Leave the Car Behind: Discover the 15 Most Walkable Cities in America

Not interested in spending money on a rental car? We don’t blame you. Travelers appreciate a good public transit system to help them navigate cities, and they love a walkable city even more. Check out some of the best, most walkable cities in the United States.

1. New York City, New York

Traveler walking in NewYork City — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

New York City is undoubtedly a city of commuters. One visitor called it the “ultimate walking city.” Museums, parks, restaurants, and hotels are within a few miles of each other, making the “city that never sleeps” easy to explore.

2. Portland, Oregon

With one of the best public transit systems on the West Coast, travelers can use the train, link rail, or bus to explore the city of Portland. It’s home to the country’s largest urban park, plus many breweries, museums, and bars.

3. Chicago, Illinois

Summer is a great time to visit Chicago. Enjoy the nice weather, street festivals, and free entertainment throughout the city. You can always hop on public transit or rent bikes to see the city.

4. Washington, D.C.

History buff or not, our nation’s capital has much to offer. Aside from the laundry list of museums and historical sites, there are plenty of green spaces to relax in during warmer months throughout Washington, D.C. The city has a well-administrated public transit system that includes buses and trams, as well as bikes.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

Bourbon Street, New orleans — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The French Quarter of New Orleans is a hot spot during Mardis Gras, but travelers flock to this corner of the South all year to enjoy a traditional Louisiana steamboat, the iconic architecture, or a classic beignet and cafe au lait. The area is served by the famous New Orleans streetcars, as well as buses.

6. Seattle, Washington

Pikes Place Market,Seattle — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you’re headed to the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has much to offer travelers. The famous Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the original Starbucks can all be visited within a few hours of each other, either on foot or with the help of public transit.

7. Charleston, South Carolina

People families walking playing in front of a fountain Charleston SC South Carolina — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Rich with history, Charleston’s Museum Mile spans a one-mile section of downtown Charleston with historic homes, churches, and notable parks. You can also venture to John’s Island, where Angel Oak Tree — 65 feet tall and 25 feet wide — has lived for more than 400 years.

8. Boston, Massachusetts

Historical buildings in Boston Mass — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Boston offers the perfect mixture of history and modern-day attractions. Explore museums and locations significant to our nation’s history by day, and catch a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park by night.

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Philadelphia’s Old City is commonly called America’s most historic square mile. It’s where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. You can find historical landmarks among great dining, galleries, and exciting nightlife in the City of Brotherly Love.

10. Richmond, Virginia

Maymont, Richmond — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The Hometown of Edgar Allan Poe, Richmond features historical architecture designed with beautiful murals throughout the city. Visit St. John’s church, contemporary breweries, and the 100-acre estate at Maymont — a Victorian-designed public park with wildlife, an arboretum, and a Gilded Age mansion.

11. San Francisco, California

Ashbury neighborhood, San Franscisco — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Powell-Mason cable cars are icons of San Francisco, as are their steep neighborhoods and the famous Lombard Street. From the birth of 1960s counterculture in Haight-Ashbury, to historic Chinatown, visitors can explore museums and local eateries throughout the city.

12. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland sits on the banks of where the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie meet, with museums, public parks, and a thriving nightlife that attracts visitors year-round. You’ll find the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Baseball Heritage Museum, and the home featured in A Christmas Story (1983) in Cleveland.

13. Austin, Texas

Everything may be bigger in Texas, but downtown Austin is manageable on foot. Take in museums, historical landmarks, and a diverse food scene. Music lovers can enjoy live music and see big acts at Austin City Limits Live.

14. Denver, Colorado

The Rocky Mountains are the main attraction to travelers visiting the Denver area. It was also where early settlers struck gold in the area. You can also enjoy the Botanical Gardens and Zoo and visit Molly Brown’s house — Margaret Brown, one of the SS Titanic survivors.

15. Savannah, Georgia

Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The charm of the South is ever-present in Savannah, Georgia — from the cobblestones of River Street to the sweeping Spanish Moss throughout Bonaventure Cemetery. Visitors can also see the Mercer Williams House, made popular in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.