Bethlehem’s Historic Main Street Named No. 1 by USA Today for Second Straight Year

April 17, 2026

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

Bethlehem’s historic Main Street has been named the Best Main Street in America for a second year in a row by USA Today.

The Historic Hotel Bethlehem, the anchor of Main Street, announced the honor earlier this week in a statement that credits the community for the recognition:

“Thanks to our amazing community and local businesses, Bethlehem, PA has been voted the #1 Best Main Street in America for a second year in a row.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this effort and helped bring another #1 honor home to the Lehigh Valley.”

Here’s what USA Today had to say:

“Main Street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a walkable historic gem featuring dozens of boutique shops and restaurants. It passes by America’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Moravian Settlements-Bethlehem. Bethlehem was named “The Christmas City” in 1937, yet today’s vibrant Main Street proves there’s something to enjoy there all year long. And the centrally located Historic Hotel Bethlehem is a luxury historic destination that makes the perfect base for a weekend getaway.”

Ocean City, New Jersey, also makes the list at No. 7: “Conveniently located at the midpoint between the beach and the bay, the Asbury Avenue shops stretch from 6th to 14th Street in Downtown Ocean City. The island’s vibrant downtown district features over 100 specialty stores, boutiques, and cafés where visitors and locals alike love to browse, shop, and dine.”

The rest of the USA Today honorees: No. 2, Waynesville, North Carolina; No. 3, Emporia, Kansas; No. 4, Howell, Michigan; No. 5, Paso Robles, California; No. 6, Ogden, Utah; No. 7, Ocean City; No. 8, McMinnville, Oregon; No. 9, Grapevine, Texas, and No. 10, Virginia City, Nevada.