New York City has some wonderful sections for strolling.
The best way to truly experience a big city is skipping the subway or cab rides and taking a real "step-by-step" (pun intended) approach that really lets you learn the lay of the land. Here are some of the best cities in the United States to explore by foot-from Savannah to San Francisco.
Instructions
1. Manhattan might seem like an overwhelming city to trek for the uninitiated, but truth be told, the metropolis is relatively compact and also very flat, making it perfect for exploring by foot. Particularly pleasant strolling can be found in Greenwich Village, near the island's southern realms-and Central Park and its wealth of adjoining museums is also tough to top.
2. Boston is a gorgeous (and manageable) city to stroll through, from its breathtaking public gardens (the Boston Commons) to the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill. And anyone interested in combining a healthy hike with a fascinating history lesson can't miss the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile designated pedestrian path highlighted by more than a dozen significant historical sites.
3. When it comes to the Midwest, Cleveland-yes, Cleveland-has an outdoorsy feel and several great neighborhoods well worth exploring by foot. University Circle has some captivating outdoor expanses, while a fine pub crawl can be had at The Flats, the city's liveliest nightlife section adjoining the Cuyahoga River.
4. Savannah, Georgia is simply one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in the nation, with countless trees draped with Spanish moss, a plethora of pretty plazas and a wealth of historic homes and cemeteries. The historic district alone offers two dozen squares to peruse, plus Forsyth Park-a 10-acre enclave of fountains, statues and strolling paths.
5. San Francisco might be the most traversable big city in the world, with a wealth of inviting neighborhoods and a compact size that only runs about 5 miles from the Bay to the "Breakers" (the Pacific Ocean). Anyone in reasonable shape can pretty much take in all the big attractions and neighborhoods by foot over the course of a weekend. But if your time (or energy) is limited, focus on a particular neighborhood or two to trek; North Beach, the city's Italian slice, is about as good as it gets anywhere.
6. Las Vegas is a city that was made for walking, and it all, of course, revolves around the infamous "Strip," a neon wonderland of top-notch casino resorts and fun nightspots. An unforgettable "casino crawl" can be had by simply starting at one end and meandering to the other, stopping at the best of the casinos along the way-like New York New York, Luxor, Caesar's Palace and Mandalay Bay.
7. Portland, Oregon is another walkable Western metropolis, boasting a number of city public gardens, some of the best rose gardens in the nation and the most expansive forested city park in the United States. If your time is limited, concentrate your strolling in Washington, hosting or adjoining such attractions as the Hoyt Arboretum and Japanese Garden.
8. Anchorage, Alaska is a small city with a downtown famed for its spectacular views of the surrounding bay and mountains. You can easily take in the entire city on foot, and hardy hikers will savor the footpaths that go directly from town into the nearby peaks.
Tags: exploring foot, public gardens, some best, United States, your time