America’s Most Walkable Cities and Towns in 2026

When you visit a new city or town, you get a much different view of the community as a pedestrian. Driving around not only requires you to rent a car (or bring your own), but you also have to deal with the hassle of finding parking, and you can miss a lot of the sights when you're spending your travel time in the car.

Walkability is also a factor to consider when searching for a new place to live. When you live in a highly walkable city, it makes everything from commuting to work to running errands easier. There are lots of cities with high walkability, such as New York and New Orleans, but there are also many walkable small towns worth visiting.

Generally, walkability is defined as how friendly an area is to pedestrians. This can be impacted by the setup of street grids, how close stores and other attractions are together, and the overall infrastructure of the area. In this slideshow, we'll cover some of the most walkable towns and cities in America.

If you're considering moving to a new area, Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), published an article on some of the many benefits of living in a walkable city or town. Aside from the obvious benefits, such as how easy it is to get around without a car, it's also beneficial because living in a walkable area may:

• Improve happiness and mental health
• Foster more social connections
• Promote more active lifestyles
• Reduce obesity and chronic disease
• Create a greater sense of community
• Reduce fatalities on the road

Whether you're planning on visiting a walkable place or considering a move, here are some of the most walkable cities and towns in the U.S.

Starting with one of the most obvious choices — New York City. New York City, NY, is consistently rated as one of the most walkable cities in America. While you certainly can travel by subway in New York, you'll get the most out of the experience by exploring the city on foot. The grid system makes it relatively easy for you to navigate, even if you're visiting for the first time.

Exploring Charleston, SC, means experiencing the extensive history of the city, from the beautiful cobblestone streets and other architecture to historic landmarks such as the Old City Jail or the Nathaniel Russell House. When you stay within the downtown area, you can find numerous attractions, stores, and places to eat, all within walking distance.

St. Augustine, FL, has been ranked as one of the most walkable cities by USA Today. One of the main aspects that makes it highly walkable is the historic downtown area, which features numerous shops, galleries, restaurants, and historic architecture. When you visit St. Augustine, you can explore the charm of the city by walking and taking the Old Town Trolley from one site to the next.

Leavenworth, WA, is a unique city with lots of character and interesting attractions. One of the best parts is you can get to many of them without having to get in a car. Whether you choose to explore on foot or on a bike, there are beautiful trails, shops, parks, and other places worth visiting. Near the middle of town, you'll find the Nutcracker Museum and the Gingerbread Factory, both popular tourist spots.

New Orleans, LA, is another larger city that's perfect for pedestrians. There are many neighborhoods in New Orleans worth exploring, but the French Quarter is the most well-known and likely the most walkable area. This area is known as the historic heart of New Orleans, or the crown jewel of New Orleans. When visiting the French Quarter, you can walk Bourbon Street, visit the French Market, or stop by Jackson Square, which is near many shops, restaurants, art galleries, and historic buildings.

When you're looking for some sunshine, you might take a trip to the Florida Keys, a beautiful part of the Sunshine State. Not every city in Florida is walkable, but Key West has previously been rated as one of the most walkable cities by USA Today, along with St. Augustine. Many visitors choose to explore Duval Street, which is extremely pedestrian-friendly. You can also visit attractions such as the Key West Lighthouse and the Hemingway Home in the area.

A small town with a picturesque downtown area, Bar Harbor, ME, has the setting and walkability many tourists look for. For those who haven't had the pleasure of exploring the New England area, Maine has many beautiful sights worth seeing, and Bar Harbor is a great place to start. Exploring downtown Bar Harbor means walking along the waterfront on Shore Path, down Main Street, and through Agamont Park.

If you're looking for a beautiful mountain town to visit that's also walkable, Telluride, CO, is the place for you. Like many of the other cities and towns on this list, the historic downtown area in Telluride is one of the many reasons why it's so pedestrian-friendly. Telluride also has a Gondola system that makes it easy for people to get around without a vehicle. Without a car, you can get to most of the charming stores, cafes, and trails in Telluride.

According to World Atlas, Stillwater, MN, was made for strolling. During a visit to Stillwater, you can walk along the St. Croix River and through downtown, which includes 11 blocks of historic buildings, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Whether you choose to cross the Stillwater Lift Bridge, which is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, or choose to climb the Stillwater stairs, there are plenty of ways to get your exercise in this town.

There's no doubt that Savannah, GA, is known for many of its parks, squares, and other beautiful landmarks. The historic district in downtown Savannah features 22 walkable squares, and the fact that the land is flat makes it easier for individuals to walk longer distances across the city. Many of the most popular tourist destinations, including the historic antebellum homes and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, are within walking distance.

Boulder, CO, is known as a pedestrian-friendly town and is even nationally recognized as a Gold-level Walk Friendly Community, according to the City of Boulder. In this city, you can visit the Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian-only downtown area that consists of four blocks of stores, restaurants, and other attractions. The downtown area is also close to numerous hiking trails, such as the Mount Sanitas Loop and the Royal Arch Trail. The City of Boulder is so committed to being pedestrian-friendly that it has developed the Transportation Master Plan (TMP), which includes a vision for ways to make the city more walkable, known as the Pedestrian Plan.

Tucked away on the coast of California is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a one-square-mile coastal village known for the fairytale cottages, beautiful beaches, and walkable village center. When you visit this small village, you can experience the beauty of Carmel Beach, the whimsy of the hidden courtyards and passageways, and the practicality of the dog-friendly paths. Carmel-by-the-Sea may be small, but there's plenty to see and explore — no car required.

Burlington, VT, is probably one of the lesser-known cities when it comes to highly walkable places, but it makes the list for good reason. Many aspects of Burlington stand out — from the pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace to the size and setup of the downtown area. There are so many walkable elements to Burlington that it was named one of the most walkable cities by USA Today, featuring the Church Street Marketplace and the Old North End.