This Small Town Was Just Named One Of America’s Top Family-Friendly Destinations

Let’s face it: some of us simply aren’t cut out for long road trips or endless journeys on public transport, whether on vacation or in our own hometown. So 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, we live in one of them – Oakland, CA. Even though most people might conjure up predictable metropolises like New York or Washington, D.C., Oakland ranks near the top of the list of some of the most pedestrian-friendly locales throughout the United States. Read on and learn more about why love to amble around on foot in our wonderful Northern California town!

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.

So, what is there to see when you walk through our beloved Oakland?

We proudly boast a variety of historic neighborhoods and plenty of unique restaurants as top draws in the city. There are also a lot of shops in Oakland. So whether you’re dropping by for a quick weekend getaway or enjoying a full-blown vacation, you’ll find something that suits your fancy.

And we love our water backdrops!

Because of the sometimes slanted new media people often ask, “iI Oakland safe?” Not to worry. Safety here is really no different than most other large cities. The locals here spend the day on foot among incredible creatures at the Oakland Zoo, stretch our legs along the waterfront at beautiful Lake Merritt, and often venture to nearby Tilden Regional Park for a long walk among nature.

Artistic expressions are big in Oakland as well.

From beautiful murals like this one, to sculpture gardens, art museums, and more, we have it all here.

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?

For more information about our wonderful, walkable hometown, visit the Visit Oakland website or the Visit Oakland Facebook page.

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 do you think should be included among the top rankings? We’re always eager to hear from you, so share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comment section below!

Did you know that Oakland International Airport is one of the oldest airports in the U.S.?

If you’d like to explore hikes around the Oakland and East Bay area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Northern California adventures, take a look at this video about the Castle Winery in Napa: