest of its kind nationwide and fosters a thriving population of Steller sea lions.
On Maple Street, the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is a worthy stop for curious minds. You'll get to know the origins of Florence and the Siuslaw region at large. The museum also hosts a gift shop if you'd like a souvenir to take home, or you could swing by Ärtêfacts on Bay Street for unique coast-inspired tchotchkes.
Dive even deeper into the downtown area and have a taste of the vibrant locale. For a quick pick-me-up in the day, River Roasters serves an array of classic espresso drinks and specialty coffee. As a coastal town, Florence is abundant with top-notch seafood; head over to Mo's Seafood & Chowder or Novelli's Crab and Seafood for the best chowders on the Oregon Coast.
Astoria, Oregon
Close to the Washington border and nestled along the Columbia River, Astoria is another picturesque Oregon town near the Pacific. It's famously known for the Astoria Column atop Coxcomb Hill; locals and visitors often flock to this site and climb over 160 steps to get uninterrupted city views from the observation deck. If you're one to enjoy long walks, make sure to include the Riverwalk Trail in your list of things to do in town. You could start up east on Lagoon Road and traverse the 6.4-mile trail all the way to Pier 3 of the Port of Astoria. Along the way, you'll encounter all that the electric downtown has to offer.
You can make a fun day out of visiting the Oregon Film Museum on Duane Street, and 80s film fans may even recognize the building from the riveting opening scene in The Goonies. The museum extensively showcases all the movies and TV shows that were filmed in Oregon.
Up to 200 local artisans and farmers offer their products to the public at the Astoria Sunday Market on 12th Street; if you love supporting local, this marketplace shouldn't be missed. Live entertainment and an array of food kiosks make the market extra inviting.
As with most coastal towns, Astoria is brimming with high-quality seafood. If you want some fresh catch (or maybe wish to cook your own!), South Bay Wild Fish House, a restaurant and seafood market in one, might be right up your alley!
Winthrop, Washington
Tucked in the mountains of Methow Valley in Okanogan County, Winthrop is a wonderland that will make you feel like you've jumped back in time. The spirit of the Wild West is very much alive in this mountain town; pair that with an ever-blossoming community and you've got yourself a fine getaway.
If you're planning a fun day of skiing, Methow Trails is said to have the best cross-country skiing slopes in the area. For hikers seeking their next adventure, this mountain town is actually a gateway to the lush landscapes of North Cascades National Park. Meanwhile, folks who prefer a more casual hike might enjoy a stroll through Pearrygin Lake State Park.
In downtown Winthrop, the classic American Old West design is prominent. Walking through Riverside Avenue will feel like stepping into a spaghetti Western movie set. For a caffeine fix, Rocking Horse Bakery serves top-tier espresso drinks and luscious coffee cake. If you fancy mingling with fellow travelers or even locals, join the happy hour at Three Fingered Jack's Saloon.
La Conner, Washington
La Conner, a charming little town on the Swinomish Channel in Skagit Bay, is a peaceful retreat in the Pacific Northwest. It is ideally nestled between Seattle and Vancouver, attracting urbanites looking for a nice break. The town bursts with friendly folks and a laid-back marina lifestyle.
While the town is a great place to be any time of the year, the best time to visit La Conner is around March, for the La Conner Daffodil Festival, or in April when the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is at full speed. The community hosts a few events in support of the festival and the streets are lined with good food and other offerings.
With so much art and culture to discover, curious cats can head downtown to the Museum of Northwest Art for a glimpse into the prowess of artists throughout the region. This creative spirit is also on full display at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, which not only celebrates traditional techniques but also offers educational programs to inspire future generations.
Visitors could explore more of downtown's gems by renting bikes from PNW Exploration on Second Street. You could rummage for your next quirky collectible at Nasty Jack's Antiques, find a good read at Seaport Books, and gobble on exquisite meals at Nell Thorn.
Leavenworth, Washington
Perched high up in the Cascade Mountains is the wondrous Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth. The town center is punctuated with Alpine-style structures that house one-of-a-kind merchandise shops and eateries. For holidayers who like to have a taste of authentic German fare, München Haus serves classic bratwurst and handcrafted brews. Meanwhile, Mozart's Restaurant is popular for its seamless fusion of European and Pacific Northwest delicacies.
The downtown block, particularly Front Street Park, also hosts a plethora of events and festivals throughout the year, most notably the Christkindlmarkt, Icefest, and Christmas Lighting Festival during the holiday season. Of course, what's a Bavarian town without a resounding celebration of Oktoberfest?
Outdoor fiends can go up Leavenworth Ski Hill for snow tubing and cross-country skiing in the winter; come summertime, the mountains reveal stunning landscapes and wildflower views ideal for quiet strolls. The town is also home to Leavenworth Reindeer Farm; this attraction is suitable for vacationers with kids as you'll have close encounters with these marvelous animals.
Wallace, Idaho
Located in the mining district of the Idaho Panhandle, Wallace is known to be the Silver Capital of the World, having produced over a billion ounces of silver since its founding in 1884. Since you're right in Silver Valley, discovering the town's roots is a must at Wallace District Mining Museum on Bank Street downtown. For a close-up experience, sign up for the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, where you'll discover a fascinating underground mine and witness the town's mining methods first-hand.
Looking to take home something unique? Antique emporiums like North Idaho Trading Company and Johnson's Gems, Jewelry, & Collectibles have rare and curious finds for all tastes. Browse through their overflowing with one-of-a-kind items and unearth Idaho gold and silver pieces that make the perfect memorabilia for your trip.
Beyond a colorful past and precious metals, Wallace is home to an ever-blossoming entertainment scene. Catch a performance at Sixth Street Melodrama and Theater, the town's entertainment behemoth for over 40 years. On the same street, you can try local joints like Silver Corner Bar, famous for its pineapple cider, and Blackboard Cafe for some hearty Italian fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Situated along the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is one of North Idaho's premier skiing destinations. It's home to the legendary Schweitzer Mountain Resort, a stunning mountain with terrain parks and ski slopes of varying difficulties.
For a change of pace after hitting the slopes, head to the dynamic locale of Sandpoint City Beach Park, adjacent to the downtown shops and restaurants. This lakefront park is ideal for afternoon picnics, features a nice, small beach, and even offers boat tours of the lake.
Fancy eating out after your antics with nature? Some local favorites are Joel's, a homey family-owned Mexican joint in front of the downtown parking lot on Church Street, and Eichardt's Pub Grill & Coffee, a lively hangout spot serving comfort bar grub amidst live music.
When you feel like shopping for some goodies, this lakeside town boasts bustling mercantiles that showcase local artisans and craftspeople. Come down to Cedar Street Bridge Public Market and check out an array of trendy food hubs, eclectic shops, candy stores, and so much more. At Farmin Park, the heart of downtown Sandpoint, the Farmers' Market typically opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here, you'll find an arsenal of fresh goods and produce all waiting to be discovered.
Downtown in the Pacific Northwest
Beyond awe-inspiring natural attractions, the Pacific Northwest bursts at the seams with characterful towns with downtown spots that hum with joy. From Ashland's celebrated theater scene to Florence's quirky shops and fresh seafood bounty, Oregon's towns offer something for every soul. Washington gems like Leavenworth, modeled after beautiful Bavaria, and the time capsule that is Winthrop, with its Wild West appeal, provide otherworldly experiences. Meanwhile, Idaho's Wallace, a land of fine silver and gold, and Sandpoint, a playground for skiing enthusiasts, complete this selection of coastal escapes. Bring your loved ones for a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of this beautiful region!
