scorecardThe most beautiful main street in every state
  1. Home
  2. life
  3. news
  4. The most beautiful main street in every state

The most beautiful main street in every state

Talia Lakritz   

The most beautiful main street in every state
Main Street in Hudson, Ohio.Kenneth Sponsler/Shutterstock
  • America is full of historic main streets with beautiful architecture and quaint attractions.
  • Not all main streets are named "Main Street."
  • Many of the streets feature buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Not all main streets in the US are named "Main Street," but every state has a beautiful thoroughfare with historic buildings, funky shops, and scenic views.

Here is the most stunning main street in every state.

ALABAMA: Main Street in Hartselle is a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts.

ALABAMA: Main Street in Hartselle is a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts.
The exterior of antique dealers in Hartselle.      Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Historic Downtown Hartselle features boutiques, specialty stores, and antique dealers housed inside charming, colorful storefronts.

ALASKA: Main Street in Talkeetna is home to gift shops, eateries, and live music.

ALASKA: Main Street in Talkeetna is home to gift shops, eateries, and live music.
Nagley's Store in Talkeetna.      Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Nagley's Store is one of the street's most popular attractions with its cozy cafe and eclectic cast of store cats. In clear weather, visitors can also enjoy views of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America.

ARIZONA: Scottsdale's Main Street contains over 40 art galleries displaying the work of more than 1,000 artists.

ARIZONA: Scottsdale
Jack Knife Sculpture on Main Street in Scottsdale.      Lunasee Studios/Shutterstock

The street is also a gallery of its own with "Jack Knife," an 8-foot bronze sculpture inspired by the city's official seal, on display in the center of town.

ARKANSAS: Main Street in Downtown Eureka Springs features Victorian architecture, shops, and galleries with an old-fashioned carriage ride.

ARKANSAS: Main Street in Downtown Eureka Springs features Victorian architecture, shops, and galleries with an old-fashioned carriage ride.
Downtown Eureka Springs.      RaksyBH/Shutterstock

Live music in Basin Spring Park and an array of bars make Main Street a nightlife hub, as well.

CALIFORNIA: Crescent Avenue, the main street along Avalon Bay, provides easy access to beaches with stops for restaurants, boutiques, and historic architecture along the way.

CALIFORNIA: Crescent Avenue, the main street along Avalon Bay, provides easy access to beaches with stops for restaurants, boutiques, and historic architecture along the way.
Houses overlooking Avalon's main street.      Michelangelo DeSantis/Shutterstock

COLORADO: A walk down Main Street in Telluride includes unbeatable mountain views.

COLORADO: A walk down Main Street in Telluride includes unbeatable mountain views.
Main Street in Telluride, Colorado.      Shutterstock/Lauren Orr

Attractions on Telluride's Main Street include an independent bookstore called Between the Covers with over 10,000 books, The Coffee Cowboy cafe that serves drinks out of a truck, and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art.

CONNECTICUT: Colonial homes and harbor views make Main Street in Essex a picturesque, historic destination.

CONNECTICUT: Colonial homes and harbor views make Main Street in Essex a picturesque, historic destination.
A 1930 Ford Model A Roadster parked at the Griswold Inn.      Mark Roger Bailey/Shutterstock

The Griswold Inn on Main Street is said to be one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the US, established in 1776.

DELAWARE: The historic Everett Theatre is situated on Main Street in Middletown.

DELAWARE: The historic Everett Theatre is situated on Main Street in Middletown.
The Everett Theatre.      Alexanderphoto7/Shutterstock

The Everett Theatre opened in 1863 and was featured in the 1989 movie "The Dead Poets Society."

FLORIDA: St. George Street in St. Augustine maintains its old-world charm.

FLORIDA: St. George Street in St. Augustine maintains its old-world charm.
St. George Street in St. Augustine.      Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

According to many historians, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US, having been established by the Spanish in 1565. Its main street is now lined with shops and inns.

GEORGIA: Main Street in Rome is the second-widest Main Street in Georgia.

GEORGIA: Main Street in Rome is the second-widest Main Street in Georgia.
Rome's DeSoto Theater.      Joe Hendrickson/Shutterstock

Its shopping district includes landmarks like the DeSoto Theater and the Clock Tower.

HAWAII: Front Street in Lahaina, Maui, is home to over 40 art galleries.

HAWAII: Front Street in Lahaina, Maui, is home to over 40 art galleries.
Front Street in Lahaina.      Photo Image/Shutterstock

A frequent cruise ship tourist stop, Front Street's harbor offers ocean views and whale-watching tours.

IDAHO: Every single building on Main Street in Wallace, Idaho, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

IDAHO: Every single building on Main Street in Wallace, Idaho, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wallace's main street.      Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

Wallace dates back to 1884 when Colonel William R. Wallace bought 80 acres of land that grew into a mining town.

ILLINOIS: Michigan Avenue runs through Chicago's "Magnificent Mile."

ILLINOIS: Michigan Avenue runs through Chicago
The DuSable Bridge brings Michigan Avenue across the river.      FiledIMAGE/Shutterstock

The street features views of the Willis Tower and the Chicago River via the DuSable Bridge.

INDIANA: Main Street in New Albany is lined with historic homes.

INDIANA: Main Street in New Albany is lined with historic homes.
Culbertson Mansion on Main Street in New Albany.      Thomas Kelley/Shutterstock

New Albany's Mansion Row Historic District is dotted with Civil War-era mansions such as the Culbertson Mansion on Main Street.

IOWA: Pella's Main Street is home to the largest Dutch windmill in the US.

IOWA: Pella
The windmill on Main Street in Pella.      Laurens Hoddenbagh/Shutterstock

In addition to the windmill, Main Street also presents bountiful shopping opportunities.

KANSAS: Hays' Chestnut Street District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

KANSAS: Hays
Main Street in Hays, Kansas.      Nagel Photography/Shutterstock

It's named for the old Chestnut Street, renamed Main Street in 1929.

KENTUCKY: The colorful buildings on Paducah's Main Street instill the town with old-fashioned charm.

KENTUCKY: The colorful buildings on Paducah
Downtown Paducah.      Angela N Perryman/Shutterstock

Downtown Paducah's attractions include historic theaters, galleries, and the National Quilt Museum.

LOUISIANA: Bourbon Street is peak New Orleans.

LOUISIANA: Bourbon Street is peak New Orleans.
Bourbon Street lit up.      SeanPavonePhoto/iStock

Bourbon Street is known for its neon lights, party atmosphere, and scenic balconies.

MAINE: Front Street in Bath is known for its up-and-coming arts scene with events like Bath Heritage Days.

MAINE: Front Street in Bath is known for its up-and-coming arts scene with events like Bath Heritage Days.
Front Street in downtown Bath.      Brianna Soukup/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

The brick sidewalks and storefronts frequently earn it the honor of one of the best small towns to visit in America.

MARYLAND: Buildings on Main Street in Annapolis are full of 18th-century character.

MARYLAND: Buildings on Main Street in Annapolis are full of 18th-century character.
The view over Main Street in Annapolis.      Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Walking down Main Street in Annapolis gives views of the State House and Chesapeake Bay.

MASSACHUSETTS: Main Street in Nantucket features historic sites and quaint boutiques along the cobblestones.

MASSACHUSETTS: Main Street in Nantucket features historic sites and quaint boutiques along the cobblestones.
Nantucket's main street.      John Santoro/Shutterstock

Nantucket's combination of New England charm and ocean breezes make it the ultimate summer destination.

MICHIGAN: Mackinac Island's Main Street is accessible by ferry.

MICHIGAN: Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island's Main Street.      aceshot1/Shutterstock

Situated on the shores of the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island's Main Street is well-known for its nightlife after the last ferry leaves.

MINNESOTA: Stillwater's Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places.

MINNESOTA: Stillwater
An aerial shot of Stillwater.      Sam Wagner/Shutterstock

Its Main Street has over 100 independently owned shops and a famous antiques mall.

MISSISSIPPI: To locals, Oxford Square in Oxford is simply known as "The Square" and is beloved for its wide array of stores and nightlife.

MISSISSIPPI: To locals, Oxford Square in Oxford is simply known as "The Square" and is beloved for its wide array of stores and nightlife.
Square Books in Oxford Square.      James Kirkikis/Shutterstock

One of its most famous sites is Square Books, an independent bookstore with a collective 10,000 square feet of books.

MISSOURI: Along Broadway Boulevard in Sedalia, one can find the historic Hotel Bothwell from the 1920s, which is said to be haunted.

MISSOURI: Along Broadway Boulevard in Sedalia, one can find the historic Hotel Bothwell from the 1920s, which is said to be haunted.
A snowy street in Sedalia.      Henryk Sadura/Shutterstock

Broadway Boulevard also offers The Avenues downtown shopping district.

MONTANA: Main Street's brick storefronts in Whitefish are a beautiful sight.

MONTANA: Main Street
Whitefish's Main Street.      Pierdelune/Shutterstock

The surrounding Northern Rocky Mountains steal the show.

NEBRASKA: In the 1800s, Lincoln's Haymarket District on P Street was a bustling market square where people came to buy wagon equipment.

NEBRASKA: In the 1800s, Lincoln
Historic buildings on P Street.      Victor Wong/Shutterstock

These days, there are more goods and services to choose from, and it's home to Nebraska's first microbrewery.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Main Street in Concord dates back to the 1700s.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Main Street in Concord dates back to the 1700s.
Main Street in Concord.      Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock

After a two-year renovation, Concord's Main Street is more accessible and spacious while still maintaining its 1700s heritage.

NEW JERSEY: Nassau Street in Princeton is packed with eateries, cafes, and Colonial architecture.

NEW JERSEY: Nassau Street in Princeton is packed with eateries, cafes, and Colonial architecture.
Nassau Street in Princeton.      Helen89/Shutterstock

Princeton University's campus also makes a beautiful stop.

NEW MEXICO: Bullard Street in Silver City is dotted with colorful buildings.

NEW MEXICO: Bullard Street in Silver City is dotted with colorful buildings.
Bullard Street.      Underawesternsky/Shutterstock

Bullard Street in Silver City features a mix of Western adobe and Victorian architecture.

NEW YORK: Washington Street in Dumbo has cobblestone roads, converted warehouses, and views of the Manhattan Bridge.

NEW YORK: Washington Street in Dumbo has cobblestone roads, converted warehouses, and views of the Manhattan Bridge.
The Manhattan Bridge as seen from Dumbo.      OldskoolDesign/Shutterstock

It feels like every street in New York City is a main street, but Washington Street is one of the city's most beautiful spots.

NEVADA: C Street's old-fashioned saloons make pedestrians feel like they're in the Old West, even though they're in Virginia City.

NEVADA: C Street
C Street in Virginia City.      Arne Beruldsen/Shutterstock

In a sense, they are — many of the businesses are authentic, dating back to the 1870s.

NORTH CAROLINA: Main Street in Blowing Rock is a shopper's paradise.

NORTH CAROLINA: Main Street in Blowing Rock is a shopper
Shoppers on Main Street.      J. Michael Jones/Shutterstock

It's a perfect spot for finding unique gifts.

NORTH DAKOTA: The Fargo Theatre on Broadway N is the centerpiece of one of Fargo's main streets.

NORTH DAKOTA: The Fargo Theatre on Broadway N is the centerpiece of one of Fargo
The Fargo Theater.      David Harmantas/Shutterstock

The Fargo Theatre shows indie movies and classic films in its restored vaudeville interior from 1926.

OHIO: Main Street in Hudson boasts an upscale shopping center.

OHIO: Main Street in Hudson boasts an upscale shopping center.
Main Street in Hudson, Ohio.      Kenneth Sponsler/Shutterstock

Hudson's historic Main Street leads into First & Main, an upscale shopping center featuring a mix of local and chain stores.

OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie's Historic District is a National Historic Landmark.

OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie
Downtown Guthrie.      RaksyBH/Shutterstock

Guthrie's Historic District, bound by Oklahoma Avenue, Broad Street, and Harrison Avenue, is the largest historic urban district in Oklahoma with over 2,000 buildings. It was established as a National Historic Landmark in 1999.

OREGON: Main Street in Sisters looks like it's right out of the 1880s.

OREGON: Main Street in Sisters looks like it
The main road in Sisters.      Bob Pool/Shutterstock

The street features the Sisters Saloon and walkable parks.

PENNSYLVANIA: Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia is one of the oldest continuously used residential streets in the US.

PENNSYLVANIA: Elfreth
Tourists in Elfreth's Alley.      Tupungato/Shutterstock

Its authentic Colonial homes and cobbletones have made it a main street for tourists, too.

RHODE ISLAND: Thames Street in Newport lights up at night.

RHODE ISLAND: Thames Street in Newport lights up at night.
Thames Street shops at night.      John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Thames Street's shops, nightlife, and cozy bed and breakfasts make this waterfront street a popular destination.

SOUTH CAROLINA: The spire of St. Michael's Episcopal Church is a fixture of Broad Street in Charleston.

SOUTH CAROLINA: The spire of St. Michael
Broad Street in Charleston.      Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The Washington Square shops are also a Broad Street fixture.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Main Street in Deadwood transports visitors back to the Wild West.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Main Street in Deadwood transports visitors back to the Wild West.
Deadwood's Main Street.      Nagel Photography/Shutterstock

Deadwood's historic Main Street features reenactments of trials and shootouts in the Old West.

TENNESSEE: It's no wonder Main Street in Franklin calls itself "America's favorite main street."

TENNESSEE: It
Main Street in Franklin.      James R. Martin/Shutterstock

Main Street is situated in a 16-block historic district brimming with Victorian architecture and over 70 stores and eateries to choose from.

TEXAS: Main Street in Fort Worth is an arts hub.

TEXAS: Main Street in Fort Worth is an arts hub.
Main Street in Fort Worth.      CK Foto/Shutterstock

The red bricks on Main Street make a perfect backdrop for outdoor displays.

UTAH: Park City's Main Street holds 64 buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

UTAH: Park City
Balconies on Main Street in Park City.      Mehmet Dilsiz/Shutterstock

The former mining town now hosts an artist-in-residency space in the old Silver King Mine.

VERMONT: Stowe's Main Street features old-fashioned country stores.

VERMONT: Stowe
Stowe, Vermont.      Don Landwehrle/Shutterstock

The country stores date back to the mid-1800s.

VIRGINIA: Main Street combines Richmond's sleek skyline with historic buildings.

VIRGINIA: Main Street combines Richmond
Richmond's Main Street.      ESB Professional/Shutterstock

Among Main Street's attractions is the ornate Main Street Station dating back to 1901.

WASHINGTON: There's no shortage of shopping on Main Street in Leavenworth.

WASHINGTON: There
Art sellers on Main Street.      Denise Lett/Shutterstock

In addition to plentiful shopping opportunities, Leavenworth's Main Street often hosts art shows.

WEST VIRGINIA: High Street in Harpers Ferry is endlessly walkable.

WEST VIRGINIA: High Street in Harpers Ferry is endlessly walkable.
High Street in Harpers Ferry.      Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

Situated at the intersection of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, Harpers Ferry is a National Historic Park.

WISCONSIN: Washington Avenue in Cedarburg is lined with artsy shops owned by the artists themselves.

WISCONSIN: Washington Avenue in Cedarburg is lined with artsy shops owned by the artists themselves.
Downtown Cedarburg.      James Meyer/Shutterstock

Altogether, there are 216 buildings in Cedarburg that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

WYOMING: The Buffalo Bill Center of the West can be found on Sheridan Avenue in Cody.

WYOMING: The Buffalo Bill Center of the West can be found on Sheridan Avenue in Cody.
The view from Sheridan Avenue.      Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock

READ MORE ARTICLES ON

Advertisement