Ashland's walkability is enhanced by its compact and historic downtown area, which is rich with cafes, shops, and restaurants. The environment is pedestrian-friendly, especially with a 10-mile-long waterfront trail and numerous historic murals to enjoy on foot. However, some parking lots may disrupt the continuity of the pedestrian pathways. Overall, Ashland is easily navigable on foot, providing a charming setting for travelers to explore mostly within the core downtown area.

Public transit in Ashland is somewhat limited but functional with services like Bay Area Rural Transit (BART), which connects Ashland to surrounding communities. The system requires some prior scheduling and might not offer frequent service, making it less ideal for travelers who depend solely on public transportation. Connections to nearby towns exist, but scheduling and route frequency can be barriers for easy travel.

Ashland provides decent opportunities for cycling, boasting a waterfront trail system that links to a 61-mile bike and ATV trail known as the Tri-County Corridor. The city’s flat terrain by the lakefront is conducive to cycling, although some areas may present challenges due to uneven terrain and trail conditions better suited for hybrid or mountain bikes. Biking is great for recreation and some errands, yet might not serve as a comprehensive transit solution across all areas of Ashland.