AAA names top U.S. walking cities

AAA has named the 10 most walkable cities in the U.S. And what better way to explore a place than on foot? After all, it’s easier to stop at museums, peek down streets, and explore neighborhoods when you don’t have to sit in traffic and then spend 20 minutes searching for parking in between each activity.

Old Town Alexandria in Virginia is at the top of the list, and with good reason since it harkens back to a time before cars. Boston is second, with its Freedom Trail and compact downtown. AAA names New Orleans its third-best walking destination because, it says, “Hurricane Katrina did not destroy the beautiful architecture and great dining in the French Quarter.” Downtown Los Angeles is the fourth pick, and though I was surprised to see Los Angeles on any list related to walking, it’s true that downtown is less sprawling than the rest of the city. Washington, D.C. is fifth, which ties in well with the upcoming WalkingTown, D.C., on September 30, a day of free walking tours around the city (the website should be updated soon).

Charleston, South Carolina; St. Augustine, Florida; Old Québec City, Québec; New York City’s Greenwich Village; and San Francisco round out the list.