For some people, traveling is about taking your time and absorbing the sights and sounds. Travelers looking for a piece of America’s rich history at their own leisure will enjoy the experience of a historic city that can be explored on foot. In addition to beautiful architecture and cobbled roads, these five historic cities allow visitors to relive history with each step.
Boston, Massachusetts
Visitors can walk through Boston as if they were reading a living history book. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long brick road that leads visitors to all of the most historic places in Colonial and Revolutionary War times, including the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s home. Since the city is very compact and has so many pedestrian-friendly areas, visitors do not need a car to see the sites. Visitors can also use the day to learn about the city’s rich history and then relax at Boston Common or walk through Beacon Hill. If you’re arriving early or have a late departure, convenient luggage storage makes it easy to explore hands-free.
Charleston, South Carolina
Time moves slowly in Charleston. The beautiful pastel-colored row houses, the gas lamps that flicker, and the horse-drawn carriages all create a sense of being in a different time. Visitors in Charleston can walk through the beautiful cobblestone streets and enjoy the water views of The Battery, or take a stroll under the centuries-old oak trees along a shaded promenade. The city has taken great care to preserve the original 18th and 19th-century buildings, creating a genuine opportunity to experience the Old South. There are also many local walking tours that focus on the history of Gullah culture, the Civil War, and antebellum architecture.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the birthplace of American Democracy, and the city shares that history through its design and streets that encourage walking. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Franklin Court are within walking distance of one another.
The Old City area of Philadelphia combines historic colonial charm with contemporary urban energy. Visitors can sit in a quaint cafe next to a centuries-old tavern. Because of the many affordable options to visit historic sites in the city, Philly is also very visitor-friendly for those on a budget. By walking, visitors can truly experience the city, from the cobblestones to the murals that cover the alleys.
St. Augustine, Florida
While St. Augustine may seem similar to other beach towns, it does not have the traditional beach town feel. Founded in 1565 by Spanish colonists, St. Augustine has a heritage that is reflected in its historic sites, such as the Castillo de San Marcos fortification and the colonial Spanish Quarter.
Like the other four cities mentioned, St. Augustine is small enough to walk through. Many of the city’s pedestrian-only streets are lined with historic inns, artisan shops, and secret courtyards. The sounds of music, the smells of freshly baked empanadas, and the feeling of touching walls built hundreds of years ago are all part of the experience of visiting St. Augustine. This is a tactile and experiential way to experience history, which is difficult to find in other locations.
In these five cities, walking is not just a means of transportation, but rather the best way to journey back in time. Regardless of whether visitors are walking with a map or guidebook or walking freely, the stories of America’s past come alive when exploring on foot.
