Most Walkable US Cities

One of the best ways to really experience a town is just by walking around. You get to see more hole-in-the-wall shops, feed off the energy of others in the area and just generally get a better foothold on what a place is about. But not all cities are made for easy foot traffic accessibility. Here are the topmost walkable cities in the U.S.

Walking around the Historic Downtown area of the "Horse Capital of the World" will take you about half an hour to go from Courthouse Square to Lexington Cemetery. Along the way you'll pass by numerous street installations that are a part of the city's MuralChallenge, a bourbon distillery and even Mary Todd Lincoln's childhood home. Don't forget to pop into one of the local restaurants for the city's famous 'hot brown' dish.

The Charleston Historic District will take you a little bit longer as the route from Washington Square to the end of King Street is almost three miles. But along the way, you'll get to see many of the highlights of The Holy City like Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market and numerous pre-Civil War era mansions.

Pedestrians will need to be watchful along the Historic Stockyards District in Fort Worth, Texas where cattle drives still happen twice a day. Make this Wild West flashback complete with a stop to get authentic cowboy boys. Or cool off on Joe T. Garcia's Texas-sized patio with a famous margarita.

The one-mile route around State Street in Bristol, Virginia will have travelers exploring the Birthplace of Country Music. From the Paramount Theatre to antique shops to craft breweries to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, it's easy to fill your day with fun places to see here.

Feel the ocean air as you walk along the newly renovated St. Pete Pier. Enjoy boardwalk favorites, outdoor seating with fresh local seafood and unique art installations. For more surrealist art, head over to the Dali Museum which houses the largest compilation of pieces from an artist outside of Europe.

Home to another great boardwalk, travelers can take a stroll down the Fort Lauderdale Beach boardwalk for bars, restaurants and stunning views of the crystal-clear water. Head to Las Olas for a photo op with a snowman made of sand or check out SKY bar for an ideal rooftop cocktail.

Key West is only seven square miles to begin with, but with many points of interest located in an even smaller radius, this island makes for a great walkable adventure. Whether you want to take selfies by the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States, pet the cats at Ernest Hemingway's house, see the sunset at Mallory Square or just revel in the nighttime celebrations along Duval Street, there's plenty to see and do.

Big cities aren't the only places to visit as a great walkable destination though. Lake Forest, Illinois is just under one hour from Chicago and offers a small-town feel with ample appeal. Surrounded by nature, the city offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan, the scenic Elawa Farm and the 29-acre Forest Park. Visitors can get their shopping on at high-end retail stores as well as the classic candy shop.

For those that love museums, the Cultural Downtown area of Grand Rapids is an ideal getaway. Spend time checking out the Grand Rapids Public Museum where you can see everything from a piece of the Berlin Wall to a fossilized dinosaur. Or head over to the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum to learn more about our 38th U.S. President.

For those wanting the ultimate getaway, head over to Beverly Hills, California where you can get caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle. Marvel at the unique architecture and iconic palm trees or head over to Rodeo Drive for the ultimate shopping experience. Clear your head with a visit to the Beverly Gardens Park.

Sometimes a stroll along the beach is all you really need. Experience one of the hottest areas of Hawaii by walking along its most famous beach - Waikiki. Whether you want to take a dip in the water yourself or just watch the surfers, it's easy to spend the day taking in the laid-back atmosphere of the area. Make sure to stop at the statue of the father of modern-day surfing - Duke Paoa Kahanmoku - and try out the local cuisine.

Whether you're a huge history buff or are just trying to walk off all the Philly Cheesesteaks, Market Street of Philadelphia is a great area to walk around in. Make sure to stop at Independence Hall and get a glimpse of the Liberty Bell. Or head over to Reading Terminal where you can get your fill of delicious cuisine and sweet treats.

The National Mall and Memorial Parks is a must for seeing some of the nation's most iconic memorials, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. But don't forget to head over to some of the commemorative memorials like the Albert Einstein statue and World War II Memorial.