In a world of fast cars and jetliners traveling at sonic booms, the charm of walkable cities has never seemed more appealing. The lure of visiting vibrant neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and scenic hotspots on foot offers a seamless opportunity for bonding, exercising, and seeing new vistas. When members of a popular travel forum were asked to share the best places to feel the air and enjoy a stroll in America, these were their top choices.
1. New York City, New York
According to a forum contributor, New York City is the “ultimate walking city” of the United States. He continues that nearly everywhere is conquerable by foot, and the neighborhoods are different from everywhere else. A respondent supports the first contributor’s claim, emphasizing how seamless it is to visit all the boroughs in NYC without getting in a car.
2. Washington, D.C., Washington
Many contributors on the thread place Washington up there with the most walkable cities in the United States. “D.C. has excellent walkability, and the metro will connect you to walkable pockets outside the city, too,” one user elucidates. But a second contributor advises saving the throttling for the winter as D.C. can get hot in summer. A final user claims, “The nice part about D.C. is that all the museums are free and air-conditioned.
3. Seattle, Washington
Do you crave a city where you can stroll among nature’s green with zero humidity? Seattle, according to someone on the thread, is your best bet. A respondent says you can feel the mild slap of a wheezing breeze on your skin while you sit before gently flowing lakes and rivers.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Talking of walkable cities, one contributor picks Boston and doesn’t think anywhere else compares in serenity, history, and good transportation to cart you home when you no longer feel like traversing on foot. Another person says they agree, and a third forum member narrates how they enjoy “walking through Fenway into Back Bay, then heading to Downtown Crossing to take the Green Line back from the Park Street Station.”
5. Chicago, Illinois
“Ditto for Chicago,” a thread participant exclaims, underscoring the walkability of the Windy City. July is the perfect time for hanging out,” he continues, “and there are all kinds of outdoor festivals and concerts throughout the summer.” A respondent warns that while Chicago is perfect for strollers and footgoers, you should avoid this place on July 4th as there would be some “Nascar racing right downtown.
6. San Francisco, California
According to someone on the thread, San Francisco is easily the prettiest U.S. city. “The entire city is just gorgeous viewpoint after viewpoint,” she reiterates. Someone else says S.F. is usually quite cool in the summer, and the views you get walking around are worth it.
7. Portland, Oregon
A user explains that Portland, Oregon is a great place to stretch your legs. He continues, “You can stay in a hip-but-not-expensive neighborhood with everything you need. Coffee shops, cool bars, good food, eclectic stuff.” Responding, a second person claims Portland public transit is the best on the West Coast and that they never use their car when visiting.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly, by the account of one forum member, is great for sauntering, and you could get lost in the lush history and great food. A second forum member agrees, adding that the Philadelphia Museum of Art may be the best in the United States.
9. Mackinac Island, Michigan
A contributor claims they’ll put their last penny on Mackinac Island. “Vehicles aren’t allowed on the island, everything is walkable, or you can rent a bike,” he explains. A respondent didn’t have it. He counters, arguing that while Mackinac is one of the most incredible places in America, it’s a long ride to get to, even for most Michiganders.
10. Burlington, Vermont
A forum member recommends Burlington as a great shot if you seek calm wrapped in the newness of scenic views. This person said downtown Burlington is adorable, “and the temperature will be just perfect in July.” Seconding his claims, another member reminds readers of Lake Champlain, adding that Burlington is beautiful in summer.
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