2 min read- Portland, Maine, was named the most walkable city in the U.S. by EatingWell’s Wellness Towns 2026 study.
- The coastal city offers residents and visitors scenic walking and biking opportunities, including the five-mile Harborwalk Trail, historic neighborhoods, lighthouses, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
- With its walkability, biking infrastructure, and nearby natural attractions, Portland is an ideal destination for a wellness-focused getaway.
There’s something special about walkable cities. The picturesque paths, the convenience, and the neighborly culture they encourage are standout qualities—and it turns out, these same aspects can actually boost our wellness. Walking establishes a routine for physical activity, socializing, and a few extra moments to breathe and relax.
While New York might be the biggest, Los Angeles the sunniest, and Chicago the windiest, according to new data from EatingWell’s Wellness Towns 2026, the most walkable city in the country is actually Portland, Maine.
Portland is home to around 70,000 residents, over 5,000 businesses, five historic lighthouses, and just under 230 miles of coastline. Often confused with Portland, Oregon, the East Coast city sits along the Casco Bay and offers more than just sun-soaked sand. Portland boasts a robust biking culture, historic ghost tours, and streets lined with classic Victorian homes. In fact, fans of 19th-century architecture can visit the Victoria Mansion museum to appreciate the style up close.
EatingWell considers walkability to be a prominent factor in “healthy” towns. For this year’s report, it zeroed in on 21 towns while compiling its rankings. The average walkability of the sample scored around 72, while Portland scored a perfect 100. Avid walkers can walk the length of the entire city via the Harborwalk Trail, an over-five-mile walking trail that connects the East End beach to Bug Light Park, which offers Insta-worthy views of the Gulf of Maine.
In addition to a perfect walkability score, Portland boasts a biking score of 81 and a 54 for transit, which you can take to nearby Bradbury Mountain State Park. Just 30 minutes away in Pownal, the 730-acre public park boasts a fuller view of the city and its iconic lighthouses.
So, the next time you’re planning a wellness-minded retreat, you might want to keep Portland top of mind for walks, hikes, biking, and, of course, lobster rolls.
