One Of America's Best Destinations Is Also The Most Walkable City With Much To See

Cars are deeply embedded in American culture, and overall, the United States has less widespread public transportation than many other countries. As a result, major U.S. cities are not always walkable. Except for places like New York City, tourists often rely on Ubers or rental cars to get around. However, the Pacific Northwest gem of Seattle has managed to pack many of its highlights into one section of the city. In fact, after analyzing step counts between attractions and elevation changes, sandal company FitFlop declared Seattle the most walkable U.S. city in 2025.

"Seattle offers a mix of natural beauty and urban charm, with attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass all within a 1.4-mile radius," the study explained. "With stunning views of Mount Rainier and waterfront strolls, it's a walker's paradise." 

The weather makes it an enjoyable place to explore on foot as well. It isn't as rainy as you might think, typically seeing only light drizzles rather than downpours. Temperatures stay mild too, rarely reaching 90 degrees in the summer or dropping below freezing in winter.

The most famous tourist attraction within that 1.4-mile radius is arguably the Space Needle. This iconic structure is a top-rated experience with unique views. A trip to the top takes you 520 feet above the ground, offering a sweeping look at the surrounding city as well as the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest in the distance — including Mount Rainier. Even if you don't go inside, you can still enjoy the sculptures in the parks surrounding the base of the Needle.

Directly west of the Space Needle is Chihuly Garden and Glass. Named for Washington native Dale Chihuly, the extensive gardens here intricately blend Chihuly's glass artwork with vibrant plant life. The garden's living elements shift with the seasons, so you're in for breathtaking landscapes no matter when you visit. More of Chihuly's works — both large and small — are displayed in the Glasshouse and the Galleries. You can also learn about the artist's creative process through short films in the museum complex's theater room. You might even leave inspired to take an art class back in your own hometown.

Also in the shadow of the Space Needle — and among Seattle's overlooked must-see attractions — is the Museum of Pop Culture. As music lovers know, Seattle became a major hub for grunge in the 1990s. Before that, Jimi Hendrix called Seattle home for the first 18 years of his life. Hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture celebrate this rich musical legacy, and the museum also features exhibits on sports, film, and much more. It offers deep dives that help you understand how influential these aspects of pop culture can be on society as a whole.

One of the most popular free activities in Seattle is shopping at Pike Place Market, about a mile from the Space Needle. Quirky shops here sell souvenirs, vintage finds, and sweet treats. Pike Place Market is also home to the famous fishmongers who throw fish to each other at the seafood stalls. This food-meets-entertainment ritual often draws a crowd, but the market still makes for a relaxing shopping experience thanks to its scenic location along the waterfront. The piers in this part of Seattle are easy to enjoy on foot, offering beautiful views of the ocean.