Stop whatever it is you’re doing and take a minute to reflect on how beautiful this country really is. From the quaintest small towns to the best road trips, there’s no shortage of scenery to leave you longing for a weekend getaway. Daydream away with this inspiring list of seven of the country’s most beautiful streets.
The 7 Most Beautiful Streets in America
Does your main drag make the cut?
1. Jones Street, Savannah
This Spanish moss-lined lane will have you speaking in a Kevin Spacey Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil drawl in no time. After you work up an appetite, grab a meal at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room--a former boardinghouse that’s been serving up home-style Southern cooking for 68 years. If you’re too full to move on, you can even book a room there.
2. Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia
With 300 years of history, this is America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. Located in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, the alley is a National Historic Landmark and a must-see when visiting. You might even spot Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin (who weirdly got married in 2008) roaming the cobblestones.
3. Steiner Street, San Francisco
Ah, the Painted Ladies. These picturesque, candy-colored Victorians line Alamo Square Park and are more popularly known as the site of the Full House home. Postcard-perfect, these stunners are just begging for you to take a selfie in front of them.
4. Market Square, Newburyport
The tiny Massachusetts seaside town is chock-full of wonderful, historic brick buildings. Founded in 1764, Newburyport is located where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean and still retains every bit of its Old World charm thanks to cobblestone streets, charming stores and old-fashioned ice cream shops. (Admit it: You can totally picture the founding fathers wolfing down a hot fudge sundae.)
5. St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans
This tree-lined boulevard in NOLA’s Garden District is famous for its opulent Old South mansions, which many visitors will ogle at via streetcar. One of the highlights is author Anne Rice's former residence, which looks appropriately gothic for the sexy vampire set.
6. State Street, Santa Barbara
State Street is the quintessential Southern California main drag. Lined with restaurants, bars and posh boutiques, it’s a favorite among tourists and university students alike. You’ll also find perfectly preserved examples of Spanish Revival architecture that’ll leave you questioning why you haven’t moved west.
7. Maluhia Road, Kauai
En route from the east side to the south shore, the first mile of this street is lined in a jaw-dropping canopy of Eucalyptus trees, which were a gift to the community from pineapple baron Walter McBryde in 1911. (We hope they sent a thank-you note.)