I’ve been to all 50 states, but these 7 walkable US cities stole my heart

After traveling solo to all 50 US states, I’ve learned that to truly get a feel for a city, you have to get out of the car and explore.

Of course, some cities make this easier than others, but I love traveling to places where you don’t need a car to feel part of the rhythm.

Here are my seven favorite walkable cities in the US.

Chicago is one of my favorite places to walk around.

I grew up in Illinois, just a few hours outside Chicago, and it will always be one of my favorite cities in the world. Part of why I love it so much is that it’s so walkable.

The city’s flat layout, efficient public transit, and miles of lakeside paths make it easy to explore without a car. I love wandering around Millennium Park, pausing for coffee or to admire the architecture.

In my opinion, each neighborhood feels like its own little city — walkable, vibrant, and alive.

You can stroll through most of Healdsburg, California, in one day.

As someone who’s spent a lot of time in Sonoma wine country, I think Healdsburg, California, is the best city to stroll through. I like that it’s small, which means I can explore most of it in a single day.

The downtown plaza is surrounded by tasting rooms, wine bars, beautiful hotels, art galleries, and cafés with sidewalk seating.

I recommend popping into Healdsburg Bubble Bar for a sparkling drink or Harmon Guest House for a cozy stay.

There’s so much to explore in New York City.

In my opinion, New York City is truly designed for life on foot. Its dense grid, extensive public transit, and endless mix of neighborhoods mean it’s easy to get around without a car. In fact, having a car here can often slow you down because of the heavy traffic.

During my last visit, I walked around neighborhoods without a plan, spent hours in Central Park, and roamed the lively streets until I found a café.

I think the culture in New Orleans is best explored on foot.

From the blend of cultures to the music, food, and architecture, New Orleans stands out as a truly unique city. Luckily, there are plenty of places to enjoy the culture and sights on foot.

On a recent visit to the city, I didn’t even rent a car. Instead, I walked around and even took the historic streetcar to City Park and the botanical gardens.

I moved to Boulder, Colorado, because of its walkability.

When I moved to Colorado over a decade ago, I knew walkability was important to me when picking a place to live. I eventually settled in Boulder, which is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and walkable places in the country.

When I’m not traveling, I rarely even use my car. Instead, I walk downtown to the Pearl Street Mall for coffee, food, and shopping.

I hike trails that are accessible from town, like Chautauqua and Mount Sanitas, and I spend time in Boulder Creek, which is easy to reach from the paved walking paths.

Burlington, Vermont, is the perfect place to explore on foot.

In my opinion, Burlington, Vermont, is one of the most walkable small cities in the country.

In fact, Church Street Marketplace, a downtown promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and local musicians, doesn’t even allow cars.

With Lake Champlain on one side of the town and the mountains in the distance, walking around Burlington feels you’re living in a postcard.

Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, feels like walking through a real-life fairytale.

One of my favorite spots on the California coast is also one of the most walkable — Carmel-by-the-Sea. The city feels like a fairytale come to life, with a village-style layout that has no street addresses, just storybook cottages and the ocean breeze.

It’s one of the most peaceful, pedestrian-friendly towns I’ve ever visited, filled with quiet courtyards, flower-covered walls, and winding paths that lead to the sea.

I recommend the Stillwell Hotel for a relaxing stay, Nicolas for a satisfying dinner, and Barmel for elevated cocktails.

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