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2018 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best cities for outdoor activities based on weather, air quality, and access to parks, forests, and recreational opportunities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, NOAA, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Outdoor Activities
231 results

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Health & Outdoors

  2. San Francisco

    • City in California
    • 414
    1 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Former Resident: San Francisco is filled with different neighborhoods which includes the Marina, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Castro and it goes on. San Francisco is diverse and beautiful. Each neighborhood has its own aspects. Union Square (downtown) is filled with job opportunities. Fairly easy to get a job out here.

    North of San Francisco is also filled with job opportunities but is probably the most family friendly areas in San Francisco. There's the Marina which contains the beach, Crissy Fields, etc. Pacific Heights, known for its beautiful parks. Fisherman's Wharf is also family friendly where you can visit animals, ride a carousel, enjoy a penny arcade, etc.

    For the college students, after classes you want to go out on the town? The Vision, Soma, and Sunset, are the best neighborhoods to go!

    Although it's pretty expensive to live in San Francisco, they have easy public transportation, save money, it's a great place for all ages, it's diverse, and equal opportunities for everyone.
    Read 414 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 850,282 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Cambridge

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 40
    2 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Nearby Resident: Cambridge Massachusetts is a wonderfully vibrant and exciting city. I have lived in the text town over my whole life and I have gone to school and worked there for many years. Cambridge is the home of many colleges, which bring such a wide variety of people to the city which make it incredibly diverse. I really enjoy how many different areas there are in the city, there is something for everyone. Everywhere you turn there are amazing restaurants and shops to explore. Having worked in the school systems in Cambridge they are wonderful, which isn't much of a surprise seeing as though the city is known for their world-class education. I also love how many health-focused stores and restaurants there are as well having areas for outdoor exercise and encouraging bike riding over driving. The only downside to Cambridge is that all of these wonderful qualities make it a rather expensive place to live. However, I love this city and consider it be my home!
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 108,757 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Boston

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 421
    3 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Visitor: For the past 20 years, I have enjoyed visiting Boston from my original home in New Hampshire, and now, from my home in central Maine. As a native New Yorker, I love the hometown atmosphere, helpful people, ease of public transportation, and the cultural diversity. From late summer 20 16, I have spent weeks and months at a time seeking medical treatment in Boston. I have found the taxi drivers, police, and people on the streets to be kind and supportive, offering assistance as well as clear directions. I also love Chinatown, with fantastic herb stores, gift shops and authentic restaurants. I'm going back to Boston for follow-up appointments, and I am looking forward to spending more time in this wonderful city!
    Read 421 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 658,279 Population
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  6. Kent

    • City in Washington
    • 106
    4 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Coming down the street you notice every corner Hispanic and Thai restaurants and markets; the local downtown area houses buildings created in the 1800's still standing and being used today. During the summer is the greatest! Every weekend a farmers market opens up and for almost two miles downtown every small business and upcoming business and artists sell their wares and share their experiences and joy of living and working in this area. The local high school has been named the most diverse in the nation; between Grandma's Thai restaurant and a small local Japanese couple taking only cash for their amazing sushi rolls Kent has always been a wonderful place to live and enjoy. Outside of the cozy downtown you will notice a large 20 mile square area of professional businesses and a local Amazon warehouse offering many jobs opportunity's for any locals in the area.
    Read 106 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 125,492 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Sunnyvale

    • City in California
    • 171
    5 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: My husband and I have been living in Sunnyvale, CA for about 2.5 years now. We purchased our mobile home at that time, and have been quite satisfied with our decision. The area in Sunnyvale that we live in is fairly quiet, and secluded. One of the downsides to living in our neighborhood is that we have very limited grocery store options that are walking distance, as well as restaurants and shopping. One of the best things about our area is that we are a short walk away from the VTA light rail, getting us to Levi Stadium in 10 minutes, along with various other destinations close by. The family atmosphere is our area is nice, but could be drastically improved with better parks, dog parks, and recreational areas. The downtown scene is alright. Nice restaurants, but kind of misplaced amongst the run down Macy's. Could use some cleaning up to make it the vibrant downtown it has the potential to have.
    Read 171 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 149,596 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  8. Portland

    • City in Oregon
    • 596
    6 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I have enjoyed living in Portland in college. I have been able to find relatively affordable housing. The cost of living is very manageable, and I have access to healthy and fresh foods at the grocery stores near me. Food and restaurant culture here is fantastic and everyone will find something that they like. I have always felt safe, as a woman, walking around at night by myself. The bus system is very reasonable and has taken me to everywhere that I have needed to go. There are lots of families and dogs here!

    However, restaurants and other places close very early (9pm or so) even on the weekends. Nightlife, as I have experienced it, is very minimal. Additionally, the job market is quite competitive. Finally, there is a strong lack of diversity in Portland. All of Oregon is very white, and there are very few communities of color which I find very noticeable in Portland, and know it has been a concern to people of color that I know.
    Read 596 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 620,589 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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  10. Seattle

    • City in Washington
    • 425
    7 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: A great city to live in! Wealth of job opportunities in the tech sector,many different neighborhoods to explore, great bars & selection of food, especially if you're into health-conscious options. Easy access to outdoor activities. People are chill and laid-back and summers are the best here. No state income tax.

    Cons: Housing market is hot right now (as of Dec-2017) and rents increase every year, but there are deals - you'll just need to look thoroughly. As a Seattle area local, the "Seattle Freeze" is real - it's hard to connect with new people and social circles are tightly knit, especially locals. People are polite, but not nice to you. Diversity seems to be segmented by neighborhood - the white "liberal" tech hipster archetype seems to be omnipresent. You can get by without a car, but it'll be inconvenient a lot of times - drivers tend to be very passive.
    Read 425 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 668,849 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Berkeley

    • City in California
    • 86
    8 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I moved here from Houston, Texas where you need a car to get everywhere. At first, the city does provide a bit of a culture shock because people are so eccentric, and almost too friendly! Over time though, this feeling wears off and you realize how invitng the people fo the city are. The city itself has wonders of food and entertainment for those keen on local treats. The amount of cultural food is absolutely insane and more diverse than any other city I have been to. Unfortunately, the only downside is that the cost of a house of apartment is extraordinarily high. Your best bet is t live near the outskirts of Berekley, away from campus. With this in mind, the bike safety rules are super strict and commutng via bike is safer than any oter city I have visited.
    Read 86 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 118,585 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Bellevue

    • City in Washington
    • 52
    9 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Nearby Resident: I would rate Bellevue with 4 stars overall is a great city, has lots to do. The shopping center is great, it has a very wide selection of different restaurants and also shopping stores. Every time I pass by or I’m town I see new construction it’s a city of opportunity and growth. I notice a lot of pedestrians either going out for a walk or just strolling through town, their safety is very good. The Nightlife is always busy, because of the expansion that Bellevue has had there’s something for everyone, there a big variety of things to do and see. Some of the things that could be as a disadvantage is the traffic and also the affordability there, it's very expensive to rent or buy.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 136,718 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Oakland

    • City in California
    • 204
    10 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Oakland is richly diverse, and a hub of activity. It's libraries, business, and artistic communities are world renowned. Additionally, Oakland is nestled within close proximity to the University of California at Berkeley, and itself boasts quality academic institutions such as the California College of the Arts. Family and community friendly it is a good place to settle and build a life and a career, whatever your goals and objectives might be. And if you like sports, Oakland is home to undefeated, world champion, boxing Olympian Andre Ward; the famed Oracle Arena; and the world champion Oakland Athletic baseball and Golden State Warrior basketball teams! Oakland California come check it out!
    Read 204 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 412,040 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 210
    11 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Irvine is probably one of the safest, cleanest, and greenest cities in CA (if not, in the US)! It is located in Orange County, so it's really easy to go up to LA area or drive down to San Diego. Irvine is home to a lot of high-ranking schools like the University of California Irvine (UCI), Concordia University, Irvine Valley College, the Orange County Center of the University of Southern California (USC), and campuses of California State University Fullerton (CSUF), University of La Verne, and Pepperdine University. This city is really beautiful with streets dotted with flowers and trees. It is very quiet and all neighborhoods are well-maintained. There's a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities.
    Read 210 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 246,992 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 139
    12 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Torrance is very safe and friendly. Not very diverse because the city has a lot of Asians but everyone is friendly! Schools are very competitive with each other but overall they are all a family. There is sometimes traffic in Torrance on major streets with freeways but there are also streets that often time are not busy at all. The job opportunities are low currently. Haven't seen many places hiring. The food that can be found in Torrance have got to be the best. From ramen or tacos, it's all delicious.
    Read 139 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 147,307 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Hayward

    • City in California
    • 121
    13 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Hayward is a welcoming city. It is home to my university, California State University - East Bay (CSUEB). It serves a diverse community that cares about the environment and works to keep the city green. The Keep Hayward Clean and Green organization lends a helping hand by voluntarily picking up trash and waste around the city. CSUEB students also take a part volunteering for that effort as well every October for Make a Difference Day. The city has potential to thrive given the downtown area is undergoing a transformation by bringing new and fantastic things, such as a new library and an enhanced shopping center. Currently, there are many housing properties in development. However, given the city rests directly on a fault line, it is extremely earthquake prone and there is a need to remodel and retrofit older housing complexes, as evident in appearance. Other than this, the city is beautiful!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 154,507 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Manchester

    • City in New Hampshire
    • 223
    14 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Former Resident: New Hampshire's largest city is definitely not lacking in amenities and entertainment! Up and down Elm Street, South Willow, South River, and many other places, the streets are lined with bars, restaurants, clubs, and shops, with incredible variety to keep anyone interested. From the regular big name shows and sporting events at the SNHU arena to the dozens of fine shops and food options at the Mall of New Hampshire, classic and contemporary titles showing at the Palace Theater to summertime farmers' markets in several locations, Manchester has something for everyone.
    Read 223 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 110,231 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Reno

    • City in Nevada
    • 787
    15 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Reno has so much to offer and yet is an underappreciated city! The downtown area features the river with creative shops and independent restaurants. The craft beer scene is bursting with new breweries. Lake Tahoe, with world class skiing, swimming, camping, hiking, is less than an hour's drive away. Pyramid Lake also holds a quiet desert charm with ancient petroglyphs, paleolithic land formations, and recreation away from Tahoe's crowds. The neighborhoods are becoming increasingly bike friendly and the city is small and easy to navigate while still offering everything you could expect of a much larger area.
    Read 787 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 237,121 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Provo

    • City in Utah
    • 1,102
    16 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Provo itself is a beautiful, cozy and very safe place to live. My experience in Provo has overall been a great experience. It has a variety of healthy and delicious food options, has historical sights and beautiful history in the town center, not to mention the BEAUTIFUL LDS temple that was recently build next to the NuSkin building. Provo is located close to the freeway for easy access to traveling and is a relatively clean city. The people are very friendly and respectful of the place that they live. That being said, Provo is a college town! Despite the high amount of college students, Provo has still been able to maintain a good name, positive environment, growth mindset and a fun place to live. I'd love to see more updated parks added to the city, though there are many old parks and also many running trails and hiking trails that make it a great place for a diverse group of individuals.
    Read 1,102 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 115,718 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Salt Lake City

    • City in Utah
    • 391
    17 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I love Salt Lake City! For it being the capital city of the state of Utah, the streets are rather clean compared to other major cities. It is the perfect location as well, you are within a few hours of national parks like Zions and Arches. We are also snuggled up against the mountain and there is multiple ski resorts within the area. UTA is fantastic for public transportation as well, and the grid system of our streets makes finding your way around easier.
    Read 391 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 191,446 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Santa Rosa

    • City in California
    • 308
    18 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I've been living in Santa Rosa for my entire life and have enjoyed everything about Santa Rosa! First things first, Santa Rosa is a joyous city that features activities all year round. For example the Fair that comes near the end of every summer, or the Wednesday Night Markets that occur near downtown. Another great thing about Santa Rosa is how close it is to other great places; such as Napa, San Francisco, Sacramento and the coast. Santa Rosa is a great environment for families to enjoy the warm weather in the summer, and the chilly days of winter.
    Read 308 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 173,165 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Los Angeles

    • City in California
    • 612
    19 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Great place to live with good opportunity for employment and large personal growth! Traffic is legendary, and shopping can be like a religious experience in ritzy areas or numerous malls. It's the other aspects that can make it worthwhile to negotiate this unique metropolis. Great museums, DTLA's resurgence driven by Staples Center initially, sports of all types, dining to please all wallets, scenic vistas, cultural events, and so much more.
    Read 612 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 3,918,872 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Spokane

    • City in Washington
    • 539
    20 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Spokane is "small" city for people seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, but opportunities for "bigger" fun near by. People that are born here, tend to stay here, or come back. There is something magical about this little city. Could it be the four seasons with access to beautiful snowy mountains during the winter?
     The numerous lakes to swim, boat and fish in during the summer? The beautiful fall colors and endless hiking trails? Or the Manito Gardens and blooming trees in the Spring? Perhaps it is the access to enough night life, without the tradeoff of bad traffic. Maybe it's the local colleges that are bringing more technology and advanced medicine to the area? Whatever it is that attracts people to a place they can call "home," Spokane has a little bit of it all!
    Read 539 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 212,078 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. San Jose

    • City in California
    • 515
    21 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Definitely a perfect fit for anyone looking for quintessential suburban life mixed with lots of diversity! Despite being labelled as one of the largest cities in the US, San Jose definitely maintains a small-town feeling, as it consists mostly of numerous suburban neighborhoods clustered around a rather small (and underwhelming) downtown area. Being in the Silicon Valley, cost of living is steep, as homes are in high demand due to the concentration of job and education opportunities. People are super friendly, though, and the weather is almost always great (gotta love being in California!). Traffic is generally a non-issue outside of rush hour times (during which it is definitely borderline horrific at times).
    Read 515 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 1,009,363 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Salinas

    • City in California
    • 278
    22 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: This city has a little bit of everything. If you’re interested in family restaurants or bars there’s more than enough to keep you entertained. We have a decent mall and several grocery stores and cute coffee shops all through the city. Salinas has two movie theatres and a bowling ally along with several gyms and healthy stores to shop at. Parks are spread out as well and the people are friendly in my opinion. This city is so close to Monterey bay and if you’re looking to travel to a bigger city we have a highway that takes you straight to highway 101, I love being able to travel less than an hour and be in a completely different and beautiful city if I feel like getting away. Salinas is contunually growing and so much opportunity to get better.
    Read 278 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 155,889 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  32. Thousand Oaks

    • City in California
    • 264
    23 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: My experience with Thousand Oaks is that I'm a local resident of the city, from the people to the atmosphere, to the weather the city in a nutshell is fantastic! I've lived here for nearly fifteen-years and haven't looked back. A slight downside to living in Thousand Oaks is the lack of nightlight, meaning it isn't a great place for having fun late out. Lastly, something I think I'd like to be changed in Thousand Oaks is for better local transportation systems to be implemented on a regular basis, rather than a transportation system with very scarce hours.
    Read 264 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 128,623 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Burbank

    • City in California
    • 236
    24 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Burbank is a great city to grow up in, and a great city to raise a family. Very safe neighborhood with a small-town feel, but close enough to Los Angeles and other cities that you still get city-living-perks. All public schools are staffed with incredible educators and hands-on administrators. City center has multiple movie theatres, large mall, chain restaurants, family-owned restaurants, and boutiques. Access to work is basically unlimited; many major motion picture and television companies are based in Burbank, CA and are constantly looking to hire. Other fields of work like hospitality, retail, engineering, and childcare are also in high demand for hire. Diversity is really high compared to other cities in the area. Healthy living is heavily promoted, from farmer's markets to bike paths and public access to gyms, tracks, and pools. Overall, Burbank is an incredible place to live! Anyone would be lucky to be a resident of this amazing town.
    Read 236 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 104,583 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Vancouver

    • City in Washington
    • 210
    25 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Vancouver is a pretty big city full of fun and exciting things to do! There are amazing dog parks to walk your dog, out standing food places (Mexican food is my favorite) which you will never regret going. There are amazing bar and grill where you can have a great time with friends and family, or just wanna have a fun night out! Everyone you come in contact with you will build a relationship with and remember their face where ever you go. Everywhere you go there are always a friendly face waiting to greet you or just be your friend! Everyone is welcome at our city. So don't be shy!
    Read 210 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 169,982 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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2018 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America
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