Although you cannot notably recognize Florida for its walkable cities, there are a surprising number of them there. Walking around a new place is a great way to exercise and get to know the local culture. Florida’s cities are well-liked by people who enjoy walking because of the state’s sunny climate and typically flat terrain. Finding a property close to essential amenities is significant to Florida homeowners because environmental and affordability concerns are rising to the fore. It is no accident that cities built before the invention of the automobile tend to be those with the best walking infrastructure. Or that carefully designed communities tend to be more walkable than those constructed unplanned. Here are the Florida cities where you can enjoy a stroll.
Miami Beach
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Miami Beach is a known walkable city in Florida, with a walkability score of 76. Since its construction in the 1930s, it has been a wonderful town for walking. Finding a place to live close to restaurants and grocery stores is straightforward because the South Beach neighborhood has a mix of residential and commercial areas. You can board a trolley or bus if you don’t want to walk that far in the summer heat. You may survive without a car in South Beach, but to cross the bridge to the mainland, you’ll need a city bus or a ride-sharing service. Downtown, where you may connect with Metrorail, is only a short ride away.
Orlando
You can enjoy walking downtown Orlando. The lovely Lake Eola Park may be the city’s center. Still, Orlando’s downtown business district is renewable by constructing new homes close to hip eateries, unique stores, and even hipper nightlife. The “Cultural Corridor,” which spans several blocks and is home to theaters, art galleries, and performing arts venues, as well as an eight-block area with over 60 historic structures that offer a window into this city’s vibrant history, is also located downtown.
Tallahassee
With 181,376 inhabitants, Tallahassee has an average Walk Score of 30. There are not many bike lanes in Tallahassee; however, some public transportation is available. Downtown, Levy Park, and Frenchtown are the Tallahassee neighborhoods with the best pedestrian access. For a self-guided tour that will help you go from one site to the next, pick up a full-color booklet at The Museum of Florida History.
St Petersburg
The 600 block of Central Avenue is the hippest in the city’s newest bustling and hot downtown. While high-rise condos and apartment buildings are overtaking the historic downtown, the 600 block is still distinctly low-rise and quirky. On both sides of the main highway are now eateries, bars, coffee shops, and a ton of hip boutiques to enjoy seeing while walking.
Miami
Miami has several hot areas, but one of the best is in the Brickell district. The traditionally somber financial sector is dancing to a new tune, with many new condo/apartment structures rising along with late-night eateries and bars. Fashionistas and looky-loos alike enjoy visiting upmarket malls packed with designer shops. There is even a barbershop at Mary Brickell Village where you can get a fashionable cut late into the evening. Just south of downtown lies the Brickell district, which has several new stores and restaurants in a place that used to be primarily residential.
Westchester
The Hispanic neighborhood of Westchester is quite cozy and secure and is located in Miami-Dade County. The Walk Score for Westchester, Florida, is 71 out of 100, and you can complete most errands on foot because of how walkable this area is—looking for a fun night out in Westchester with your family? Consider visiting Bird Bowl, a vintage bowling alley with an arcade, bar, cafe, and billiards area, if you want to go old school. Visit Tropical Park if you’re a fitness fanatic or a nature lover considering relocating to Westchester. You can appreciate the stunning outdoors without leaving the neighborhood, thanks to the four different lakes available for boating and fishing, as well as the miles of paved trails for hiking and bicycling.
Sarasota
One walkable city is Sarasota. It includes the Mainstreet neighborhood, where you may take free strolls. It’s a nice neighborhood to meander through on the weekends because there are so many little eateries and antique stores. It is also very close to many large condo towers on Bayfront, where there is a spike in activity for new homebuyers in the fall and winter. Snowbirds traveling to Florida from colder climates in the winter have made Main Street a favorite destination due to the neighborhood’s walkability and beautiful weather.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Numerous buildings in the downtown area have oversized balconies that look out over the river, where you can see a line of multi-million dollar boats. If you want to live without a car, it’s a terrific place to go. Many locals go to the jazz in the park every other Sunday and the opera house on the river. Fort Lauderdale real estate projects are well ahead of the curve. Some of Fort Lauderdale’s most desirable communities offer first-rate amenities in convenient locations, from upscale commercial districts to immaculate beaches. Along its nearly 2.5-mile length, from Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard to Andrews Avenue, Las Olas Boulevard, which runs through the center of Fort Lauderdale, is lined with unique stores, restaurants, and other attractions. Other places are Colee Hammock Amenities, Flagler Village Amenities, etc.
Tampa
With a total score of 49 out of 100, Tampa is classified as a “moderately walkable” city. There are approximately four miles of uninterrupted sidewalk along Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard, which surrounds Tampa Bay and offers views of the grand historic mansions and contemporary condominiums that line the drive connecting downtown with South Tampa. On foot, you may also explore Downtown, Channelside, Ybor City, and the new Riverwalk for more sightseeing choices. The heart of the city, Downtown Tampa, is vibrant and offers a variety of activities both during the day and at night. The Tampa Riverwalk, which offers convenient exercise and stunning waterfront views, is also located there. Many locals believe that adding more grocery stores and other stores would significantly increase the walkability of this region; however, grocery apps do most of the work for the time being.
Coral Terrace
With 24,376 residents, Coral Terrace has an average Walk Score of 61. The exceptional features of the Coral Terrace neighborhood’s appearance and manner of life are worth mentioning. Visit Coral Terrace, Florida’s top-rated trails. Commodore Trail, Limestone Trail, and other easy biking and walking trails are available. You will find the perfect path among the more than 34 that total 258 miles. The over-a-mile-long Atlas Trail in Doral is a great spot for a stroll, a run, a ride, or a roll. A power utility and the trail share the right-of-way. Just north of 62nd Street, the Limestone Trail splits from the Atlas Trail. Despite its name, it does not have a limestone surface. It is a paved two-lane route inside an electric utility corridor, just like its neighboring trail.
Conclusion
Florida vacations are all about having a good time in the sun, but getting around by car and finding parking is a burden that prevents you from getting to know a location. The coastal cities of the Sunshine State are not well recognized for being pedestrian-friendly and are notorious for their long distances. Still, surprisingly there are a lot of places where you don’t need a car or to take public transportation to have an excellent time. Enjoy the most beautiful and walkable cities in Florida.