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Ever dreamed of turning a commute into a sightseeing adventure, where a ferry ride feels like a harbor cruise past iconic landmarks? That’s the magic of these 8 U.S. cities, where subways and trolleys double as immersive journeys with vacation-worthy views. Drawn from top rankings, they boast high Transit Scores, huge ridership like NYC approaching pre-2020 levels, and perks like free ferry trips while cutting millions of metric tons of CO2 each year. Let’s ride coast to coast. Ready to hop aboard?
San Francisco’s Iconic Cable Cars and Bay Ferries
San Francisco tops the list with a Transit Score of 77 and a beloved SFMTA network that turns commutes into panoramic adventures. The world’s last manually operated cable cars, dating to 1873, climb steep hills past Alcatraz and Victorian homes, while ferries glide across the bay with Golden Gate views. The cable cars were nearly scrapped in the 1940s but saved by a public campaign. Now designated National Historic Landmarks, they draw millions annually. Feel the wind as the city unfolds beneath you.
Seattle’s Puget Sound Ferries and Light Rail
Seattle shines with a Transit Score near 60 and an expanding system blending sea and summit. Ferries to Bainbridge Island reveal Puget Sound’s islands as Mount Rainier rises through clouds, while light rail skirts Pike Place Market’s bustling scene. Voters approved rail in 1996, and long-range plans will add major mileage through the 2040s, easing congestion and extending reach. Picture misty crossings where mountains meet city energy in a breathtaking panorama that is pure Pacific Northwest.
Chicago’s Elevated “L” Trains and Lakefront Lines
Chicago delivers a Transit Score of 65 with the vast CTA “L” turning everyday trips into high-flying skyline tours. The Loop encircles towers like Willis Tower, while the Pink Line angles toward Lake Michigan with murals and golden-hour water views. Opened in 1892, the “L” ranks among the nation’s busiest rail systems, with Red Line extensions advancing long-deferred upgrades. Feel the rumble as you rise above the streets in a soaring urban symphony of steel, light, and lake breeze.
New York’s Harbor Ferries and Elevated Subways
New York stands alone with a Transit Score of 88 and systemwide ridership rebounding toward pre-2020 highs. The free Staten Island Ferry, running since 1817, carries tens of millions annually with sunset-perfect views of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline, while elevated lines in Queens offer flashes of the Empire State Building. The ferry has been fare-free since 1997, turning daily trips into cinematic harbor voyages. Which skyline angle would make your first photo?
Boston’s Historic Trolleys and Harbor Ferries
Boston’s Transit Score of 72 anchors a blend of historic trolleys and harbor ferries that pair Revolutionary landmarks with river light. The Green Line, dating from 1897, passes Fenway and Harvard through bursts of fall color, while ferries skim Boston Harbor near the North End and Paul Revere lore. The “T” ranks among the nation’s busiest and continues accessibility upgrades across lines and stations. Glide along the Charles as shells slice the water and reflections make history shimmer.
Philadelphia’s Vintage Trolleys and River Lines
Philadelphia earns its spot with a Transit Score of 67 and SEPTA’s historic trolleys that feel like time travel on rails. Eight lines rumble past Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, with routes tracing the Schuylkill under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge where river breezes meet city echoes. System modernization includes trolley upgrades and added ADA access across dozens of stations. It is a living corridor of American beginnings that shows how a simple ride can carry centuries of story.
Jersey City’s Waterfront Light Rail and Ferries
Jersey City’s Transit Score around 71 reflects a network where nearly half of residents commute by transit, and the views are the bonus. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail traces the riverfront with sightlines to the Freedom Tower, while ferries link to Ellis Island, gateway for millions of immigrants. PATH trains run century-old tunnels under the Hudson, and bus network redesigns are improving connections. Zip the waterfront at golden hour for a quieter, stunning perspective on the NYC skyline.
D.C.’s Monumental Metrorail and Bus Routes
Washington, D.C. pairs a Transit Score near 69 with rail and bus routes that double as heritage tours. Six Metrorail lines and 98 stations deliver riders to the National Mall, often emerging into the glow of the Lincoln Memorial, while spring routes frame the Tidal Basin in blossoms. Architect Harry Weese’s vaulted stations add grandeur, and bus network improvements sharpen the ride. Here a quick transfer becomes a front-row seat to living history that still shapes the present.