The town boasts a dense city center, cobblestone streets and 5 miles of coastal walkways
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- An unexpected destination was just named the most walkable U.S. city in Eating Well’s 2026 Best Wellness Towns report
- The city boasts a perfect Walk Score of 100 and features Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and a working waterfront
- Visitors can explore a 5-mile coastal trail, nearby beaches, and Bradbury Mountain State Park just 30 minutes away
If you love exploring on two feet but are overwhelmed by the energy of the Big Apple, a new report has revealed the ultimate walkable U.S. city — and the winner might just surprise you.
On May 8, Eating Well named Portland, Maine, as the best place for “exploring on foot” as part of the brand's annual 2026 Best Wellness Towns report. Boasting a perfect Walk Score of 100, Portland is considered a “walker's paradise,” where daily errands do not require a car.
Credit: Getty
“As I reflect on my favorite cities in America, they often correlate with my step count at the end of the day,” Whitney Shindelar, travel advisor with Undiscovered Sunsets, tells the outlet. “Walkability is not only supportive of getting some fresh air and exercise, but it's also truly the best way to explore a new city. While walking around Portland, you can feel the energy of the city and the vibe of the locals as you discover shops, restaurants and historic points of interest.”
Portland, a city with only about 70,000 residents, features a dense center with classic Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and a working waterfront. The nearby beaches, fishing and sailing spots give visitors even more reason to get outside. A 5-mile coastal pedestrian trail connects Portland's East End beach and South Portland's Bug Light Park, offering uninterrupted views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay.
Credit: Getty
Ruggiero Curtis told Eating Well about a recent summer trip to Portland, where she broke in a fresh pair of sneakers. She enjoyed lobster rolls and locally brewed craft beer. “At the same time, I found it very easy to stay active while breathing in the fresh, salty air.”
She added: “I spent most of my time exploring Portland by foot, from the West End's dreamy Victorian architecture to the Old Port's bustling waterfront.”
Credit: Getty
For those looking to explore Maine's lush greenery, there's plenty at Bradbury Mountain State Park. Located only 30 minutes away, the park offers sweeping views and well-maintained hiking trails. It's a good alternative for anyone looking to avoid the crowds at Acadia National Park, which is located about three hours away via car.
Eating Well considered 21 healthy cities for its 2026 Best Wellness Towns. Portland scored far above the group's average walkability score of 72. Portland also has a Bike Score of 81 out of 100 and a Transit Score of 54 out of 100.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Getting into Portland is just as easy as moving in and around town. The city is accessible via the Amtrak Downeaster, which drops travelers right at the Portland Transportation Center. From there, local rideshares or the city's METRO bus can take travelers downtown. Those flying into the nearby Portland International Jetport can hop on a bus downtown as well.
Read the full article here
