These 7 Towns in Pacfic Coast Have Bustling Main Streets
The rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast, with its towering cliffsides and sweeping ocean views, is like few places on the planet. From the edges of Canada in Washington, down to the southernmost point in California, the Pacific in the United States serves as the backdrop to countless towns. While many people come to experience the untamed atmosphere of the Pacific Ocean, the region's towns have lots to offer themselves.
Whether you are strolling past Victorian architecture or sampling local seafood, there are all sorts of interesting main streets that invite you to explore the heart and soul of these coastal towns. Read on to embark on a journey through these seven bustling main streets to discover the essence of life along the Pacific Coast.
Astoria, Oregon
As you stroll along Commercial Street in Astoria, a special sense of history washes over you. The buildings, some with roots in the 1800s and others hatched in the following century, dot the street's landscape. Each one shows off the town's seafaring past in every corner and hidden niche.
Take for example the Liberty Theatre, a 1925 vaudeville theater with Italian Renaissance-style architecture. Then, there is also the Flavel Building, only 2 blocks off Commercial. Built in 1901, it has a romantic old-world design and was first home to Astoria Savings Bank. Both are standout landmarks in town, reflecting Astoria's rich cultural heritage and architectural history, and remaining central to the city’s community life.
Commercial Street, being near the Columbia River, gives you amazing sights of the water. It also provides simple access to the Riverwalk, a path that runs right beside the river. Also, from various points along Commercial, the iconic Astoria-Megler Bridge is a prominent sight that cannot be missed. This landmark adds a distinct charisma and beauty to the area.
Morro Bay, California
At the heart of Morro Bay lies Embarcadero, the main street attracting all sorts of visitors, drawing people to this alluring destination. The street gives superb looks at the nearby ocean and Morro Rock, a 576-foot volcanic plug, a symbol of California's stunning landscape. For nature enthusiasts, the street's proximity to the bay makes it a perfect gateway for activities like kayaking or a boat trip. Or if you feel, just sit down and take in the coastal air.
The street has all sorts of stores to see and explore. A place many people know about is the Shell Shop, famous for being one of the earliest and most recognized stores on Embarcadero. It is full of things to shop for, with collections of seashells, and presents an array of sea-themed gifts to buy. Another interesting choice is the Morro Bay Maritime Museum, a little but intriguing sea-related display space located on Embarcadero. Exhibitions cover local fish-catching, sea relics, and ancient boats. If you feel hungry, visit Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant. It is a hit for seafood, right by the water. They serve fresh fish and it's a laid-back place to eat by the harbor.
Mendocino, California
Main Street in Mendocino, packed with rustic buildings and wonderful Victorian designs, is a sublime spot to visit. Character buildings line up one side of the road while open views of the Pacific Ocean line the other. The Mendocino Presbyterian Church, built in 1868, is an old-world style building from the Victorian time right on Main Street. It is known equally for its Gothic Revival design and its views of the Pacific Ocean.
If you want to grab some food, a great place to eat is Mendocino Cafe, only a half block off Main. They mix tastes from different parts of the globe with locally-sourced ingredients. Its outside space to sit is especially welcoming. While on Main, check out Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites. This historic hotel, dating back to 1878, is a prominent feature on Main Street and embodies the charming, Victorian-era architecture the town is known for.
Just a short stroll away is the Mendocino Headlands State Park. This park invites guests to discover walking paths with unbeatable views of the sea, steep hills, and a variety of wildflowers. The park gives you the chance to watch different kinds of birds or probe into the nearby tide pools as well.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Not only does Cannon Beach have one of the most iconic views on the Pacific Coast, but it also has a pretty great main thoroughfare to enjoy. Hemlock Street runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, offering frequent views of Haystack Rock, one of Oregon's most memorable photo spots. This massive rock rises out 235 feet out of the ocean, offering unforgettable photos.
Hemlock offers guests and residents alike a collection of local shops like Cannon Beach Book Company’s curated books. Dining includes great breakfasts at Lazy Susan Café. After a nice morning meal, you can check out cultural highlights like Icefire Glassworks and the Oregon Gallery, showcasing local artists’ work.
Hemlock is often busy with people meandering down taking in all that lovely seaside view and reaching the sands nearby. The road makes it simple to reach Cannon Beach, a large sandy expanse suited for strolls right by Haystack Rock. This same route links to close-by walking paths in Ecola State Park, where folks can relish sweeping vistas of the ocean's edge and trails teeming with greenery.
La Conner, Washington
La Conner is a calm, old-fashioned village in the Skagit Valley of Washington. It is famous for its picturesque background, framed by the scenery of the Swinomish Channel. The main road, First Street, runs near the channel, lending out peaceful walks with the water only a block away. On First Street, lots of structures have been around since the late 19th century and early 20th century, giving the street a dignified, historic feel. The Gaches Mansion is one of those buildings, only a block off First. The mansion is from Victorian times and has been restored to its former glory. Nowadays, it holds the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, adding more to the town's history-rich streets.
For some great food, First Street has plenty of options like Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery and La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House. If you feel like some local art, First Street has that too. The Museum of Northwest Art, or MoNA, is on First Street and shows off the talents and skills of modern art from the Pacific Northwest area. After checking out First Street, take a short drive to nearby Deception Pass State Park. This park has pretty beaches and a famous bridge to see, giving La Conner that much more to take in after trying First Street.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is found at the top right corner of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, near the entrance to Puget Sound. It offers stunning sights of both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The town’s Water Street is next to Port Townsend Bay, and you can look out at Point Hudson Marina to see sailboats and fishing boats moving in and out.
Water Street is famous for its gracefully aged Victorian-style buildings. Highlights include places like the marvelous Hastings Building and the N.D. Hill Building - major highlights on this street, surrounded by other gorgeous buildings from the late 19th century.
Fancy a coffee and a bite? Silverwater Bistro is a popular place to eat, half a block off Water Street, known for its local menu and charming, comfy setting. Better Living Through Coffee is another top choice, serving up organic coffee and baked treats with beautiful waterside views. After you eat, just a short drive or a pleasant walk from Water Street is Fort Worden State Park, a stunning natural landmark that offers over two miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, and panoramic views of Puget Sound.
San Luis Obispo, California
Higuera Street serves as the core of San Luis Obispo's downtown shopping area, presenting a broad variety of stores, from fashionable little shops to big-name retail outlets everyone knows well. Every week when Thursday evening comes around, Higuera Street turns into a lively open-air market for the renowned SLO Farmers' Market. This weekly gathering is among California's biggest and most well-liked farmer gatherings, showcasing fresh fruits and vegetables, local treats, and live tunes.
On your visit, make sure you don't miss Bubblegum Alley. It is a thin path that you can find between numbers 733 and 734 on Higuera Street. What makes this place special? The walls here are packed with pieces of gum left by people over many years. After that, If you walk a bit off Higuera Street, an important landmark waits for you - the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. As one of the earliest missions established in California, it first opened its doors back in 1772. The serene gardens at the mission, combined with its museum and church, create an oasis of calm amid life's hustle and bustle while giving us a peek into history's treasure chest for this region.
In Conclusion
The main roads within the towns along the shores of the Pacific Ocean are not just useful streets to get from point A to point B. They are also the vibrant core of their communities, presenting a mix of coastal heritage, local habits, and the natural allure of the ocean.
From restored structures to small shops and lovely sights, these main streets deliver a real look into how coastal communities live their lives with a dash of style.
Take a journey down these roads for an up-close taste of what the Pacific Coast life is all about.
