23 Walkable Cities and Small Towns Across the US to Visit Without a Car

If you’re looking for a laid-back vacation getting to know a place while exploring on foot, I know the feeling. Or maybe you’re looking to cut costs and want to vacation without a rental car. Well, you’ve come to the right place! After all, there are so many walkable cities and small towns to visit across the United States, and in this post, I’m trying to list the very best of them! 

In this article, I’ll explore some of the most walkable cities and small towns to visit this year (in no particular order). These walkable destinations are beautiful and full of unique things to do.

Let’s get to it!

1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

If you’re looking for a storybook-charming town where you can truly explore on foot, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most walkable small towns in California. This coastal village feels like it was designed for slow mornings, long walks, and wandering without a plan. That’s exactly how I loved experiencing it!

The town is incredibly compact, with no street addresses, winding lanes, and fairytale cottages clustered together. From the moment you arrive, everything feels intentionally walkable!

Downtown Carmel is where you’ll spend most of your time, and it’s perfect for exploring on foot. I loved strolling through the village, popping into art galleries, boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and cozy cafés along the way. Ocean Avenue leads straight down to Carmel Beach, making it easy to go from shopping to a beach walk in just minutes.

Some of the highlights that are all easy to walk to include Carmel Beach, known for its soft white sand and dramatic sunsets, the charming streets and hidden courtyards throughout downtown, and the many local restaurants and wine bars tucked into historic cottages. Even without a strict itinerary, Carmel is the kind of place where simply walking around becomes the main activity.

If you want to maximize walkability, I recommend staying right in town or just steps outside the village center. That way, you can walk everywhere. From morning coffee to sunset on the beach, you can do it all without driving around town. For anything farther, like exploring the best spots in Big Sur, you’d need a car. But for Carmel itself, walking is more than enough.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is ideal for travelers who want a relaxing, walkable getaway with coastal views, charm, and incredible food… all packed into one of the most picturesque small towns in the US!

Getting to Carmel-by-the-Sea from San Jose (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO)

Hop on a Monterey Airbus shuttle from either San Francisco or San Jose airport. Some of these shuttles drop you off right in Carmel Plaza – just check the schedule to see if your timing lines up. If your shuttle only goes to Monterey then it’s just a quick $20 Uber or a short local bus ride to get you into the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

2. St. Augustine, Florida

If you love destinations that feel rich in history yet easy to explore on foot, St. Augustine is one of my favorite walkable cities in Florida.

As the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, this coastal city is packed with charm, character, and things to do, all within a compact, pedestrian-friendly area.

I visited St. Augustine on a solo trip and absolutely loved how simple it was to explore without a car.

Historic Downtown is incredibly walkable, with cobblestone streets, Spanish-style architecture, and landmarks around nearly every corner. You can easily spend days wandering on foot, popping into museums, cafés, and shops as you go.

One of my favorite ways to get oriented was by taking the Old Town Trolley Tour. It’s perfect if you want a laid-back overview of the city while still being able to hop on and off at major sights. After that, I explored most of St. Augustine on foot.

Some of the must-see stops that are all easy to walk to include Castillo de San Marcos, the iconic 17th-century fort overlooking the water, Flagler College, and St. George Street. St. George Street is a pedestrian street lined with shops, historic buildings, and restaurants. I also loved visiting the Lightner Museum, housed inside the former Alcazar Hotel. Even if you’re not a big museum person, the building alone is worth the stop.

When it came to food, I made sure to eat at the Columbia Restaurant, which has been a St. Augustine institution for over a century. It’s a great spot to slow down, enjoy classic Spanish-Cuban dishes, and soak in the historic atmosphere. There are also plenty of casual cafés and wine bars downtown, making it easy to build your day around walking and dining.

If you want to maximize walkability, I recommend staying within or just outside Historic Downtown. That way, you can walk to most attractions, restaurants, and shops without needing a rental car.

For anything slightly farther, like the beach, rideshares are easy. (I highly recommend catching the sunrise at St Augustine Beach!) But for the heart of St. Augustine, walking is all you really need.

St. Augustine is one of those destinations where you can truly enjoy the journey between places. It’s charming, relaxed, and perfectly suited for travelers who want a walkable getaway with history, culture, and coastal vibes all in one. To see just how beautiful it is, check out my post on the best photo spots in St. Augustine!

Getting to St. Augustine from Jacksonville (JAX)

Several shuttle companies run direct routes from Jacksonville Airport down to St. Augustine that you can reserve in advance. Another option is to use a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, which will get you there in about an hour, though it’s a bit pricier.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

If you love Cajun food, jazz, Mardi Gras, or simply want to explore somewhere walkable with unique charm, New Orleans is a perfect destination. Known for its jazz music and cajun cuisine, there’s much to enjoy in one of the most distinct and walkable cities in America.

When in New Orleans, don’t forget to grab a beignet from Cafe du Monde or Cafe Beignet, visit Jackson Square to see the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, and simply walk around the French Quarter. Buy some artwork, listen to some music, and sample excellent Cajun food along the way.

If you want something pre-planned for you, join a walking tour! For a taste of the spooky and macabre, opt for a Ghosts, Vampires, & Voodoo guided walking tour or join a French Quarter Ghost and Murder Tour. For something a little tamer and less hair-raising, you can join a French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour that will allow you to not only learn more about the city’s rich history and culture but allows time for shopping and dining. And food lovers can even go on a French Quarter Food Tour with a Local!

For maximum walkability, stay in or near the French Quarter. We stayed at The Windsor Court on our last visit and loved the hotel and the proximity.

For more great photo spots, check out my list of the most Instagrammable places in New Orleans here!

4. Washington, DC

I grew up in a town very close to DC, so I went there countless times as a child. And I’ve returned several times as a travel blogger to capture its beauty on camera!

And as far as walkable cities go, the DC metro system makes this one incredibly convenient!

Simply fly into Ronald Reagan Airport, hop onto the metro from there, and make your way around this city!

There are so many metro stops, meaning that wherever you want to explore in DC, you’ll be able to get there easily. Whether you want to see the National Zoo (hello pandas!), the Smithsonian, charming downtown Georgetown, or countless numbers of museums, the metro system has you covered.

DC has some of the best museums in the country, and I personally love the National Museum of Natural History. This city also has plenty of kid-friendly attractions that are also fun for adults, like the National Geographic Museum, the International Spy Museum, and more.

I can’t stress enough how there are so many things to do here. Go from monument to monument, see the cherry blossoms in April, or do a food tour of the city… Washington DC has some amazing food! (One of my favorite restaurants is Das Ethiopian Cuisine in Georgetown! If you’ve never had Ethiopian food, it’s so good, and I highly recommend trying it here!)

Check out Instagrammable places in DC here!

5. Leavenworth, Washington

In the mood to visit Germany but not entirely up for leaving the country? Leavenworth, Washington could be a great vacation spot for you.

Two hours east of Seattle, this little town looks like a village out of Bavaria. It’s a bustling, four-season tourist destination. And it offers visitors plenty to do regardless of the month you decide to visit.

It’s a great place to walk around with picturesque views and many bars, wine-tasting rooms, souvenir shops, and restaurants. 

Leavenworth’s spring and summer activities include hiking at the famous Waterfront Park Trail or Icicle Gorge Trail, biking, and golfing. There’s also plenty of good food and drink to enjoy during April’s Restaurant Appreciation Month. 

If you like beer, you may want to visit Leavenworth during Oktoberfest in the fall. You’ll find lots of good food, dancing, and, of course, plenty of varieties of beer.

Some think Leavenworth is most beautiful during winter. When the village is blanketed with snow, it sure looks like a winter wonderland. Though horse-drawn carriage rides are available all year round, they become even more magical in the snow. Enjoy the scenery with your family and celebrate a White Christmas with them. And don’t forget to visit Kris Kringl (a year-round Christmas shop) and the Nutcracker Museum!

If you’re traveling without children, I can’t recommend staying at the Post Hotel enough! Not only do their balconies feature incredible views of the Wenatchee River, but this adults-only hotel immerses you in a spa experience. 

You can access it whenever you want, too! It’s an incredible spa with saltwater hydrotherapy pools, steam baths, saunas, plunge pools, and more. The eucalyptus room was my favorite! Guests walk around in their plush robes and slippers and can enjoy a European-style breakfast and lunch during their stay. 

Check out more of the best things to do in one of Washington’s most walkable small towns here!

Getting to Leavenworth from Seattle

If you don’t have a rental car and are flying into Seattle, the fastest Amtrak route to Leavenworth goes from Seattle’s King Street Station to Icicle Station in Leavenworth. The trip is about 3 hours and 22 minutes. You can also take a Greyhound bus which has a shorter ride time of 2 hours and 55 minutes.

6. Charleston, South Carolina

If southern charm is what you’re after, then one of the go-to places to experience it is in Charleston, South Carolina- which is actually the largest city in South Carolina. It’s one of the most charming walkable cities I’ve ever visited! (If this is your vibe, check out my list of the most charming towns in America here!)

There are few things better than exploring beautiful places on foot, and Charleston easily lets you experience the city this way. Some spots to not miss along your walk include Waterfront Park, the Battery, the Rainbow Row houses, and the many shops and restaurants along King Street.

I recommend staying near King Street or anywhere within downtown Charleston to maximize walkability. Our favorite stay in Charleston has to be The Loutrel, a stunning hotel that focuses on making the best possible stay for its guests.

While downtown Charleston is incredibly walkable, you’ll want to take a rideshare to the surrounding plantations. My favorite is Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, especially when the azaleas bloom in April! And don’t forget to check out Charleston’s best nature spots, too!

And I know the point of this article is to highlight the most walkable cities so you can vacation without a rental car. But there’s one place about 40 minutes away from Charleston that I just have to share with you! It’s one of the dreamiest places I’ve visited: Cypress Gardens.

If you’re up for a romantic boat ride straight out of Hollywood, you’ll fall in love with Cypress Gardens like I did. This gorgeous spot may look familiar to you since it’s featured in the movies, The Notebook and The Patriot.

To enjoy this blackwater swamp, you can get a guide or simply do the paddling yourself- that’s what we did. Boat rentals are included in the low price of admission, but you should go early since boats are first-come-first-serve. And keep your eyes out for alligators- but don’t worry, you’re safe in your boat.

7. Balboa Island, California 

Balboa Island is an incredibly charming and walkable small town located in Newport Beach, California. You can fly into Santa Ana Airport and take a quick Lyft or Uber to Balboa Island. From there, walking is my transportation method of choice, though you may want to take a rideshare to some of the surrounding areas.

What makes Balboa Island in California a good place to visit? It has incredible charm with the prettiest cottage houses and a beautiful main street on Marine Avenue. As far as Newport Beach goes, this is one of the most idyllic walkable small towns in the area!

Looking for family-friendly activities? Take a quick ferry from Balboa Island to Balboa Peninsula where you’ll find The Balboa Fun Zone. It’s one of Southern California’s oldest coastal amusement parks. Here, you and your kiddos can enjoy riding the waterfront Ferris Wheel, playing games at the arcade, or visiting the nautical museum.

Biking, harbor cruising, whale-watching, and fishing are also great activities to partake in with or without kids. Strolling through the local shops and restaurants is one of my favorite ways to spend time here. And one thing you can’t miss on Marine Avenue is grabbing a famous Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana! I recommend getting the “everything” topping on your banana.

If you love swimming, surfing, kayaking, or almost any type of water sport, you may want to make visiting Balboa Island (and Balboa Peninsula) part of your travel itinerary this year!

The best way to stay on Balboa Island is to book an AirBNB since there aren’t any hotels here. However, if you stay on Balboa Peninsula, there are hotel options there!

Check out my full list of things to do on Balboa Island here!

8. Rosemary Beach, Florida 

Known for its crystal waters and white sand beaches, Rosemary Beach in Florida is a great walkable small town to visit, especially if you’re looking for fun in the sun.

It’s located in the Florida panhandle within a charming part of Florida known as 30A, named after the highway (more like a small-town road) that runs through this cluster of beach towns. But aside from swimming and beach activities, there are also plenty of other things to do here.

Many of the great restaurants and attractions in the area are close enough to walk to, while others are also accessible via bike rides- which is great to do as a family bonding activity. There are also nearby state parks that you can visit via bike or rideshare. 

Golfers have plenty of course choices in the area- though you’ll need to Lyft or Uber to these as they aren’t in walking distance.

While you can stay at The Pearl Hotel, most book a vacation home to share with their friends or family. That’s what we’ve done for the past several years… Rosemary Beach has been my husband’s family’s annual summer vacation for several years!

Getting to Rosemary Beach from PCB

If you’re flying into the Panama City Beach airport, one thing I recommend is hiring a car to take you to Rosemary Beach. There are plenty of taxi options available to do this. While it’s easy to get an Uber or Lyft from the airport to Rosemary Beach, it can be really hard to find one for the return journey! (Harrison and I almost missed our flight home as we frantically refreshed our Lyft and Uber apps, waiting for a car to be available! We finally ended up finding a taxi service that could do a last-minute pickup- phew!)

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Walking around The City Different (aka Santa Fe) in the Land of Enchantment (aka New Mexico) certainly sounds appealing, doesn’t it? (Those are two very intriguing titles, and they really hold true!)

You can experience so many things that Santa Fe has to offer without a rental car. The city even offers suggestions on how to spend your first 72 hours, as well as guided walking tours. Walking the Santa Fe Plaza is a great ways to experience the city’s rich history and architecture. And Santa Fe is perfect for visiting historic sites like Native American ruins and centuries-old churches that are just teeming with tales of the past.    

If you want to refresh your body and rid it of pent-up stress, a trip to Santa Fe Day Spas just might do the trick. They even have a Japanese Spa that mimics a Japanese hot spring resort!

Regardless of what you do here, just being in such a unique place is refreshing. It really feels like you’re in another country with its stunning architecture and charm.

Families will also love a visit to Santa Fe. We traveled there with our baby and I loved how walkable this city is! It made it so convenient to stroll around or baby-wear James as we explored.

We stayed at the beautiful Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in the heart of Santa Fe. It made for the perfect location, giving easy access to one of the most walkable cities in New Mexico.

For plenty of things to do in Santa Fe, check out my Santa Fe itinerary here! It has some day trip options but you can eliminate those if you’re visiting without a car. 

10. Savannah, Georgia

If you like visiting walkable cities with plenty of history, then I recommend Savannah, Georgia. Between the trolley tours, historic museums, and beautiful historic homes, there’s no shortage of history here in walkable Savannah.

One of the best ways to explore Savannah is on foot. And the way the city is set up makes it so easy to walk around! There are 22 squares (charming green parks) within its 1 square mile of downtown.

It’s easy to walk from Forsyth Park down to River Street. I’d consider the area in between these to be the main part of Savannah with the most attractions.

If you do want to get out of downtown Savannah, the best spots to visit are Wormsloe Plantation and Bonaventure Cemetery. (A cemetery? Trust me, this cemetery is beautiful and full of fascinating history!) You can arrange rideshare to these locations or join a tour.

Also, if you’re feeling spooky, Savannah also has its fair share of historic cemeteries and even walking ghost tours. Of course, if you’re not up for a scare, you can always join a trolley tour!

On our most recent trip to Savannah, we stayed at the Perry Lane Hotel and found it to be the perfect hub for our time in Savannah. The location is perfect and it’s such a beautiful hotel! Whether you stay there or not, you simply can’t miss the rooftop views at Peregrin (get their Brussels sprouts and French dip!).

Savannah is truly one of my favorite walkable cities with its historic charm and gorgeous aesthetics. It might just be my favorite city on this list of walkable cities and small towns!

Check out my list of Instagrammable places in Savannah to see just how beautiful this city is!

11. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Head to Puerto Rico to check out a stunning place in the Caribbean with no passport required! Old San Juan is the oldest continuously inhabited post-European contact city in United States territory.

Walking through history is very possible when you walk around Old San Juan. You can see so many great examples of historic military and religious architecture that still stand today.

Visiting El Morro is a perfect way to glimpse the military history here. And the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery (pictured below) is right next door.

While you can definitely explore the town on your own if you want, you can also join free tours organized by its visitors center, where a tour guide shares historic facts of the places you’ll visit.  

Also, don’t forget to visit Calle de la Fortaleza, one of Old San Juan’s most iconic streets. It’s known for its colorful buildings, shops, and rotating overhead art installations.

While staying directly in Old San Juan is a great way to experience its charm, you can easily Uber here from Condado in San Juan. We stayed at the Vanderbilt Condado, a historic hotel that has been here for over a century! If you prefer to stay directly in Old San Juan, I recommend the Hotel El Convento. You can see El Convento’s courtyard area and the Vanderbilt Condado’s Infiniti pool pictured above.

And while we didn’t have a rental car for our whole trip (no need in one of the most walkable cities in Puerto Rico), we did do a day rental so that we could visit El Yunque National Park. If you love waterfalls, it’s worth visiting! If you want to completely avoid the rental car, there are plenty of El Yunque tours as well.

Check out my favorite things to do in San Juan here!

12. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is definitely one of the most iconic and walkable cities in America. Condé Nast Traveler readers have voted it the Best Big City in the US several years in a row!

For all my life, I’ve had family in Chicago, so grew up visiting each year. And now that I’m married, Harrison and I have been able to visit a few times! Each time, Chicago amazes me more and more.

It’s a beautiful city- and you can get an incredible view of it at two of the best observatories in Chicago: 360 Chicago and the Chicago Skydeck. Go early to avoid larger crowds!

Families taking a trip to Chicago can look forward to plenty of activities. Walking around Museum Campus allows you to visit the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. There’s also the Navy Pier, a great destination with its various rides and games.

If you’re looking for some of Chicago’s best photo spots, check out this list of Instagrammable places in Chicago!

Some of my favorite things to do in Chicago include walking around Millennium Park (home to The Bean and lesser-known spots like Lurie Garden, pictured above!), strolling along the River Walk, and dining at Chicago’s fun eateries.

Lastly, walking around The Loop is always a great idea. It’s where you can visit museums, on-trend boutiques, dazzling shops, and a bustling nightlife. 

For places to stay, check out the Four Seasons or the Viceroy Chicago. We’ve stayed at both places and have loved both!

P.S. Don’t forget to try their Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and Chicago Style Hotdogs!    

13. Stillwater, Minnesota

I was invited to explore Minnesota with the state’s tourism board. And I’ll be honest… Minnesota was not at all on my radar before that trip. But this walkable Minnesota town completely charmed my socks off. Who knew that Stillwater would end up being a destination I’d want to visit over and over again? I sure didn’t.

Let’s get into what makes this one of the best walkable cities to visit.

First off, Stillwater has a completely charming downtown. Lined with boutique stores, antique shops, trendy restaurants, and more, you’ll love walking around downtown.

Hotels like Water Street Inn, Hotel Crosby, and Lora Hotel are just steps from Main Street.

And Main Street is just a couple of blocks away from the St. Croix River. As a waterfront town, you’ve got access to boat tours, gondola rides, kayaking, and more.

Getting to Sillwater from Minneapolis/St Paul

Stillwater is conveniently located just under 40 minutes away from Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). That means that if you don’t want to rent a car, you can easily take a rideshare to Stillwater.

14. Waikiki, Hawaii

Surf, sun, and sand. If you’re like me, that’s the very first scenario that pops into your head when anyone says Hawaii. And Waikiki on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is one of the best walkable cities if you’re looking for a tropical paradise.

To share just how walkable Waikiki is, my husband and I honeymooned here when we were broke in our young 20s. Our hotel and flights were given as gifts, which is how we found ourselves in Waikiki, but we didn’t have enough money to get a rental car. As a result, we walked all around Waikiki and took the public bus to get to further spots around the island.

Waikiki Beach is one of the best locations to visit if you want to enjoy white sand and turquoise blue waters. It’s definitely worth a spot (or ten!) on your Instagram! (Check out the most Instagrammable places in Oahu here!)

Swimming, snorkeling, and surfing are just some activities tourists can enjoy at Waikiki Beach. It helps that most hotels are within walking distance of one of Waikiki’s beaches.

If you’re interested in some non-water related activities while in Waikīkī, you might enjoy partaking in a Pearl Harbor Tour, which lets you see the USS Arizona Memorial and board the USS Battleship Missouri. You might also like joining a tour of the scenery and locations from the TV show Hawaii Five-O, which is fun to do – whether you’ve seen the show or not!

Check out my list of things to do on Oahu for more!

15. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is highly walkable thanks to its dense neighborhoods, excellent public transit, and compact layout that makes it easy to explore iconic areas like Nob Hill, North Beach, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero without a car.

Harrison and I went to college at USC and each year we’d head to San Francisco for a USC football game! It’s actually a USC tradition called “the weekender” to make a road trip out of going north to either the Cal or Stanford game. Over the years, I’ve learned just how awesome – and walkable – San Francisco really is!

Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a very photo-worthy activity (we actually got the photo above at Baker Beach). And riding the trolly is really fun too! There’s also the iconic Lombard Street which is said to be the most crooked street in the world given its eight sharp turns. You can safely walk instead of driving down it, though!

And one of my favorite things to do in San Franciso is simply walking around Fisherman’s Wharf. You can see the seals that live there (head up, they are noisy!) and walk along the shops and restaurants. And don’t forget to grab some chocolate ice cream from nearby Ghiradelli’s!

16. Seattle, Washington

We recently stayed in Seattle without a car for a few days before our Alaskan cruise. While I’ve visited Seattle multiple times now, this was actually my first time without a rental car- and I was very impressed. We walked everywhere and got to experience so much!

Seattle is most walkable if you stay downtown or near Pike Place Market, where you can explore waterfront paths, neighborhoods like Belltown and Capitol Hill, and iconic spots on foot while using transit or rideshares for anything farther out.

While you’re here, Pike Place Market is a must. You can watch the workers at the fish market throw huge fish across the floor, grab some fresh donuts, and stop at Turkish Delight for a fantastic lunch!

You can also check out the (gross, but cool?) gum wall behind Pike Place.

Don’t forget to walk by the water as well! You can join a boat tour of Elliott Bay or simply walk around.

Seattle is also known for being home to Starbucks’ original store where the coffee phenomenon officially began. While you can visit that Starbucks, I find it to be pretty overrated… instead, go to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Seattle, pictured above.

You’ll find way more than just coffee here; they’ve got food, cocktails, baked goods, etc.- it’s an unmissable experience. There are only a few of these in the whole world! (And if Starbucks isn’t your thing, there are other great places to get coffee in this city as you walk around.)

On our last visit, we stayed at an AirBNB near Cal Anderson Park and were able to easily walk to Pike Place, explore the area, and then head back with a baby in tow. (If you’re in this area, Manao Thai Street Eats serves up fantastic Thai food! And Annapurna Cafe has incredible Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetian food!)

Seattle also has several districts that you can stroll and shop in, like the Ballard District, Belltown Neighborhood, and Pioneer Square.

For business-savvy folks, many Fortune 500 companies call Seattle their home – like Nordstrom, Microsoft, and Amazon. Some, like Amazon, even offer tours of their campus.

TL;DR Seattle is one of the most vibrant, walkable cities in Washington.

17. Key West, Florida

If you’re looking for a peaceful, walkable Florida vacation spot, you’ll enjoy taking a trip to Key West.

Grab some key lime pie, walk around the vibrant downtown, and hit up the beach. You can also visit some of Key West’s most famous attractions like the Hemingway Home & Museum and the Southernmost Point of the USA.

It’s not Florida if it doesn’t have water attractions though, and Key West is no exception. Families can enjoy swimming, diving, snorkeling, or kayaking. You can even rent a boat and island hop!

It has an incredibly walkable downtown area with plenty of hotels and bed & breakfasts within walking distance.

Check out my list of Instagrammable places in Key West for more photos of this charming part of Florida!

18. Las Vegas, Nevada  

Las Vegas is one of the most walkable cities in the US when visiting the Strip, where hotels, restaurants, and entertainment are clustered in one central corridor. (Just keep in mind that distances are longer than they appear, and walking works best if you plan to keep your trip focused on the Strip!)

And while Las Vegas is definitely famous for its numerous casinos and hotels, there’s so much to do here besides those things. We actually didn’t spend any time in casinos on our trip to Vegas – just explored all the other things it had to offer. What I found was incredible shows, beautiful architecture, and delicious food.  

We loved going up the High Roller, an observation wheel that takes you 550 feet above The Strip. The entire ride takes about 30 minutes and gives you fantastic views.

There’s no limit to tasty dining here, too, but I have to give a shout-out to the milkshakes at The Black Tap (pictured below). While there, I also ordered the house cobb salad and added crispy chicken- the whole meal was SO good!

On another note, Las Vegas also offers one of the best nightlife scenes. If that’s something you’re looking for, know that oftentimes getting from one bar to another is just a matter of walking.

Shopping is also a great thing to do in Las Vegas, from high-end designer stores to premium outlets. It’s fun to window shop and walk around the hotels on The Strip as well. There are some incredibly beautiful and Instagrammable spots- check out my favorites here!

Las Vegas also offers other interesting attractions like visiting The Neon Museum or the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. No car needed- we took an Uber to the Neon Museum and did a pink jeep tour of Red Rock Canyon.

But one thing to note about getting around Las Vegas- sometimes it’s faster to walk than Uber as there’s typically a long wait for rideshares!

19. Southeast Alaska 

Putting the entire Southeast of Alaska on this list of walkable cities might seem absurd, but let me explain. If you go on a cruise to Southeast Alaska, you’ll get to visit several cities on one trip with no rental car needed. (Side note: Cruises are also so convenient with kids in tow, even babies! We had our one-year-old with us and you can see why I recommend cruising with babies here.)

If you think of snow when you think of Alaska, you’re not alone. However, summertime in Alaska is a whole new world with wildflowers, lush greenery, access to glaciers, hikes, wildlife, and so much more! Best of all, if you head to Southeast Alaska, you’ll find some picture-perfect walkable small towns full of charm and history.

Our cruise from Seattle to Alaska stopped at Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. These three cities are really easy to explore on foot. And if you want to see glaciers, wildlife, or other nature experiences, they are so easy to do through different tour companies.

For example, from downtown Ketchikan, I did this two-hour helicopter tour of Misty Fjords National Monument. In Skagway, you can easily hop on the scenic train to see Canada’s Yukon. And in Juneau, join a tour of the Mendenhall Glacier or walk a few minutes to reach the Goldbelt Tram, which takes you to the top of Mt. Roberts.

All in all, cruising around Southeast Alaska is a great way to experience multiple charming, walkable cities in one trip! You can book a cruise here!

What about Anchorage?

Anchorage isn’t in Southeast Alaska but it is one of the more walkable cities in the US. So if you’d rather fly somewhere and explore on land, Anchorage offers some incredible activities. From Anchorage, you can take the train to Denali National Park, do a helicopter tour, or simply explore the city itself.

For those visiting the city with kids, Anchorage offers abundant parks and kid-friendly trails that they can enjoy with you. You can also learn more about Alaskan wildlife and natural history by visiting the Alaska Zoo and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

For those wild and adventurous at heart, go dog sledding or hiking and ice climbing.

20. Miami, Florida

If you’re looking for warmer weather and sunshine, Miami is one of the best walkable cities to visit. This vibrant city is known for its beaches, Art Deco architecture, and diverse cultural attractions.

Miami is most walkable if you stay in South Beach, Brickell, or Downtown. Choose one area to base yourself in, then walk or use rideshares or the Metromover for short trips. With the right home base, it’s easy to enjoy Miami without a rental car.

If relaxation is on your mind, hit up South Beach for exquisite beaches and hotels.

Soaking up the sun and sand may be the foremost reason you’re booking a ticket to Miami, but there is truly so much else to do here!

From excellent cuisine and cool museums to world-class shopping and luxury hotels, you’ll find them all in Miami. Between the city’s many museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, you could spend your whole vacation exploring if you wanted to.

And when it comes to food, Miami is a fantastic place to sample Cuban, Caribbean, and Latin American cuisine.

For those who love a lively nightlife scene, experiencing Maimi’s nightlife is truly something else. (For an out-of-the-box idea, enjoy Miami’s nightlife by joining a party bike bar crawl, which is as wild as it sounds!)

We stayed at the Mondrian South Beach and loved our stay- the balcony views of the bay are beautiful and their restaurant is top-notch.

Some of my favorite things we did in Miami were visiting the Frost Museum of Science and the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens- one of the prettiest gardens in Miami. You can see more beautiful places on my list of Instagrammable spots in Miami!

TL;DR Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting city break, Miami has something to offer everyone.

21. Boulder, Colorado

With the majestic Flatirons serving as your backdrop, you can be sure there’s always something picture-worthy about your visit to Boulder, Colorado.

Harrison’s brother used to live in Boulder, so we’ve traveled there a few times. Each time I fall in love with its gorgeous scenery and walkability!

Boulder is highly walkable if you stay near downtown or Pearl Street, where shops, restaurants, trails, and the Boulder Creek Path are all easy to reach on foot. To explore farther trailheads or nearby mountain areas, you may need to rely on local buses or rideshares, but for a downtown-focused trip, a car isn’t necessary.

If you aren’t familiar with Boulder, it’s an outdoorsy city in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It’s known for its stunning scenery, arts scene, and incredible nature activities. Whether you go hiking, biking, and camping or stay in town and explore the museums, shops, and art galleries, you can experience the best of Colorado right here.

It has a cute, super walkable downtown and great restaurants with healthy, delicious food. Foodies will love the farm-to-table restaurants and microbreweries here. I particularly love the Dushanbe Tea House so much that I go more than once each time I visit!

For nature lovers and hiking fans, I highly recommend the Mount Sanitas hike. It’s 3.2 miles and considered challenging, but I was able to do it as someone who rarely works out. The trailhead is very close to downtown Boulder. Make sure you bring enough water!

Another Boulder must that doesn’t require any hiking at all is walking along the outdoor Pearl Street Mall. Stop into boutique shops, bookstores, and cafes.

You can also visit the University of Colorado or the Fiske Planetarium if you prefer more academic adventures!

Getting to Boulder from Denver

Most people visiting Boulder fly into Denver since it’s roughly 40 minutes away. If you’re not renting a car, there are multiple options for getting to Boulder. For example, the Boulder Shuttle takes you from the airport into Boulder and is $55 for the first adult and $30 for additional passengers. There are also bus, taxi, and rideshare options- check out all of your options here!

22. Telluride, Colorado

If you’re dreaming of a dramatic mountain town that still works without a rental car, Telluride is one of the most walkable mountain destinations in the US. The historic town is compact, scenic, and easy to explore on foot, with jaw-dropping views in every direction.

I’ve visited Telluride a few times now. Each time I’m reminded of how walkable the town itself feels. Main Street and Colorado Avenue are lined with restaurants, shops, coffee spots, and galleries, all clustered within a small, pedestrian-friendly area. It’s easy to spend your days walking between meals, strolls, and scenic overlooks without ever needing to drive.

One of the things that makes Telluride especially unique is the free gondola connecting Telluride to Mountain Village. It runs year-round and essentially replaces the need for a car, allowing you to move between lodging areas, hiking access points, and dining while enjoying incredible views along the way.

To maximize walkability, I recommend staying in Telluride town or Mountain Village (I adored my stay at the Madeline Hotel), and planning to get around on foot and by gondola. Telluride is ideal for travelers who want a walkable mountain getaway with big scenery, a lively town center, and a transportation system that makes going car-free surprisingly easy.

23. San Antonio, Texas 

Last but not least, it’s time to throw a Texas city into the mix! As a Dallasite, I’ve gotten to explore quite a bit of this state, and San Antonio deserves a spot on this list.

San Antonio is most walkable if you stay near the River Walk or downtown. Many attractions, restaurants, and hotels are clustered here and easy to explore on foot. For anything farther out, rideshares make it simple to get around without renting a car.

The River Walk is San Antonio’s world-renowned 15-mile urban waterway. Explore on foot along its walking path, or go ahead and board a river barge for a ride and guided tour. Either way, you’re in for a scenic treat!

You can see the charming La Villita area of the River Walk in the picture below. (Check out more photo-worthy places in San Antonio here!)

You of course can’t forget to remember the Alamo! The Alamo is American history brought back to life, which you can experience when you visit the Alamo. They offer a walking tour that explores the events that made the story of the Alamo famous for generations of Americans- not just in Texas but all over the country.

Besides the Alamo, there are actually four more beautiful missions that make up the Mission Trail. And the city of San Antonio has created The Mission Trails hike-and-bike system. It connects San Antonio’s five Spanish colonial missions together with a pedestrian and bicycle route.

Museum lovers will enjoy visiting the San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the Spanish Governor’s Palace.

However, not everything is about history in San Antonio! Visit the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, pictured above, to feel like you’re in an oasis, not a city. Check out Market Square for a lively atmosphere, and stay in the Pearl District for boutique hotels, great food, and the Pearl Farmers Market.

And for kids and theme park lovers, there are a lot of contemporary fun places to visit like SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Morgan’s Wonderland– the world’s largest and ultra-accessible theme park for people with special needs.

In conclusion…

If vacationing without a rental car sounds appealing to you, you’ll love visiting one of these walkable cities and small towns this year.

These are the ones that you can easily walk around to soak in the sights, sounds, history, and beauty that these areas have to offer. 

I hope you enjoyed reading my list of the best walkable cities and small towns to visit this year. Let me know in the comments which you’d love to visit most out of this list!

Lastly, since I’m just listing my favorite walkable cities and small towns, I know there are so many more out there worth mentioning! If there’s any city or small town you think we should include, please let me know in the comments as well!

And if you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out these posts:

• The Best Southwest Airlines Destinations to Visit This Year
• The Most Charming Towns in America
• Which Hawaiian Island is Best for You?
• Charleston vs Savannah: Which Should You Visit?

Happy exploring!

Jasmine