Two New Jersey cities are standing out for travelers who want to explore on foot, according to FitFlop’s latest Walkability Index. The ranking looked at 30 major U.S. cities, measuring the distance between popular attractions, estimated steps, terrain and overall Walk Score.
Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City tops the state with a score of 89 out of 100. Visitors can stroll through Liberty State Park and take in views of the Statue of Liberty. They can visit the 9/11 Empty Sky Memorial, explore downtown dining, or bring the family to the Liberty Science Center. The city is compact enough to see several attractions in a single day. Along the way, streets, historic buildings, and the waterfront give plenty to notice. First-time visitors will find Grove Street and the waterfront area full of cafés, shops, and skyline views to enjoy.
Newark, NJ
Newark follows with a score of 79. The Prudential Center, Newark Museum of Art, Branch Brook Park with its seasonal cherry blossoms, and the Ironbound district’s restaurants are all easy to reach on foot. Walking through downtown and nearby neighborhoods shows off the city’s arts, culture, and history in a way that’s hard to catch from a car. In Newark, you can grab a pastry in the Ironbound, walk the park paths, or spot street art tucked along side streets.
Walking vacations are on the rise. Google searches for walking vacation jumped 29 percent this year, while staycation grew 13 percent. Searches for walkable cities USA rose 21 percent, showing travelers want destinations where they can explore culture, discover hidden gems, and stay active.
Both cities have everything close enough to explore on foot. Cafés, shops, parks, and waterfront views are all within easy reach. Even a short stroll in either city can uncover small surprises, local hangouts, and sights you might miss from a car.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.