12 of the Best and Worst Cities for Recreation in the U.S., According to a New Study
Recreational activities aren’t just great for your body; they’re a serious boost for your mental health, too. Lucky for us, the U.S. has it all. With landscapes ranging from beaches to mountains, as well as thousands of state park sites, you have plenty of activities to enjoy.
But even if you’re living in your dream house and laying in the comfiest bed, you can’t stay cooped up forever. Trust me, I’m a self-proclaimed introvert, and even I know the importance of getting out of the house and getting some fresh air! Whether it’s walking your dog, checking out a cool museum, or finally trying that restaurant your friend swears by—getting out is vital.
A recent study compared the 100 largest U.S. cities, looking at entertainment, park quality, and even the climate. Some cities offer an endless list of fun things to do, while other cities miss the mark.
Best: Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is often called the Adult Disneyland, where grown-ups go to experience awe and excitement, especially in its grand casinos. But it’s not just about the nightlife anymore; it’s now ranked as the best city for recreation!
With the highest number of playgrounds per capita, Vegas boasts a ton of attractions. There are many music venues, amusement parks, and aquariums for both locals and visitors, as well as plenty of hiking trails, parks, and bowling alleys. And let’s not forget the delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, and food festivals!
Best: Orlando, FL
Home to both Disney World and Universal Studios, it shouldn’t come as a shock that Orlando ranks second for recreation. But this city offers even more! You’ll find tons of water parks, boat tours, zoos, and aquariums, making it a family-friendly paradise.
Orlando’s food scene is just as impressive, boasting a high number of restaurants per capita, many with at least 4.5-star ratings. Don’t forget the ice cream and frozen yogurt spots to cool down after all that fun!
Best: Tampa, FL
As Florida’s newest “it” city, Tampa has an average of 240 days of sunshine a year, award-winning beaches, and cultural diversity. It’s hard to overlook this city when it comes to the hottest destinations.
Here, you can enjoy a ton of outdoor activities like fishing, boat tours, and water sports. It has the world’s longest fishing pier and dog-friendly beaches! Foodies love the vibrant dining scene and year-round festivals. Trust me, you won’t leave bored or hungry!
Best: Cincinnati, OH
Despite the harsh winters, Cincinnati still makes the top of the list. When the weather allows, there are great outdoor spots like Eden Park, Smale Riverfront Park, and water activities along the Ohio River. And then there’s Kings Island, which has been the top entertainment spot in the Midwest for over 50 years, bringing families the best rides and live shows in a fun amusement park. And don’t miss Cincinnati’s breweries and local food spots!
It’s amazing how this Ohio spot feels like a big city but still has that small-town charm. Locals can attend city-wide events and easily run into a bunch of familiar faces.
Best: Honolulu, HI
Naturally, the Aloha State’s capital city ranks high on the list of best cities for recreation. There are so many fun spots to explore, like the Waikiki Aquarium, the zoo, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
But the best and cheapest way to enjoy the island is by hitting the beach. Whether you’re at Waikiki, Ala Moana, Sandy’s, or Hanauma Bay, locals grab poke and snacks from Foodland, find a beach spot, and let the kids swim, snorkel, or surf all day.
Best: Scottsdale, AZ
There’s no better place to experience Arizona’s finest shopping and dining than in Scottsdale. But this isn’t the only reason many think it’s one of the best cities for recreation. Millions flock here for the Sonoran Desert, hiking trails, incredible art galleries, and sports. With world-class golf courses and luxurious resorts, it’s a must-visit for travelers from all over.
But there’s more! You can indulge in a delicious steak at Mastro’s or enjoy some affordable eats in Diego Pops or Rehab Burger Therapy.
Worst: Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista may not have as many big-name attractions as other cities, but it offers some parks, though their quality and availability might be limited. Harborside Park had to close due to issues with unhoused residents seeking shelter there and rising crime, but thankfully, the park has reopened after addressing those concerns.
One downside, though, is the traffic. Being next to San Diego, morning and afternoon commutes have gotten worse over the years, making it less ideal for recreation. It’s something to keep in mind when planning a visit!
Worst: Oakland, CA
Who wants to visit a city for recreation when it has a high crime rate and a steep cost of living? Unfortunately, Oakland struggles with both.
Crime is a genuine concern here, with robberies up 38%, burglaries up 23%, and car thefts jumping 44% last year. It can feel unsafe, especially at night or in certain areas. On top of that, Oakland’s high cost of living makes recreational activities pricier, limiting access to things like golf, boating, and fitness classes for many residents. It’s not exactly ideal for a fun day out.
Worst: Irving, TX
Irving sits right between Dallas and Fort Worth, in one of the most extensive metro areas in the U.S., bustling with dining, entertainment, and more. Yet, some Americans don’t see it as a top spot for recreation.
It turns out the city lacks the music venues, coffee shops, and public pools you’d expect, and recreational activities here can be expensive. If locals can’t afford it, how can they enjoy what the city offers? Hopefully, Irving will invest more in parks, green spaces, and affordable activities for residents and tourists.
Worst: Fremont, CA
Despite being called the happiest city, Fremont’s had some tough luck in recreation rankings. It’s somehow surprising, given the city’s 55,000 trees, Olive Hyde Art Gallery, and Lake Elizabeth.
But let’s face some hard facts. Fremont’s recreation options are limited. The high cost of living makes activities like gym memberships or sports leagues harder to afford. Plus, enjoying the outdoors is a real challenge with the dense traffic and growing population.
Worst: Newark, NJ
Despite being close to New York City, Newark’s dining scene is surprisingly limited, which is disappointing. Plus, abandoned shops are becoming more common here.
The city also ranks lower because of the high costs of recreational activities like bowling and movie theaters. People would rather stay home than spend the money. And while safety has improved, some areas still feel unsafe due to the crime rate higher than 88% of the state’s other cities.
Worst: Hialeah, FL
Hialeah has consistently ranked low in many areas—the worst city for singles, financial security, and recreation. The city lacks park space and has few facilities like pools, sports fields, or playgrounds. Public transit, while available, doesn’t offer the same convenience as other major cities.
But let’s not be too hard on the City of Progress. There’s always room for improvement, and Hialeah could turn things around with a little focus on expanding parks and activities.
Source: WalletHub
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