Fort Pierce, FL. Travel + Leisure magazine just named Charleston the top city to visit in the world—and why not? The entryway to the beach resorts like Ka'anapali and Kapalua, this beach town has plenty of excellent seafood and shopping — and the views aren't so bad, either! Happy walking. Daytona Beach residents pay only $723 in median monthly housing costs, the fifth-lowest across all 218 cities we considered. return v.replace("xxxx",""); Cockburn Town, the capital city of Turks and Caicos, is a small beach town that’s also the oldest permanent settlement in the country, originally founded by Bermudan sea salt producers. Front Street, downtown’s main thoroughfare, is jam-packed with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and entertainment venues. The 16 towns we chose for this list are spread throughout the state and represent different aspects of small-town life. Take a walking history tour, rent a kayak, or check out the dolphins and the salt marsh with one of Captain Dick’s River Tours. //remove xxxx It’s home to The Florida House Inn—the oldest hotel in the state of Florida—as well as the Palace Saloon, the state’s oldest continually operating drinking establishment. jQuery("input#comID").val(function(i, v) { You could fill an entire list of beautiful beach towns with entries solely from Massachusetts. }else{ Sample Peruvian food at Selva, taste fresh-caught seafood at Owen’s Fish Camp, or go local at MADE restaurant, winner of several “best of” awards. Florida’s Most Walkable Towns + Videos #1 Dunedin, Florida. This town was originally founded to be a master-planned resort community — which means it was designed with walkability in mind! jQuery( function() { Whether you’re looking for a bit of history, quaint beachside charm, or the perfect spot for an epic sunset, here’s our guide to our favorite beach towns in the Sunshine State that aren’t Miami. History buffs will find plenty to satisfy, from the Bellamy Mansion and Burgwin-Wright House to the restored homes and cottages that line the shaded streets. Here are 10 waterside getaways you'll definitely want to hit up before the end of the summer. Between its Southern charm, meticulously-preserved historic homes, beautiful harbor, thriving arts community, and burgeoning foodie scene, Charleston is a place that honors its past while embracing the future. In the early 1800s, Cape May was a Victorian town through and through, compete with quaint shops and inns, relaxing bicycle paths, and a picturesque boardwalk and beach. In April 2016, About.com’s AboutTravel named it Florida’s most walkable city. Jun 29, 2020. In June 2016, TopRetirements.com rated Sarasota the country’s ultimate city for retirees, booting Asheville out of the top spot for the first time since 2007. }); Washington Street Mall is a short walk from the beach for shopping, saltwater taffy, fudge, and anything else that you desire. Start your day with breakfast at the Dixie Grill, eat light with tapas at Circa 1922, stroll along the riverwalk, and wind down at Le Catalan French Café and Wine Bar, where you can savor chocolate mousse and a bottle of wine while watching ships pass down the Cape Fear River. Prior to Honolulu (Oahu), Lahaina was Kamehameha the Great’s historically famous “royalty playground”. Asheville, NC jQuery("input#comID").val(function(i, v) { Perhaps one of the quirkiest beach towns in Florida, Captiva Island is full of character. From Millennials to retirees, we’re experiencing a tremendous uptick in the number of folks who place a high value on living in walkable communities. }); With this list, you can start packing and head to your beach bungalow. The main drag, Centre Street, features two pocket parks where you can take in the sounds of local musicians after you’ve gotten your fill of browsing the historic district’s many antique shops, boutiques, and galleries. Charleston, SC Advertise with us! There are great restaurants and shops. Located in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville’s nod to a history museum is their Urban Trail, a 1.7-mile, 30-station scavenger hunt that gives visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. It's the moment we've all been waiting for literally all winter long: Summer is finally kicking off and it's time to hit the beach! Omaha, NE. Just a few short blocks from Main Street, you’ll find Falls Park, home to a waterfall that’s nearly 40 feet tall, the pedestrian-only Liberty Bridge, and the Reedy River. Close to Long Beach town there’s a gray whale skeleton washed up on the beach. From west to east along the road 30A, you’ll find Dune Allen Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, WaterSound Beach, Seacrest Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach and Inlet Beach. Top 10 Walkable Southern Towns by Emily Colin. Savannah, GA Forbes highlighted Athens in its “Best Places to Retire” in 2015 and 2016, and Money Magazine has also recognized it as a “Best Place to Retire.” With its restaurants, shops, boutiques, and galleries, downtown Athens is very pedestrian-friendly. Beaches here are second to none and offer some of the best shelling you can find. ... but Bethany Beach in the Delaware town of the same name more than fills the bill. } In part, this is because of the many health benefits that walking has to offer; in part, it’s because of the expense and inconvenience inherent in traveling by car. 1. Here are 10 wonderfully walkable downtowns: 1. Beaufort, North Carolina, one of the Southeast’s oldest and most charming beach towns, is at the southern tip of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. }); ELLE Decor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. A short drive away, you’ll find all the adventure you could ask for—zip lining, white water rafting, hiking, mountain climbing, and more. //remove the selected communityid if toggled off, with or without comma after Our beach towns are Florida’s crown jewels, but the larger ones are often taken over by hoards of tourists. This tiny island welcomes you to the Assateague Island National Seashore, which is a nature refuge home to horses, birds, and other amazing creatures. var text = jQuery( this ).attr('id'); .ui-button.ui-state-active{ Cap off the night with a show at Dock Street Theatre. If healthy living, arts and culture, locally sourced food, and a little bit of quirkiness set your heart a-flutter, Asheville is the place for you. This Southern beach town just outside of Savannah makes for the perfect spot to sunbathe and explore. If you're looking for a beach town with award-winning restaurants, you're in the right spot. Best of all if you live in one of the cute neighborhoods you can be downtown with just a few steps. You may not have heard about them, but small beach towns are out there, in every corner of Florida, brimming with unique personalities. jQuery("input#comID").val('xxxx'); Wilmington was voted Best American Riverfront in USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Contest 2016—and small wonder. Welcome to California's oldest resort town, where the houses are colorful and the vibe is... 2 Tybee Island, Georgia. Tucked between popular Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel, this quiet town is more famous for its butterflies and stray deer than its tourists. Don’t miss The Tree that Owns Itself, an oak that can lay legal claim to the ground on which it stands. Every item on this page was curated by an ELLE Decor editor. What does it mean for a town or city to be ‘walkable?’ Clearly, pedestrians need to be able to walk from one place to the next—there needs to be sidewalks and crosswalks, stoplights and signs. }); © 2021 ideal-LIVING Magazine • 265 Racine Dr #201 • Wilmington, NC 28403 • 910.763.2100 • DMCA • Culture buffs will flock to the Georgia Theatre, located in the heart of downtown, and Morton Theatre, a performance arts space that began its life as one of America’s first African-American-built, owned, and operated vaudeville theaters. And while you’re doing all of this, you can connect with others who share your interests, even if it’s as simple as waving or saying ‘hello.’. Downtown hosts the Castillo de San Marcos, a walk-in park and fortress that’s stood since 1672. Best of 2020: Walkable Towns. Get up close and personal with the wildlife before checking into one of the island's charming B&B's and wandering from shop to shop. Downtown is also home to the Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Little Theatre, the Carolina Ballet Theatre, and the Peace Center for the Performing Arts. return v.replace(/^,/, ''); Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, the views are just as good as the surf. current_val = jQuery("input#comID").val(); Welcome to California's oldest resort town, where the houses are colorful and the vibe is relaxed as could be. In a truly walkable town or city, you can satisfy a wide variety of needs within 15 minutes on foot. Nearby Palm Avenue is home to a variety of art galleries and antique stores, and there’s great shopping to be had on Main Street, 1st Street, and Palm. Although technically an island, at barely 7.5 miles long it doesn't get much more walkable than this. Santa Cruz's Shakespeare Festival is also a must-see and runs through August. At California's oldest operating theme park, you'll find everything from miniature golf to the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Southern Living named Beaufort a “small town we love,” and in 2013, Coastal Living Magazine ranked it as #1 among America’s Happiest Seaside Towns. These quaint towns are not only some of the best-kept secrets in beach hunting, they also offer fun things to see and do. In the mood for adventure? Greenville, SC Cost of Living + Rent Index: 55 City Walk Score: 62 Neighborhood Walk Score: Lower East Side – 91, Juneau Town – 95. The heart of downtown Sarasota is Five Points, where Main Street, Pineapple Avenue, and Central Avenue come together. A lovely New England getaway full of historical charm, Newport's cobblestone streets are lined with side-by-side stores and cafes. Bridget Mallon is the Assistant Web Editor for Elle Decor and Veranda. But this is not all it has to offer. This great little area just north of Tampa and St Petersburg has made just about every positive... #2 Winter Park, Florida. //Whenever a community checkbox is selected, add the community ID to the hidden comID field for submission. Aug 9, 2013. Ah, Florida: warm weather, beaches, and no state income tax. jQuery("input#comID").val(function(i, v) { Sally forth, urban hikers! color: #fff; Relax at scenic Waterfront Park, with its iconic pineapple fountain, stroll through historic City Market, and then grab a bite at one of the many restaurants—you really can’t go wrong. Lively strips of shops, bars and restaurants earn this Florida city a reputation for being one of the best beaches in the state. The iconic boardwalk in this beachside town has the usual ice cream shops and restaurants, but also some very unique activities like bounce houses and miniature golf courses. Home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), downtown has over 18 historic house museums that are open to the public, including Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home. There’s a reason that National Geographic named Greenville as one of its top 20 “Must See” places in 2016—and it’s probably the same reason that the New York Times called it “a national model for a pedestrian-friendly city center.” Just an hour’s drive from Asheville, NC, Greenville’s downtown is an alluring blend of public art, delectable food—don’t miss The Trappe Door and the Tupelo Honey Café—unique shops, and green space. Fernandina Beach, FL So that in turn gave us the idea of providing a list of 10 towns where walkability is excellent — but are also swell places to retire. In search of something more low-key? 10 Great Walkable Towns for Retirement. Each of these 10 Southern cities and towns has a distinct personality—from quirky Asheville to stately Charleston—but they all have one thing in common: you can navigate them on foot, and what’s more, you’ll want to. With great shopping, nightlife, and of course, beaches, Key West really is a tropical paradise designed to explore by foot. Nominated the second most beautiful town in Italy, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Bosa on Sardinia’s western coast. Most charming would be Anna Maria - but it … St. Augustine, FL It has many beachfront restaurants with live music and lots to entertain adults. Athens is widely known for its incredible music scene—it was the birthplace of the band REM, hosts several annual festivals, and offers a self-guided, 28-stop music walking tour. jQuery( ".community_checkbox" ).checkboxradio(); Get your fill of drama and song at The Florida Studio Theatre and the Sarasota Opera House. Read about two gems to the north of Pass-a-Grille, The Bungalows in Treasure Island and Sunset Inn in Sunset Beach. Kick Off The Summer With 10 Of The Most Walkable Beach Towns In The U.S. 1 Capitola, California. Try historic Saint Aviles Street. Located on Amelia Island, a barrier island off northeast Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Fernandina Beach’s National Register Historic District spans over 50 blocks and boasts over 400 buildings. It’s not hard to see why—Beaufort embodies the relaxed spirit, coastal vibe, and Southern hospitality that defines the Lowcountry. Share. Once in Cape May, the town is very walkable or bikeable. 2. Traveling on foot, you notice things you might not have otherwise—an architectural detail here, a hidden alleyway, a used bookstore or a cozy coffee shop there. background: #0f73b1; //Initiate jquery ui checkboxes One of the best things about vacations to Cove Beach in Cape May is the lighthouse. .ui-button{ Rounding out the top 10 on our 2021 list of most affordable beach towns, Fort Pierce, Florida, is located approximately 54 miles south of Melbourne. background: #1b95e0; Saugatuck, MI. You can buy food, take in a play or a show, shop, and enjoy a green space such as a public park or trail. Just park your car at one of the downtown garages or along the street and then head off to explore everything from bars and restaurants to shopping and attractions. jQuery(".community_checkbox").click(function(){ Dining hot spots include the Crab Trap, David’s Restaurant and Lounge, The Happy Tomato Courtyard Café and BBQ, and Le Clos, a 1906 cottage where you can savor French cuisine by candlelight. Beaufort, SC //remove first comma before values, if it exists The town's clean beaches span 7 miles, and are all walkable from the village center's sound-front park, restaurants, and shops. The Historic Town of Lahaina is one of Maui’s best beachside towns and also the original seat of the Hawaiian monarchy! Downtown Fernandina Beach, located on the petite Amelia Island in northeast Florida is the quintessential downtown. Over the years, the city of Wilmington has definitely grown to be much more than a small town. Plus, if you're lucky you might spot one of the local dolphins. }); }); Abbeville - This quintessential small Southern town - settled in 1758 by a group of French Huguenots - features a lovely town square and a restored turn-of-the-century opera house. You take your time, appreciating what’s around you rather than rushing from one activity to the next, living in the moment. America’s Best—and Most Affordable—Beach Towns for Retirement By Sara Ventiera. It’s about creating a sense of community—the idea that there is someplace worth walking to, and people that you’d like to see when you get there. Shop at the Grove Arcade, or eat your heart out at the Over Easy Cafe, Bouchon, Farm Burger Asheville, or the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. This once-vibrant, Victorian seaport village is now postcard perfect with rows of shops that house a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles, as well as an eclectic assortment of boutiques and restaurants. This Southern beach town just outside of … Along the river runs Swamp Rabbit Trail, an old railroad bed transformed into a 21-mile greenway for pedestrians and cyclists. Pronounced “Bowfort” (not “Bewfert” like its South Carolina namesake), this colonial-era village embraces its pirate history. Located in Oristano province, it’s not far from the famous tourist city of Alghero, but lesser-known Bosa also deserves to be recognized among best beach towns in Italy. Hawaii’s best walkable neighborhoods These 'hoods were made for walking. With a population of less than 1,000, Saugatuck fits the “small beach town” description to a T. Located on the coast of Lake Michigan, the town offers a pristine shoreline, delightful local cuisine, shops and art galleries, and its beloved sand dunes. Once you’re back on land, grab a bite at Magnolia Bakery Café, Panini’s on the Waterfront, Q on the Bay, or Saltus River Grill, a contemporary seafood restaurant with a stunning view of the Intracoastal Waterway. } It is an excellent spot for kids or adventurous adults! return v.replace(text,""); No offense to St. Pete Beach: one of the best towns for bar hopping, and many mom-and-pops and independently owned places to stay with their own long list of charms and amenities. Situated at the very top of Florida on the Atlantic Ocean (just above Amelia Island), this town has a wonderful and walkable downtown. Ponce de Leon made St. Augustine famous, and it claims the distinction of “the oldest city in the U.S.” Located on northeast Florida’s First Coast, St. Augustine has a thriving historic district, complete with cobblestone streets, bed and breakfasts, pubs, eateries, and plenty of places to shop. Wander along the downtown waterfront, shop for antiques at Lagniappe Lowcountry, browse at McIntosh Book Shop, or find the perfect piece of art at Salt Gallery. Winter Park Florida unfortunately no longer qualifies to be on any of our “best” places lists. Don’t-miss eateries include Ms. Wilkes’ Dining Room and The Olde Pink House, both Zagat-rated as Savannah’s Best Southern Restaurants. But walkability is about much more than infrastructure. By submitting this form, you agree to allow ideal-LIVING.com to provide your contact information to the selected communities. Charming Beaufort, SC, pronounced ‘Bu-fort’, is home to a thriving historic downtown district and a beautiful waterfront. return v+','+text; In fact, there are tons of stunning Florida beach towns that offer affordable homes just a quick walk, bike ride, or drive away from the water. The 5 Best Beaches in Hawaiʻi in 2021. Other attractions include Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the Limelight Theatre, and the delectable food at The Floridian and the Spanish Bakery and Café. It also has some new full service hotels. Florida is teeming with scenic beaches on both the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Culture buffs will appreciate Asheville Community Theatre, the Asheville Art Museum, and Colburn Earth Science Museum. Cape May, New Jersey Arguably one of the most iconic beach towns in the United States, Cape May, New Jersey is also one of the most popular family getaway spots on the East Coast. March 19, 2013 — We were pleasantly surprised by the high ranking our members gave to walkability in our retirement preferences poll of a few weeks ago (See full report in “Our Members Speak“). Beyond these tangible benefits, though, walkable communities have a sense of vibrancy, life, and charisma that is tremendously appealing. However, the historic downtown district of this coastal gem is still completely walkable. } Occupying two acres in the heart of the historic district, The Colonial Quarter brings days gone by to life. Be sure to browse Malaprop’s Bookstore, or, if you prefer a glass of fine wine with your secondhand paperbacks, check out Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar. Slightly North of Broad, FIG, and Husk are some of the best, and Kaminsky’s desserts are to die for. jQuery("input#comID").val(function(i, v) { It’s organized around 22 squares, where passersby can sit a spell in the shade of giant, moss-hung oaks—but when you’re ready to get up, there’s no shortage of things to do. }); Just a short drive away, you’ll find The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Visit one of these smaller coastal towns to discover all of the art, history, dining, shopping, wildlife, and natural beauty that make them pretty close to paradise. Sarasota, FL An excellent network of coastal trails passes through grasslands and forest, along boardwalks and up to clifftop viewpoints. 4. Bustling St. George Street, located in the center of the historic district, is for pedestrians only—no cars allowed. Wilmington, NC Fernandina Beach 10. Architectural enthusiasts will find much to appreciate on The Battery and East Bay Street, Rainbow Row, and the French Quarter. return v.replace(","+text,""); //append the community that was selected 4 gorgeous beach towns where you can retire comfortably on $40,000 a year ... Perhaps the best part: ... and a walkable downtown, with plenty to do. The Strong Towns focus on walkability, cycling, and public transportation often leaves people with the feeling that we have no love for rural places. Delray Beach We love Delray Beach for so many reasons. Downtown is a pedestrian’s paradise, from shopping on King Street—home to the Design, Fashion and Antique Districts—to strolling along Museum Mile. Foodies surrender to temptation at Creature Comforts Brewing Company, Big City Bread Café, Last Resort Grill, Clocked, and Weaver D’s. Golf carts are the preferred method of transportation, and there are zero traffic lights on the island. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, What NYC Looked Like the Year You Were Born, 40 Towns You Haven't Heard Of – But Should Visit, A New Pink Paradise at a Palm Beach Hotel, This New Parisian Boutique Is a Whimsical Delight, This Paris Restaurant Is a Design Lover’s Dream, Houston’s Rothko Chapel Gets a Dramatic Renovation, A New London Hotel That’s Totally Instagram-Worthy, Even During the Pandemic, Celebs Are Heading Here. Madison Tops Our 2019 List of Best Places to Live Inside NJ’s Top Town Rankings How We Rank Our Top Towns. Washington State’s Long Beach is the kind of tiny west coast city that is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. Chatham, located at the southeast tip of Cape Cod, is the perfect place to escape the crowds, thanks to its small town qualities (it's completely … jQuery(document).ready(function(){ It is best to drive to Cape May and then leave the car parked. Storytelling aficionados will get a kick out of the Amelia Island Museum of History, the first spoken history museum in the state of Florida. River Street, which meanders along the Savannah River, features former cotton warehouses that house a plethora of places to eat, shop, and browse. John Ringling of Ringling Bros’ fame played a key role in developing the city, and his family mansion, Cà d’Zan, still stands today. The Most Beautiful Pink Sand Beaches in the World, 10 East Coast Beaches That Everyone Should Visit, 15 Beach Towels That Double as Summer Accessories. Parking and traffic can … Your Information Request for your selected properties, © 2021 ideal-LIVING Magazine • 265 Racine Dr #201 • Wilmington, NC 28403 • 910.763.2100 •. Here they are, in alphabetical order: BERNARDSVILLE Somerset County. 85+ Small Bathroom Ideas That Are Big on Style, The Inside Launches Holiday and Tabletop Lines, This House Is a Lesson in Universal Design, 31 Cool and Sophisticated Boys’ Bedroom Ideas, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Locals can enjoy bars, coffee shops, restaurants and parks in walkable neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Juneau Town. Spend the rest of the season sauntering down the boardwalks and sandy strips of the country's most pedestrian-friendly shore towns. }); With walkable neighborhood streets lined with the most gorgeous beach cottages you can imagine, Manhattan Beach is a destination perfect for strolling and daydreaming. jQuery("input#comID").val(function(i, v) { With the country’s largest Historic Landmark District, Savannah has earned its badge as a pedestrian-friendly city. 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