The 15 Most Stunning Walkable Cities in America
Imagine a place where each step brings you closer to the vibrant culture, picture book streets, and history of a travelers’ paradise. A walkable city provides you with far more than mere convenience. Walkable cities are exploration, health, and community gateways.
Walking has been linked to better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of chronic diseases, and even better, it has been shown to boost mental well-being! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that walking regularly can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes 2 and help increase mood and decrease stress.
Whatever your level of urban adventurer — still a newbie one day and a seasoned city traveler the next — or you’re over the car-dependent grind and need a break, these 15 gorgeous cities welcome you to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the ride. You’ll discover the magic of America’s most pedestrian-friendly destinations, from cobblestone roads to lush urban parks. Next Great Adventure is the place to lace up your walking shoes!
Austin, Texas
Austin may be best known for its vibrant music festivals, but it also shines as a highly walkable city, thanks to spots like the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. As you stroll, don’t miss the city’s incredible food truck scene, offering everything from creative bites to classic Texas barbecue. Tempted yet?
Santa Monica, California
End your day with walks on Santa Monica Pier, with the ocean as a backdrop. This seaside city is at once urban and natural. Explore 3rd Street Promenade traffic-free.
Alexandria, Virginia
An Instagrammer’s paradise, it preserved a colonial town. King Street is for boutique shops and charming cafes, so walk along here. Views of Old Town’s waterfront at its marina.
Santa Monica, California
San Francisco is well known for its hills and scenic beauty but is also generally known as a walkable gem. Thanks to its compact design, places like Mission District and Chinatown are also easy to get to without a car.
Don’t miss the Golden Gate Bridge walk! It boasts a Walk Score of 89—one of the highest in the U.S.—even for San Francisco standards.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a pedestrian paradise because of its rich history and cobblestone streets. Take in the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path linked by 16 historic sites. Boston Common type of world-class public spaces and compact neighborhoods.
New York City, New York
NYC is the ultimate urban walking; walkers can discover Central Park, Times Square, and all points in between. NYC has a 93 Walk Score and plenty of subway access when your legs get tired.
Portland, Oregon
It’s part of Portland’s green urban living DNA, so walking is celebrated here. There’s a lot to explore, from compact neighborhoods to farmer’s markets and microbreweries, and it’s easy to get around all of it on foot. Over 10,000 acres of parks to explore can be found here.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is one of the best cities to explore on foot because of Seattle’s waterfront, quirky neighborhoods, and Pike Place Market. Pedestrian–friendly walkways with stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Chicago, Illinois
You can walk along the Lakefront Trail or explore one of downtown’s architectural treasures. Must see’s are Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Downtown boasts many landmarks—like the Liberty Bell—clustered together, and Philly is steeped in history, so it’s easy to see the sights on foot. Of course, it has a Walk Score of 85 and a great foodie scene, thanks to neighborhood pop-ups.
Washington, D.C.
The National Mall is pedestrian-friendly, and monuments, parks, and museums interconnect. Washington, D.C., is a dream come true for those who love history. It has more than 20 free entry Smithsonian museums to check out.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture draw walkways for a slow and sultry Southern cat’s eye view of everything. So head to Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park for some postcard-worthy sceneries.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, both picturesque town squares and classic Southern vibes, is a wonderful place for a sightseeing stroll. The magical place that is Savannah is brought to you through oak-lined streets and ghost tours.
Boulder, Colorado
With mild mountain views, Boulder has small-city vibes. Cheese yourself out on Pearl Street Mall for local culture, food, and live music. There are plenty of picturesque walks a few miles away and over 300 miles of nearby hiking trails.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
With its compact downtown packed with artisan markets, galleries, and even historic landmarks — such as the Georgia O’Keeffe O’Keeffe Museum — it’s no wonder this artsy enclave is trendy. With a Walk Score of 39, you’re welcome to a meal, drink, or errand! An Instagrammer’s paradise.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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