Skip to Main Content

2019 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.

1 – 25 of 231
Outdoor Activities
231 results

Economy

Health & Outdoors

  1. Portland

    • City in Oregon
    • 934 reviews
    #1 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Portland has been growing and changing over the last 10 years. There are way more events and activities throughout the city. Small local business have expanded and become staples of the city. The city pretty great! However, certain communities are struggling, and gentrification in the city hasn't subsided much since the 70s. And, rent is stupid ridiculous. The city has potential to be something incredible but like most of the country there are some political and social issues that need more attention.
    Read 934 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 630,331 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Seattle

    • City in Washington
    • 718 reviews
    #2 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Nearby Resident: It’s a beautiful city, but traffic is very difficult and the cost of living and home buying is extraordinarily high. Many people cannot ever afford to buy their own home and even rent can be extremely high for its location.

    There is an extensive amount of cultural activities, food and scenic destinations to be enjoyed in Seattle. The culture is very diverse and has a lot to offer to by way of entertainment.

    Beauty is never lacking, from Mt Rainer and the Olympics on the west coast to the Cascades and spanning East across the state, there is every type of weather and landscape not to far from Seattle. There’s so many types of outdoor activities for every hobby and time of year.

    Like every big city it has its traffic, growing pains, homelessness and crime. What you gain in the extraordinary job market, entertainment, and indescribable beauty is worth the price of admission!

    Jennifer
    Read 718 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 688,245 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Los Angeles

    • City in California
    • 1,182 reviews
    #3 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Los Angeles is one of the most beautiful diverse cities in the world which is why it among the top three tourist destinations in the country. In addition to there being endless activities for all personality types, LA affords an abundance of opportunities for anyone seeking to become more adept in virtually any area of their lives; from receiving an education at some of the worlds top universities to becoming a movie star! Since it is such a popular city there will oftentimes be traffic galore, but spending a few extra minutes in transit is worth seeing and experiencing everything the city has to offer.
    Read 1,182 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 3,949,776 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. New York City

    • City in New York
    • 1,133 reviews
    #4 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: NYC is a diverse and lively community with hundreds of places to visit with friends and family. Each borough has its own unique features that attract a lot of people each year, such as Coney Island in Brooklyn or the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. When in Manhattan, there are so many places you can go to and there's a little bit of something for everyone! Macy's in Herald Square for the shoppers, Taiyaki NYC (which are known for their fish-shaped waffle cones! Definitely recommend it!) for food-lovers, and the Whitney for museum-goers (to name a few). There's always a lot of traffic wherever you go, so if you want to explore the concrete jungle, walking is the way to do it. And for the perfect instagram post of the city, the viewpoint from the Brooklyn Bridge is a good option.
    Read 1,133 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 8,560,072 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Bellevue

    • City in Washington
    • 111 reviews
    #5 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: It is like Seattle's fancier little sister! There is always so much to do, whether it's going to the mall to shop or swimming in Lake Washington at one of the many public docks. The only thing that I wish would change is the amount of construction. Because the city is always developing and growing, there is nonstop construction, which can be quite the hassle and causes lots of traffic.
    Read 111 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 139,014 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. San Jose

    • City in California
    • 915 reviews
    #6 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I like that San Jose has a lot of boba places and plazas filled with cuisine from many different cultures. There are an abundant amount of things you can do around here, but would have to drive a couple miles to get to any large malls, sport gyms, etc. At night, there isn’t much to do since most stores, food places are closed. I’d say most teenagers/ adults go to milk tea “bars” since they’re like a night club at night haha. The public schools here are very nice and clean. They vary quite a bit in education and student population, but are all very good schools for your kids to attend! There can be a lot of competition academically, but it encourages your kid to work harder and strive to study better!
    Read 915 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 1,023,031 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Boston

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 611 reviews
    #7 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Boston is a city like no other. Its architecture boasts both old and new. With city regulations, it ensures that the city remains vibrant without compromising on his history. As my brother put it, "Boston has more sky than any other city I've seen". The high rise buildings are spaced apart to allow natural light to illuminate the city.

    Contrary to popular belief, I have found Bostonians a friendly bunch! They are warm in their demeanour and are proud to show you around their amazing city! The green spaces in the city are always near by- offering a slice of nature at your leisure.

    You haven't experienced Boston proper unless you've enjoyed a lobster roll or a sports game! With many amazing teams to choose from, whether it's a Red Sox game, a Celtics match, the Bruins or the Patriots, you can always count on good cheer and atmosphere from the locals supporting local teams!
    Read 611 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 669,158 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 379 reviews
    #8 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Irvine, ranked one of the safest cities in America, is also a master-planned community, which allows all residents easy access to parks, hiking trails, and shopping centers. Furthermore, Irvine has seen an increase in new developments in the past decade, so most houses that are being sold are recent constructions. It also boasts an education system that prides itself on rigor and quality. Living in Irvine means everything is nearby, usually within walking distance, which promotes developing a healthy lifestyle and attending all the exciting community events that Irvine has to offer.
    Read 379 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 256,877 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Cambridge

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 81 reviews
    #9 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Everything about Cambridge is great! It's a very pretty city with remarkable history. It has one of the best colleges in the world; Harvard, which helped the city to be highly educated, even if they weren't Harvard students. There’s a significant number of highly intellectual people all around. Also, the city is rich in museums & galleries that encompasses a significant number historical artifacts & valuable knowledge. I also love how clean and environment friendly the city is. Plastic bags are prohibited & paper ones are charged to minimize waste. Recycling is really emphasized. Restaurants & cafes are endless! There are many highly reviewed places that are worth traveling to. Shopping is great at Cambridge! There are unlimited shopping options and there are many vintage and hand-made gift stores all around. People are nice and super friendly. The MBTA works well in Cambridge and connect it to the greater city of Boston, which makes commuting much easier.
    Read 81 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 110,893 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Oakland

    • City in California
    • 384 reviews
    #10 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Oakland is an amazing city known for its diversity, cultural influence, and overall beauty! Come visit and enjoy a multitude of entertainment experiences including the harbor at Jack London Square, the redwoods that line Redwood Regional Preserve, and the hip nightlife scene in bustling downtown Oakland. Oakland has something to offer for all residents and visitors, so come and explore!
    Read 384 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 417,442 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Kent

    • City in Washington
    • 169 reviews
    #11 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I really like living in Kent. Kent Station, the train station, is a really great place to hang out; it has shops, cafes, restaurants, and a movie theater. We are close enough to bigger cities like Seattle and Tacoma that we can go without too much trouble, yet we are within a couple minutes’ drive of quaint country towns, picturesque farms, and beautiful views of Mount Rainier. There are plenty of parks near by and good places to enjoy nature’s beauty. One of my favorite parts is that the weather is milder than many other places; we don’t get too hot like the South, we don’t get too muggy like the East Coast, and we don’t have as harsh of a winter as the Mid-West.
    Read 169 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 126,561 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Vancouver

    • City in Washington
    • 341 reviews
    #12 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I moved to Vancouver from Portland a couple years ago and I wished I had done it years ago! The city is family friendly and very welcoming. After moving, we were able to find new jobs that paid more than Portland and a bought a house that was double the size of our one in Portland for the same price. Our reason for moving was for our children, we have a special needs child and Battle Ground School district has been awesome. We are so happy here and plan to retire here.
    Read 341 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 171,393 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Berkeley

    • City in California
    • 141 reviews
    #13 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Berkeley is a wonderful city full of an interesting, open-minded and intelligent group of people. The city is very culturally diverse and open to accepting anyone from anywhere. The food scene is to die for and if organically grown is what you live by, look no further than Berkeley grocery stores, farmers markets and more. One small down side would be the lack of club life (for the younger folks), there are however many perfectly adequate bars as well a little college student scene on Telegraph Avenue. Overall, I highly recommend living here or going to school here if accepted!
    Read 141 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 120,179 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Tacoma

    • City in Washington
    • 378 reviews
    #14 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Tacoma is one of the most diverse cities in our state and I love it! We are blessed to have clean water, clean air, and moderate temperature. Like most places there are good areas and bad areas. The public school district needs work but Tacoma is unique in the fact that it funds a public Art School (Tacoma School of the Arts), public math and science Institute (SAMI), and an engineering/design/architecture school (IDEA) for high school students. This city is changing rapidly as the housing market is exploding. But it is also progressive when it comes to clean energy and renewable resources. Tacoma is beautiful, and will forever be my home.
    Read 378 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 207,280 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Costa Mesa

    • City in California
    • 121 reviews
    #15 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Niche User: Great City, very safe and lots to do! It has grown in the last 10 years, It is a very affordable place to be and there is lot of activities and restaurants. It is a very safe place to live and the people are very friendly. If you want diversity this is the place to be , there is a multicultural group of people with different types of restaurants and things to do
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 112,930 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. San Francisco

    • City in California
    • 675 reviews
    #16 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I was born and raised in San Francisco, so for as long as I can remember, I have been playing in the parks, reading at the libraries, and attending the wonderful schools. Reading was such a huge part of mine and my brother's childhood, so every afternoon after school, and most weekends, were spent at the Western Addition library with our heads buried inside books. During the summer, if we were lucky enough to have a couple warm days, my family would pack some sandwiches and snacks and bring some towels to Crissy Field to enjoy the sunshine and freezing cold ocean. Overall, growing up in SF was a childhood I am so grateful for!
    Read 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 864,263 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Salt Lake City

    • City in Utah
    • 545 reviews
    #17 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live or visit. There are a wide variety of educational institutions, such as the excellent University of Utah among others. There are a wide variety of career opportunities, as Salt Lake City is a regional hub for many companies and has plenty of work in a variety of fields. There are opportunities for exploring the outdoors, with great hiking, skiing, and other opportunities within a relatively convenient driving distance. The only downside to Salt Lake City I can think of is if you have a problem with the local religion, and their large influence on politics. Yet despite my lack of faith, I have never felt discriminated against, and there is a lot of diversity in this city. There are also plenty of theaters, museums, and plenty of places to explore within the city itself, and the city has a lot of culture to it. I highly recommend giving this place a look, and perhaps like me you will decide to make it into a home if you end up loving the area!
    Read 545 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 194,188 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 226 reviews
    #18 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: The city of Torrance has an amazing feeling of home to it. Due to it being a smaller city, it is very easy to meet the people around you and live in a very connected community. Its location in comparison to other areas of Southern California is considered convenient and "in the middle of everything" by many. Although there isn't much to nightlife, the city has many beautiful and restaurants and places with unique qualities to them so one could still have an amazing night out. The city overall is a perfect place for families and even young individuals. Torrance has something to offer, no matter who you are!
    Read 226 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 147,190 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Sunnyvale

    • City in California
    • 210 reviews
    #19 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Sunnyvale is truly the heart of the silicon valley. I love the diversity, the sunny weather, the beautiful parks, the great restaurants and the intelligent people!
    Read 210 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 151,565 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Hayward

    • City in California
    • 198 reviews
    #20 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Hayward has a very big problem with crime. You will constantly hear sirens and have street closures caused by criminal investigations. It's a great area, other than the cost of housing is crazy expensive. There are many great restaurants and you can have nearly anything delivered to your door! They are very pet friendly and family friendly in the area. You can almost always find the services you need in Hayward or one of the very close towns near by. There are many great stores in Hayward and everything is generally easy to get to. Traffic can be bad, but timing is everything. There are freeways everywhere going to any place you could want to go. It's amazing how quickly you can get to most places even with traffic. There are many auto repair businesses and many are student friendly. There are many gas stations so you can nearly always find the gas you need. People are friendly in Hayward, but won't generally talk unless you strike up the conversation.
    Read 198 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 156,917 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Everett

    • City in Washington
    • 138 reviews
    #21 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I have lived in Everett, Washington my entire life. I love it here! It is very diverse here. The Everett school district is amazing with children, and there are a lot of resources available for them. Everett is right on the water, so it is a great place to fish or go to a beach.
    Read 138 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 107,560 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Anaheim

    • City in California
    • 349 reviews
    #22 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Anaheim, like many cities, relies on how efficiently their residents are able to operate in and around the region. A former failed wine colony that became home to the most prestigious amusement park in the world is quite a sign of progression. Having grown up in Anaheim my whole life this far, I'd say that it creates an experience that can still mesh with its prominent tourist culture. Public transportation is not much to be desired, and traffic is the same as it ever was- busy and less busy. Still, Anaheim is a city that can whisper on one end and shout in the opposite direction. Proximity is a major asset to us! Never far from identity city downtowns and never far from untouched land that existed long before us. Anaheim is a city that is constantly pushed forward without disregarding the history that allowed such movement to be possible.
    Read 349 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 349,007 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Reno

    • City in Nevada
    • 946 reviews
    #23 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Reno is a great place for someone looking to experience all the outdoors has to offer! With multiple things to do including hiking, fishing and camping it is considered an outdoor lovers dream. While this is only one of the many benefits of living here, Reno has a small town vibe with an emphasis on community. However, the small city that Reno once was is changing as Reno growing by the day, thus attracting many people to Northern Nevada. In terms of work, there are plenty of job opportunities that allow for growth and development. With many companies like Tesla and Panasonic setting their sights on Reno and surrounding area, many more are bound to follow suit. Overall, this is a great place to live, but don't just take my word for it, come see for yourself!
    Read 946 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 239,732 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Boulder

    • City in Colorado
    • 284 reviews
    #24 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Nearby Resident: Boulder is a beautiful city at the foot of the Flatirons. With plenty of nearby opportunities, for hiking, biking, skiing, and rock climbing it is perfect for those who love the outdoors. Boulder is one of the best cities for liberals, as its population strongly supports environmental programs, farm-to-table restaurants, and political events held by the University of Colorado. The only aspect of Boulder, Colorado I would change is its affordability. Living here is unbelievably expensive, and this, in part, causes there to be very little diversity.
    Read 284 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 106,271 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Stamford

    • City in Connecticut
    • 141 reviews
    #25 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I've lived in Stamford, CT for the past 24 years with my family and I have to say, I love it! It's a vibrant city with a population of 130,000 people of various backgrounds. You can see the diversity through art festivals, farmer's markets, as well as entertainment such as community theater and sports teams. My favorite landmark is the Museum & Nature center which features a farm, reptile house, playground, and museum. I love to hike through the trees there, especially during autumn when the leaves are fiery oranges and yellows. My favorite event in Stamford is the Thanksgiving Day parade. Families gather on the streets to watch giant helium balloons pass by apartments, listen to bagpipe players, dance together and eat lots from local eateries. I think Stamford would be a fantastic city for a wide range of people, from a college student to someone that wants to settle a family. It has a growing population with many opportunities for jobs, education, entertainment, and leisure!
    Read 141 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 128,851 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  34. Review Your Area 
  • 1 of 10