America's Most Pedesrian Friendly Cities

Some cities are downright dangerous: for pedestrians that is. I’m sure we’ve all heard the comment: “nobody walks in L A.” That somewhat unfavorable tag isn’t only confined to the City of Angels. And surprisingly enough L.A doesn't even feature on the list of America’s top three most dangerous cities for pedestrians. That distinction goes to Orlando Florida, home to Walt Disney World. It would seem a trip to the happiest place on earth isn’t only likely to put a huge dent in your wallet, enough to give you heart palpitations, it could quite possibly increase your chances of being mowed down, while attempting to cross the street.   

Of course millions of people visit Orlando every year, and live to visit another year. But for those not willing to take the risk, there are other alternatives: pedestrian friendly cities. It is no surprise that America’s top four pedestrian friendly cities: New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Washington DC, are also four of its most visited.

Visitors to these cities are able to immerse themselves in the culture, ambience, to explore and experience the diverse neighborhoods and cuisine, to learn their many quirks without ever having to worry about parking space, or exorbitant parking fees. What more these cities are easy to navigate, which make them ideal for walking. It doesn’t hurt that all four cities have some of the best restaurants, cafes, and most delicious street food available. And yes, visitors will be able to indulge without ever having to worry about their waistline. Because all that walking will surely melt away the excess calories.   

Getting There: All fours cities are easily accessible from anywhere within the United States. Planes, trains, or automobiles: the choice may come down to geographic location.

Where to Stay: A wide variety of hotels, ranging from luxury to budget are available. Again it all comes down to location, and neighborhood preference.

Must See:

New York:  The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island.

Washington D.C: The Lincoln Memorial.

Boston: Tea Party Museum.

San Francisco: The Golden Gate Bridge.

Things to do:

New York: Meander through the different neighborhoods; stroll through Chinatown, Little Italy, Tribeca, the East and West village, and be sure to sample the different cuisine. Walk up Fifth Avenue, and gawk at the ridiculously expensive designer clothes on show from the various boutiques. Stroll through Broadway and the Theatre District, where if you’re lucky, you might score a discount ticket to see a show.

Boston: Take a walking tour of the Freedom Trail, and learn all about the history of Boston.  Visit the site of the Boston Massacre. Stroll through Boston Common the oldest city park in the United States, dating back to 1634. Visit the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill, where you'll find charming antique shops, restaurants, and cafes. Walk through Chinatown, the North End, Back Bay, and if it’s baseball season take in a game at Fenway Park.

 Washington D.C: A tour of the Smithsonian museums, as many as you can fit into your schedule.  A tour of the many monuments and memorials. Walking tours through the different neighborhoods. A food tour which allows visitors to sample the different cuisine that each neighborhood offers.

San Francisco: A pedestrian walkway allow visitors and locals to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Visit Golden Gate Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Stroll through America’s oldest Chinatown, visit exotic, shops, excellent restaurants, and food markets, temples and museums; if you’re lucky you can witness fortune cookies being made. Visit the Presidio, and Lombard Street, the latter, unfortunately, will have to be experienced from the inside of a car. N.B Lost photos.

Eat/ Drink: All four cities boast some of the best restaurants and street food available anywhere. Within these cities’ limits, visitors will be able to sample cuisines from just about any part of the globe. With the United Nations of restaurants at your fingertips, a cultural and culinary adventure awaits. The mantra here is indulge, indulge, and indulge some more. And keep walking: it’s good for you.