If you’ve been on cruises before, you’re likely aware that many cruise ports are not very walkable. They may be located far from tourist attractions or in towns with little to offer. However, there are some cruise ports that are fantastic for exploring on foot. In fact, you may not even need to book shore excursions in these destinations. As someone who have been to many different ports, I’d like to share my top ten favorite walkable cruise ports with you. I’m also sharing my travel websites password tracker as a free printable below.
Most Walkable Cruise Ports
1. Nassau
Nassau is a highly walkable cruise port, which is why it’s a popular stop on many Caribbean cruises. As soon as you disembark from the cruise terminal, you’ll find yourself just a few steps away from the straw market and shops. Within a 10 to 15-minute walk, you can visit Parliament Square, with its lovely pink and white buildings. If you’re up for it, head over to the Queen’s Staircase and climb up 66 limestone steps for stunning panoramic views from Fort Fincastle.
Junkanoo Beach is just one mile away from the port, and you can easily walk there from your ship. If you need a break from all the walking, there are several restaurants and bars to choose from. Senor Frogs is a popular choice and conveniently located near the cruise port.
For a private beach experience that is near the cruise port, I like to go to the British Colonial Resort which is near the cruise port. Do you have an upcoming Caribbean cruise, don’t make the same mistakes that I did, check out my article on Caribbean cruise mistakes to avoid.
2. St. Maarten
St. Maarten is a very walkable cruise port. Once you get off the cruise ship, everything is there- shops, restaurants and a white sand beach.
It’s so easy to get around, there is literally a front street and a back street.
You’ll find lots of shops, boutiques, and eateries on the front street. Don’t forget to stop by the Guava Berry Liquor emporium for a sample of their delicious local rum and to learn about the island’s colonial history.
What I love about St. Maarten is you can easily walk to the beach from the cruise port. Great Bay beach is a beautiful 2-mile-long white sandy beach, you really don’t even need to take cab to another beach.
3. Skagway
Skagway is a walkable port if you’re on an Alaska cruise. This charming gold rush town is highly walkable with historic buildings that will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set.
Getting around Skagway is easy because the streets follow a grid pattern, and you can quickly spot your cruise ship from various parts of town, so you won’t get lost.
As you take a stroll, you’ll come across old locomotive displays, gold rush sculptures, and colorful buildings lining Broadway Avenue. These buildings have been restored to preserve their Gold Rush vibe.
Take your time to wander around the souvenir shops and restaurants in Skagway. For a history fix, head to the Red Onion Saloon, a 1897 historical building now turned brothel museum. Be sure to have your camera ready because you’ll want to take plenty of photos as the town feels like a gold rush movie set. If you have some extra time, take a ride up the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad and enjoy the breathtaking views.
4. Ketchikan
Ketchikan is another Alaskan port that is easily walkable once you disembark from the cruise ship. There are many souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and totem poles to see in Ketchikan.
For a unique experience, head to Creek Street, which features a wooden boardwalk built on stilts over the Ketchikan Creek. In the past, this area was Ketchikan’s red light district during the prohibition days. You can visit Dolly’s House Museum to learn more about life in the brothel back then.
The quaint buildings that line the boardwalk also offer a variety of shops where you can browse for souvenirs. Keep an eye out for salmon and seals swimming in Ketchikan Creek!
Within walking distance from the port, you can also catch the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. If you’re going on an Alaskan cruise, you need to read this article, Alaska cruise mistakes to avoid.
5. San Francisco
San Francisco cruise port is another cruise port that is walkable. The San Francisco cruise port is on Pier 27, along The Embarcadero, which is within a 15-minute walk to Fisherman’s Wharf.
When in Fisherman’s Wharf, you can head to the Pier 39 area, where you’ll find lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. Here, you can see real-life sea lions on the wooden piers. You can also visit USS Pampanito at Pier 45, it’s a historic submarine!
At the other end of Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll be at Ghiradelli Square. Stop in for world-famous chocolate. Don’t forget to bring your camera as you’ll get breathtaking views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz and Angel Islands.
6. San Juan
The San Juan cruise port is conveniently close to Old San Juan, but be mindful of the cobblestone streets and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
The cobblestone streets are lined with houses of every color, providing the perfect backdrop for beautiful vacation photos.
Within walking distance from the port, you can easily walk to restaurants, shops, and museums. In fact, you can easily walk to UNESCO World Heritage Sites of La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Sites such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
If you’re looking for charming stores, bars, and restaurants, make sure to visit Fortaleza Street. For a drink, take a break at El Convento Hotel, a beautiful old Spanish convent, and enjoy a drink in the courtyard.
7. New York
New York is another cruise port that is easily walkable to everything. When you dock on the west side of Manhattan, you will find yourself right next to the Intrepid, an aircraft carrier museum with cruise missile submarine USS Growler and the space shuttle Enterprise.
If you want to explore the city, you can easily walk to Times Square (it’s a bit of a long walk, around 25 minutes), or you can simply take a cab. You’ll also be within walking distance of Columbus Circle (another 25-minute walk), where you can do some shopping and dine at world class restaurants like Momofuku and Per Se, or take a leisurely stroll through Central Park.
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, you can always go to Rockefeller Center and check out the stores on 5th Avenue. And if you’re interested in museums, the American Museum of Natural History is just a short cab ride away on the Upper West Side.
8. Saint Peter Port, Guernsey
Saint Peter Port is a charming and walkable port located in Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. If you’re on a British Isle cruise, it’s most likely that you’ll stop at this cruise port.
Although it’s a tender port, meaning you’ll need to take a tender to get there, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Once you’re at the dock, you’ll be pleased to find plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. You can explore the windy cobblestone streets, and when you’re tired, you can sit at a cafe and take a break.
There’s an 800-year-old castle, known as Castle Cornet, that you can easily walk to. They offer free guided tours of the castle, which you might want to take. At midday, you can also witness the Noonday Gun firing, which is carried out by gunners dressed in 19th-century attire. If you’re going on a Bristish Isle cruise, you might want to read my British Isle cruise packing list with free printable.
9. Fort-de-France, Martinique
Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique in the Caribbean, is a walkable cruise port. As soon as you disembark the ship, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the town, with no tender required.
The French Riviera-inspired town is home to buildings with vibrant colors and cobblestone streets that are perfect for exploring on foot. And don’t forget to indulge in the island’s delicious cuisine, which is a fusion of French and Creole flavors.
If you’re interested in history, visit Fort Saint-Louis, a historical fort that offers a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. You should also check out La Pagerie, the ancestral home of Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s wife. And if you’re looking for souvenirs, head to the straw market right off the cruise terminal.
For those looking for some relaxation, there’s a beach within walking distance of the Fort-de-France cruise terminal. La Francaise beach, located next to Fort Saint-Louis, is a great spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the Caribbean breeze. If you have an upcoming Caribbean cruise, find out what to pack with my Caribbean cruise packing list with free printables.
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10. Barcelona
Barcelona is one of my favorite cruise port since it’s so easy to get around on foot. You can stroll down the famous Las Ramblas, a bustling pedestrian street lined with plenty of shops and restaurants.
While you’re there, be sure to visit La Boqueria Market for a taste of tapas or dine outdoors at one of the many restaurants along Las Ramblas. Order the chipirones fritos with garlic aioli (baby squid).
Do keep in mind that pickpocketing is common in Barcelona. To stay safe, I suggest using a slash-proof bag while exploring the city. If you have an upcoming Mediterranean cruise, check out my Mediterranean cruise packing list with free printables.
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