If you’ve ever been to Port Townsend, you already know there’s something inexplicably nostalgic about it. While Washington was one of the newer states to join the union in 1889, this sleepy little seaside village somehow feels like it’s thousands of years old. And according to Architectural Digest, it’s also home to one of the country’s best Main Streets.

By the time Washington became a state late 19th century, Port Townsend was a well-known seaport.
Edmund Lowe Photography / Getty Images
This little city has roots that date back to 1792, when British Captain George Vancouver named Port Townsend Bay. Before that, it was the home of the Kah Tai tribe.
Port Townsend is located the northeast corner of of the Olympic Peninsula, near where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets Admiralty Inlet.
John Elk III / Getty Images
Its unique position helped it become a prominent seaport. It wasn't long before elegant Victorian homes and ornate buildings started to pop up all over town.
Back in the 1800s, city planners expected Port Townsend to explode in population due to its position on Puget Sound. They figured it would be the busiest port in the Pacific Northwest.
David Seibold / Flickr
And so, locals got to work building the city up and adding these gorgeous structures. Unfortunately, the railroad arrived not long after, pushing its tracks to Seattle and causing Port Townsend to remain the small town that it is.

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It's impossible to walk these streets without noticing how ornate the buildings and homes are.
David Seibold / Flickr
Everything is also well-preserved. Although this is an old city, the locals take great care of it.
In this city, "Main Street" is actually known as Water Street.
Port Townsend Main Street Program / Facebook
This was designated a historic district in 1976, making it one of two historic districts in town.
Port Townsend is one of only three Victorian seaports in the United States, and visiting is truly a delight.
Port Townsend Main Street Program / Facebook
Between the Victorian architecture, shops, tasty restaurants, and alleged paranormal activity, you'll be smitten.

When was the last time you visited Port Townsend?

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Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA