There’s something especially captivating about a main street in a small town, whether it’s the charming architecture, the mom-and-pop shops, or a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stick around. From the coast to the mountains, these five small towns boast some of the prettiest main streets in the U.S.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is best known for being the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of Maine’s most treasured natural wonders. While biking the Carriage Roads and hiking Cadillac Mountain at sunrise are must-do activities, Bar Harbor is the perfect small town to enjoy after a day exploring Maine’s nature.
Main Street is lined with shingled Colonial Revival-style homes with colorful clapboards. They house Maine-themed gift shops, cozy restaurants, small-batch ice cream parlors, and laid-back watering holes. Wandering around, you can refuel with some local Maine seafood at Galyn’s or enjoy oysters at the Barnacle, shop for gifts at upscale craft shops such as Island Artisans and In The Woods, and end your walk at the water’s edge, where Main Street meets the picturesque waterfront. It’s a lovely spot to take in the views across Bar Harbor to Bar Island, which you can walk to at low tide.
Pacific Grove, California
Set along the shores of Monterey Bay, the charming town of Pacific Grove is a timeless slice of Central California heaven. Lighthouse Avenue, the town’s main drag, is lined with well-preserved Victorian buildings and candy-colored storefronts that earn Pacific Grove its nickname of “America’s Last Hometown.” The street connects landmarks like Lover’s Point Park, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, and the historic downtown, dotted with cafés, lively bars, eclectic boutiques, and unique gift shops.
Although small, Pacific Grove is rich in culture, with a particular emphasis on the arts. From Lighthouse Cinemas to the Pacific Grove Art Center, which offers rotating exhibits, art classes, and a hub for the creative community, there are cultural experiences to be had around every turn. Just a few blocks away, Ocean View Boulevard and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail wind along the rugged Pacific coastline, offering breathtaking views and easy access to nature.
Wickford, Rhode Island
Wickford is a picturesque village that began as a humble fishing settlement in 1709 and still retains much of its historic charm today. Colonial homes and centuries-old churches line the village streets, with most of the activity centered around Brown Street, which wraps around the harbor, and Main Street, stretching out toward Wickford Bay. Shops and eateries now occupy the former 19th- and 20th-century homes, giving the village a quintessential New England charm.
Brown Street offers excellent shopping opportunities, with a collection of local art galleries and unique boutiques featuring nautical decor, antiques, and handcrafted gold and silver jewelry — including the region’s signature quahog shell pieces. The village also attracts seafood lovers, and spots like Wickford on the Water and Tavern by the Sea serve up fresh, locally sourced dishes with waterfront views.
Ogden, Utah
About 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, Ogden sits in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, offering easy access to the Great Salt Lake and some of Utah’s best hiking. While it’s a popular base for outdoor adventures, Ogden has plenty to offer on its own. Historic 25th Street runs through the walkable downtown, where brick buildings recall the town’s Wild West roots. Although it was first settled in 1845, Ogden wasn’t officially founded until 1889 when construction of the Transcontinental Railroad led to a population boom.
Today, the town still buzzes with energy. The former brothels, saloons, and speakeasies of the main street now house art galleries, eateries, and shops, their historic facades preserving a piece of the past. Murals and street art add color and creative flair, and local events — like Farmers Market Ogden, the First Friday Art Stroll, and the Harvest Moon Celebration — offer plenty of entertainment along the main drag. There are also a few historic and cultural attractions not to miss on 25th Street, including the century-old Union Station and the Monarch, a collective art space open to the public.
Howell, Michigan
Located an hour’s drive outside of Detroit in south-central Michigan, Howell is a small city overflowing with character. Downtown centers around Grand River Avenue, where historic brick buildings house a mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants that give the town plenty of charm.
Howell’s main street is a great place to wander — grab a coffee, pop into a vintage store, catch a show at the old Howell Opera House, or pause for a drink at the popular 2FOG’s Pub or Howell’s Mainstreet Winery. In summer, the Sunday Farmers Market offers fresh produce and locally sourced goods, while the Howell Melon Festival draws crowds for its food, music, and good vibes. At the heart of Grand River Avenue is the Livingston County Courthouse and Amphitheater, an 1890s building that has been transformed into a popular community hub. In spring and summer, the lawn around the courthouse fills with people enjoying live music and local events, a beloved pastime in warmer Michigan months.
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