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12 Walking Locations That Make the Time Fly

Skip boring treadmills and go farther than your neighborhood sidewalk with new venues that'll perk you up the next time you step out.

Walking 30 minutes a few times a week has loads of benefits, from helping maintain your weight to boosting heart health. However, if you're wearing a groove in that familiar path, you might be less motivated to put one foot in front of the other. By adding some creativity to your routine, you'll look forward to taking a walk. Check out these 12 destinations for your next hike.

1. Museum. A stroll through the galleries gives you plenty of visual stimulation as you keep pace amidst the exhibits. To get in a workout, first pass through all the galleries and climb the steps or walk for a half hour, then you can go back and revisit the artwork that caught your attention the first time through.

2. Ballpark. Take advantage of a seventh-inning stretch well beyond your seat. Leave the bleachers and walk around the stadium for an inning or two. Most ballparks have a level from where you can see the ball field as you stroll, so you won't miss any of the game.

3. Zoo. Roar into a walk as you stroll by lions, tigers, and bears. When you step into the zoo, walk all around the perimeter paths for 30 minutes, then head over to see your favorite critters.

4. Waterfront. Whether it's splashing waves or a serene lakefront, a hike along a shoreline can be a refreshing change of pace. Wear water socks or rub sunscreen on the top of your feet for tootsie protection.

5. Animal shelter. Animal shelters and humane societies always need volunteers to help walk homeless pooches. To find a local shelter looking for help, visit www.pets911.com and enter your zip code.

6. Trail. Going off-road can give you a change of scenery and may even give you some glimpses of wildlife. Because the terrain will dictate your effort, you may have to pace yourself to keep a steady speed. A walking stick might help on hilly trails. To find trails, check out www.trails.com.

7. Small-town Main Street. Your walking routine can be a way to explore new places to shop and find out-of-the-way restaurants. You'll likely be able to walk steadily for 30 minutes to one end of town, then back along the other side, stopping in places you saw along the way.

8. Garden. Enjoy the beauty of a botanical garden while on a stroll on a bright day, but guard against sunburn. To protect yourself, wear a brimmed hat and put on plenty of sunscreen. To find a garden near you, check out www.ilovegardens.com.

9. National park. Teddy Roosevelt initiated the National Parks system to preserve our country's natural beauty. On a walk in one of 400 parks across the country, you can see these wonders close up. To find the park near you, visit www.nps.gov.

10. Big art. Many towns and cities have large, outdoor public art displays or sculpture parks. Connect these exhibits to create an artful walk. If you're too out of breath to carry on a conversation about the art, you may be walking too fast. Slow down, breathe normally, then continue.

11. Orchard. Plan an outing to a pick-your-own fruit orchard. Instead of taking the wagon ride to the trees, opt to walk. And remember, when you step, your feet should be parallel. With each step, roll your foot from heel to toe.

12. Bridge. Besides scenic views, long arching bridges with walking pathways can give you a good workout because of the subtle incline. Warm up slowly with about five minutes of easy walking before you speed it up for the long haul--and always be cautious of auto traffic.