America’s Best Cities for Walking Lovers
If you love exploring without the hassle of traffic and parking but can’t seem to find such places in the U.S., you’ve come to the right place. Here we talk about cities where walking isn’t just possible but is probably the best way to explore.
We believe some cities are made for wandering, and the only way you can truly experience a place is if you go for adventure on foot. Ready to get pleasantly surprised at every turn and discover new parks and cafés? Let’s uncover the most walkable cities in America!
New York City, NY

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If you can’t walk in NYC, you’re doing it wrong. With subways, taxis, and Uber, cars are almost unnecessary here. Every borough offers endless things to explore on foot, from the crowded Times Square to the streets of Greenwich Village. Bonus: Walking everywhere means bagels and pizza come with zero guilt.
Best Stroll: Wander through Central Park, then get lost in the streets of the West Village.
San Francisco, CA

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Sure, San Francisco is walkable, but be warned: It comes with a built-in leg day. Those famous hills might be brutal, but the breathtaking views make it worth every step. If you survive the climb to Coit Tower or Twin Peaks, you’ll feel like a champion.
Best Stroll: Walk through The Mission, grab a burrito, and end up napping in Dolores Park like a true local.
Boston, MA

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Boston is basically America’s history book and the best way to read it is by walking. You can stroll from the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to the food paradise of North End in no time. Plus, everything is so close together that you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled.
Best Stroll: Follow the Freedom Trail and pretend you paid attention in history class.
Chicago, IL

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Chicago has all the perks of NYC but with wider sidewalks and friendlier people. The streets are packed with great restaurants, parks, and places like Millennium Park and The Riverwalk. And if you’re tired? No worries—there’s deep-dish pizza waiting at the finish line.
Best Stroll: Walk the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy those skyline views.
Washington, D.C.

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If you love museums, you’re definitely going to enjoy walking in D.C. You can see monuments, cherry blossoms, and the White House, all without breaking a sweat. Plus, walking is ideal because finding a spot to park your car can be a major hassle.
Best Stroll: Start at the National Mall and just keep going—Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and beyond.
Seattle, WA

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The walkability of this city is as underrated as its coffee game is strong. Strolling through Pike Place Market with a coffee in hand is a rite of passage. Plus, the hills aren’t as crazy as San Francisco’s, so your legs will thank you in Seattle.
Best Stroll: From Pike Place Market to Kerry Park for that postcard-worthy Space Needle view.
Philadelphia, PA

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Philly is so walkable that you can burn off a cheesesteak just by sightseeing. The city has narrow, historic streets, bustling markets, and enough murals to make your Instagram jealous.
Best Stroll: Check out the Old City and continue to explore all the way to Rittenhouse Square for a chill afternoon.
Portland, OR

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Give it to the mesmerizing scenic views or the fact that you’ll find bookstores and coffee shops on every block—Portland is a walker’s dream. Walking here is less about getting somewhere and more about enjoying the journey.
Best Stroll: The Pearl District is a goldmine for food, drinks, and people-watching.
Denver, CO

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The blooming downtown in Denver has rapidly improved its walkability. The best part? Walking here doubles as altitude training, so you can feel extra accomplished after a short stroll.
Best Stroll: Go to LoDo (Lower Downtown) to enjoy both history and trendy hotspots.
Long Beach, CA

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Unlike most of California, Long Beach is actually built for pedestrians. It’s full of cute coastal streets, chill beaches, and zero LA-style traffic nightmares.
Best Stroll: Retro Row—where vintage shops, record stores, and cool cafes collide.
Minneapolis, MN

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This city will surprise you with its surprisingly awesome pedestrian culture. The Skyway system means you can walk for miles without ever stepping outside in winter. And when it’s warm? The lakes and trails are unbeatable.
Best Stroll: The Stone Arch Bridge for stunning views over the Mississippi River.
Austin, TX

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With the amazing growth in Austin’s food and music scenes, the city’s walkability has also gone up. The best way to start exploring this city is through downtown. Here, you will come across street art, taco trucks, and some of the best live music in America.
Best Stroll: South Congress (SoCo) for shops and a taste of interesting Austin.
Savannah, GA

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Savannah feels like it was designed for slow and beautiful walks. Every few blocks, you’ll find a dreamy park with Spanish moss and historic fountains. Add some sweet tea and a good book, and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon.
Best Stroll: Forsyth Park—postcard-perfect at every turn.
Honolulu, HI

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Walking in Hawaii is basically a vacation workout. Honolulu’s waterfront paths make every stroll feel like you’re in a travel magazine ad. And if you get tired? Just jump in the ocean.
Best Stroll: Waikiki Beach Walk for sunsets, surf, and endless island vibes.
Charleston, SC

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Charleston flaunts some of the most amazing cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and seafood in America. This place feels absolutely unreal as if you’re inside some real-life storybook. And, of course, the best way to experience it is on foot.
Best Stroll: King Street—history, shopping, and charm overload.