Let’s face it: some of us simply aren’t cut out for long road trips or endless journeys on public transport during our vacation time. Whether you’re hoping to amp up your daily step game or simply searching for a way to save a few bucks on daily transportation costs, you might be drawn to some of America’s most walkable cities. Luckily for you, travel site SmarterTravel recently published a list of the most pedestrian-friendly locales throughout the United States. While some predictable metropolises like New York and Washington, D.C. made the list, one California city snagged a surprising number nine spot.

Flickr/Sharon Hahn Darlin If you’ve traveled west to explore the sunny state of California, you’ve likely checked out some of its more popular cities. Whether you’ve chased Hollywood dreams in Los Angeles, enjoyed fantastic fare in San Diego, or gazed at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, you’ve undoubtedly explored a handful of the region’s most beloved tourist destinations.

Flickr/Sharon Hahn Darlin If you’re eager to find a vacation destination with high-ranked walkability, though, the underrated city of Oakland might be just the place. While it’s not quite as large as San Francisco, this Bay Area gem still offers plenty to see and do - all without the hassle of relying on a car to get around town. In fact, you might just find yourself strolling for hours without the need for a vehicle of any sort.

Flickr/Russell Money So, what is there to see when you walk through Oakland? SmarterTravel lists a variety of historic neighborhoods and plenty of unique bars as top draws in the city, whether you’re dropping by for a quick weekend getaway or enjoying a full-blown vacation to this Golden State delight. Spend the day on foot among incredible creatures at Oakland Zoo, stretch your legs along the waterfront at beautiful Lake Merritt, venture to nearby Tilden Regional Park for a long walk among nature.

Flickr/T(h)om While you might find yourself relying on rideshares or public transit to reach some of the city’s attractions, many Oakland neighborhoods are compact enough to allow for one quick ride before seemingly endless exploration. Have you added this Bay Area wonderland to your getaway bucket list?

Have you spent time in Oakland? Do you think it’s deserving of a spot on the list of America’s most walkable cities? Which other destinations should have been included among this year’s rankings? We’re always eager to hear from you, so share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comment section below!

Flickr/Sharon Hahn Darlin

If you’ve traveled west to explore the sunny state of California, you’ve likely checked out some of its more popular cities. Whether you’ve chased Hollywood dreams in Los Angeles, enjoyed fantastic fare in San Diego, or gazed at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, you’ve undoubtedly explored a handful of the region’s most beloved tourist destinations.

If you’re eager to find a vacation destination with high-ranked walkability, though, the underrated city of Oakland might be just the place. While it’s not quite as large as San Francisco, this Bay Area gem still offers plenty to see and do - all without the hassle of relying on a car to get around town. In fact, you might just find yourself strolling for hours without the need for a vehicle of any sort.

Flickr/Russell Money

So, what is there to see when you walk through Oakland? SmarterTravel lists a variety of historic neighborhoods and plenty of unique bars as top draws in the city, whether you’re dropping by for a quick weekend getaway or enjoying a full-blown vacation to this Golden State delight. Spend the day on foot among incredible creatures at Oakland Zoo, stretch your legs along the waterfront at beautiful Lake Merritt, venture to nearby Tilden Regional Park for a long walk among nature.

Flickr/T(h)om

While you might find yourself relying on rideshares or public transit to reach some of the city’s attractions, many Oakland neighborhoods are compact enough to allow for one quick ride before seemingly endless exploration. Have you added this Bay Area wonderland to your getaway bucket list?

Looking for another oft-overlooked destination? Read about beautiful Athens, Georgia.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Oakland, CA, USA