A recent government study found that more than 37 million Americans rated walking as their favorite recreational pursuit. Stepping up to serve all those strollers is a group called America Walks — a national nonprofit organization that leads a coalition of advocacy groups sharing the vision for a more walkable nation.

One of the functions of America Walks is assessing the walkability of U.S. cities utilizing Walk Score ratings. It scores and ranks more than 2,500 cities for walkability on a scale of 1-100.

Scores fluctuate over time, but here are the latest 2015 Walk Score rankings for America's 10 most walkable major cities (pop. 300,000 or more).

10. Baltimore

Moving up from No. 14, Baltimore is a newcomer to the top 10 list for 2015 — with a Walk Score of 66.2. Six neighborhoods most appealing to visitors, however, scored much higher — all in the 90s.

They include Inner Harbor, the city's most compelling feature and setting for the National Aquarium; Maryland Science Center and Harborplace shopping & entertainment center; Downtown, a district revitalized by new development, including Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home to the MLB Baltimore Orioles; Little Italy, one of the country’s largest Italian enclaves; Fells Point, an historic waterfront district now popular for its dining and nightlife; Federal Hill, a neighborhood just south of downtown offering great views of the Inner Harbor; and Mount Vernon, the city's leading cultural district and home to the renowned Walters Art Museum.

9. Oakland

Often overshadowed by that other City by the Bay, Oakland has steadily climbed the walkability ratings, making the top 10 in 2011 and this year moving up to ninth with a Walk Score of 68.5. Downtown, Uptown and Chinatown neighborhoods are all pedestrian-friendly, as are Jack London Square and the historic Warehouse District.

Moving out a bit from the city center, Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline Park, a 741-acre preserve near the airport, features miles of gentle trails along wetlands and marshes. A short pedestrian bridge leads to Alameda for further access to Alameda Shoreline Park.

8. Seattle

Rated the Pacific Northwest's most walkable city with a Walk Score of 70.8, Seattle offers a number of imminently strollable areas, epitomized by its lively and entertaining waterfront. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a walkabout of sprawling Pike Place Market, a visual riot of fruits, flowers, veggies and seafood. Nearby are Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel, one of the nation's tallest Ferris wheels.

Perfect for walking too are Pioneer Square, the city's historic "first neighborhood" and a showcase of Renaissance Revival architecture, and the neighboring Chinatown International District.

7. Washington, D.C.

Although it ranks much higher in some walkable city rankings, we're going with America Walks' overall Walk Score of 74.1, which rates the nation's capital number seven on the top 10 list.

At that, we can't think of any public space in the country that's more walkable than the National Mall. Often referred to as "America's front yard," this great green 1,000-acre swath stretches from the U.S. Capitol to the Potomac River. Lined with memorials and fine museums, it is a walker’s nirvana.

Equally inviting for a stroll are Dupont Circle, Georgetown and the culturally diverse Adams Morgan neighborhood, noted for its ethnic eateries and spirited nightlife. Washington's Metro transit system efficiently connects the dots and helps make D.C. one of the world's most visitor-friendly capitals.

6. Chicago

Spread out over 228 square miles around the Loop, which contains the city's commercial core, Chicago is the epitome of Midwestern sprawl. Nonetheless, its broad network of comfortably walkable neighborhoods earns it a commendable Walk Score of 74.8.

The Windy City's most walkable places extend from the Magnificent Mile along Lake Michigan to neighborhoods like Printers Row; Near North (highlighted by Navy Pier); Hyde, Grant and Sheridan Parks; and the State Street shopping corridor.

5. Miami

Home to a car culture much like Los Angeles, Miami seems an unlikely candidate for high walkability ratings. But this sunny South Florida metropolis features a number of neighborhoods that are quite pleasant to perambulate, earning it a Walk Score of 75.6.

Among its most walkable districts: Little Havana, one of the nation's largest and liveliest Latin Quarters; Brickell, the city's financial district but also a wonderland of architecture and public art; and Coconut Grove, with its chic boutiques, galleries, clubs and restaurants.

4. Philadelphia

William Penn's "Greene Countrie Towne" gained fame early on when colonists broke ties with England and created a new nation. It was home to the nation's most momentous events — proclamation of war against the English, signing of the Declaration of Independence, inauguration of two presidents and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

It all unfolded within a few square miles, now preserved as Independence National Historical Park — a wonderfully walkable center city area that figures prominently in the city's 76.5 Walk Score. Other high-scoring neighborhoods include Center City West with its spacious Washington Square; University City, home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University; Society Hill; and the vibrant ethnic enclaves of Chinatown and the 9th Street Italian Market.

3. Boston

Boasting a Walk Score of 79.5, Beantown is the third-most walkable city in America. Water-bound by its scenic harbor, bays and the Charles River, and benefactor of progressive city planning dating to the 17th century, Boston offers a compact blend of historic buildings and sites, mixed-use development and a well-evolved transit system that make it fun and easy to explore on foot.

For the city's best walk, follow the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail that leads to 16 historically significant sites, including Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church and Bunker Hill Monument.

2. San Francisco

If you've ever hoofed it up Nob Hill, Russian Hill or other storied heights around the City by the Bay, you might question a Walk Score of 83.9. But when you peer out over all of the great places to hang out — Chinatown, Mission District, Tenderloin, the marina and the wharfs — you'll have to concede that San Francisco deserves a top rating.

So you can either suck it up — or hop on a cable car.

1. New York

With nearly all of its 21 neighborhoods ranked highly for walkability, the Big Apple rates an impressive 87.6 Walk Score. Elements of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's PlaNYC sustainability plan have aided the cause, including the makeover of iconic Times Square as a pedestrian-only zone.

Striding the streets of New York can seem like walking through an unending series of movie sets. But with 19 million folks living the metro area, they do crowd the sidewalks so watch where you're walking.