Skip to Main Content

2021 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

About this List
Outdoor Activities
231 results

Economy

Health & Outdoors

  1. Seattle

    • City in Washington
    • 942 reviews
    #1 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I love the proximity to nature..in so many ways. Lovely parks like Greenlake, Discovery, Carkeek, Washington Park Arboretum. Also, something as simple as a neighborhood walk looking at people's impressive gardens. Then of course, the mountains! Hikes as close as 30 mins away. ...I also love the coffee shops! There is every kind of coffee shop here. You can go with a friend, or alone! Farmers markets! The Ballard and Fremont ones are my favorite. The sense of community. Whatever your passion is, you can find your "people". Foodies, bikers, parents, gamers, dancers, bibliophiles....everyone! We have mountains, beaches, rolling hills, water....a little bit of everything!Read 942 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 724,305 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. New York City

    • City in New York
    • 1,535 reviews
    #2 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: For the most part, New York City is an incredible place to live when you're young and single. It's exciting, upbeat, and there's always something happening. If you're an on the go kind of person, the city is the place for you! However, there are definitely downfalls about living there. For one, everything is HARDER living in such an urban environment. Getting places, grocery shopping, regular household stuff such as doing laundry (if you're building doesn't have a laundry machine), maintenance issues, etc. It's also crazy expensive. But honestly, where I'm at in my life right now, I wouldn't trade living there for the world...Read 1,535 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 8,419,316 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Portland

    • City in Oregon
    • 1,192 reviews
    #3 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Great city! Lot's to do, lots to eat, and lots of delicious coffee for those that enjoy a nice morning espresso. Plus, there are plenty of local breweries in the area that give any beer connoisseur a to-do list a mile long. ...The Willamette River running through the heart of downtown provides ample opportunities for any tourist, or Portlander, to sit and relax or to stroll along it's east and west banks--the east bank provides spectacular views of downtown. ...Portland, pre-Covid, always has something fun going on. There are always top-notch bands passing through, numerous cycling events (for those two-wheeled adventurers), outdoor movies galore in the warm summer months and hiking trails a plenty in Forest Park (a mere stone throw away)...Portland pretty much has a little bit for anybody that doesn't mind some rain. Hey! and Portland usually has pretty mild winters. But if you must, Mt. Hood isn't too far east and it provides some fantastic skiing or Snowboarding...Read 1,192 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 645,291 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Los Angeles

    • City in California
    • 1,573 reviews
    #4 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Former Resident: I grew up here and it is a great place to live. Obviously there are pros and cons just like any other town. But this town has it all, I appreciate the sports teams because they bring so much joy and passion to this town. I remember growing up here and wanting to be a Dodger and Laker at the same time haha. To add, ...there are so many food vendors that you could have a different styled meal everyday of the year! Furthermore, this place has the best city views. By city views, I mean looking at other buildings, murals and more. We used to try and find murals as if they were Easter eggs!...On the other hand, LA does have its cons as said before. The city traffic is horrendous most days. It takes an hour for what should be 10 minutes. To add, the violent crimes are very real and very scary. I can recall a handful of times out running people who had bad intentions. I was fortunate enough to have a great group of friends who always protected me...In the end, this is a great city to live in.Read 1,573 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 3,966,936 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Bellevue

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

    Current Resident: Bellevue is a diverse city with beauty inside and out. It is filled with an enriched culture and opportunities at your fingertips. Multiple industries that are tech savvy, environmentally friendly, and socially conscious. Start up and long-standing companies provide a simple integration of people with pride in their surroundings. Schools are full of outstanding educators and staff that work tirelessly with the community and students toward common goals of learning. All stand and work together to focus on reinvesting in our community with education, recreation, food, and family. It takes a village. Eyes, ears, arms, and hearts are open for all visitors and residents...past, present and future. Bellevue is a not just a city...it's a community...Read 167 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 144,403 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Boston

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 746 reviews
    #6 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Boston is great, I reside in the South End and I was born 15-20 minutes away. I also go to college here and there are so many other college students to meet with many different colleges around the area. With the city itself, it may be small but different neighborhoods are renovating and expanding. Especially with Seaport, there are many buildings in that area and different shops to check out if you want to buy something. The food is great too! I usually eat Asian food, so I go to Chinatown, Dorchester, and Quincy a lot and just eat. There are many great sightseeing locations too! I have a camera and like to take pictures. So some tips on where to go is Seaport, North Point Park, Charles River Esplanade, Quincy Quarry, Boston Common, Commonwealth Ave, Castle Island, etc...Read 746 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 684,379 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 523 reviews
    #7 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Visitor: I really enjoy this city because of how clean and open the roads are; overall the city feels breathable due to the low amount of tall buildings and offers several places to surround yourself with nature on a hike. One of my favorite places to visit is the Irvine Spectrum mall because of the many places to shop, eat and socialize. I love coming with my friends and family to take the day off and simply enjoy each others company watching a movie or racing a competitive match on Mario Cart at Dave and Busters! The Great Park also has many fun activities like hopping onto the carousel or (my personal favorite) viewing the whole city and become mesmerized by the landscape from a hot air balloon. This city is truly one of my favorites and holds many dear memories of me and my loved ones...Read 523 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 273,157 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. San Jose

    • City in California
    • 1,231 reviews
    #8 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I love how inviting it is and how there are so many things to do. a bunch of places to explore and close to many other cities to travel to and have fun. The San Jose area has so many things to do, you'll never run out. However, the housing prices are ridiculous and the Downtown area is really dirty, slightly eerie as there's some crime down there. Nevertheless, it feels like a nice neighborhood that's pretty average on the US scale, but more fun! San jose is known for is known for its unbeatable weather, incredible hiking trails, and safe suburban neighborhoods. looking for something to do? San Jose is an ideal destination for your next journey. Whether you're looking for nightlife, outdoor activities, or world-class shopping and dining options, this California city has it all...Read 1,231 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 1,027,690 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Cambridge

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

    Current Resident: Living in Cambridge has been a wonderful experience. The rich diversity allows every resident and visitor feel at home. The commute to work, to Boston, and to the surrounding towns is very easy. Public transportation is easily accessible. Cambridge is a very safe and family friendly (and dog friendly!) town. I hope to live here for years to come!...Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 116,632 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Kent

    • City in Washington
    • 205 reviews
    #10 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: It’s Seattle’s 2nd biggest suburb and, as such, incredibly diverse in all aspects of the word. You’ll find five alphabets on buildings within 2 blocks and everything from very modest 1970/80s apartments and ranch homes to pristine, tree lined cul-de-sacs of upper middle class homes catering to professionals who commute into downtown Seattle/Bellevue (at least when we’re not WFH; FYI, I fall in this category). It’s awesome to be just half an hour from downtown Seattle and Bellevue (made it back from Amazon hq in 24min the other day)!...Read 205 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 131,118 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Philadelphia

    • City in Pennsylvania
    • 1,842 reviews
    #11 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Nearby Resident: Philadelphia is a diverse city full of excitement and opportunity. There are a lot of cool neighborhoods, each one with their own personality. Chestnut Hill and Rittenhouse square are quaint areas with little shops and markets. Manayunk is occupied with young residents and has bars, restaurants, and activities all year long. University city and North Philadelphia have numerous college students from all over the world who get together to not only excel in their careers, but to also grow up together. While the notorious South Street is filled with life, history, and it has a special ambiance to it. There’s something for everyone in Philadelphia! Whether it’s food, art, culture, history, education, entertainment, or sports, Philadelphia has it all. Even if you aren’t moving to Philadelphia, I recommend everyone to visit at least once in their lifetime, you won’t regret it!...Read 1,842 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C minus
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 1,579,075 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Vancouver

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

    Current Resident: Vancouver has been my home for over 25 years. We are a large city, but not a big city, just across the river from Portland. People here are friendly and enjoy numerous outdoor activities - like walking or biking along the riverfront, hiking the nearby trails to the east, swimming and kayaking in local rivers and streams. ...There are many parks, although there is room for more with all the new housing that has been built in the last 10 years. Many schools have remodeled or rebuilt. There are lots of sports activities for the kids, like soccer, basketball, rugby and lacrosse. There are sports leagues for adults, too, like disc golf, basketball, and ultimate frisbee...We have a wide variety of restaurants with dishes from all over the world. You can find something for any size budget. My favorites are Thai Orchid and Feral Public House in downtown Vancouver for a special occasion. Mon Ami is another favorite for delicious crepes and Stumptown coffee...Vancouver is great for families!Read 438 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 180,556 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. San Francisco

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

    Current Resident: I'm a recent resident (moved to SF for college), but I must say I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here thus far. I've always been relatively reserved and thus don't go out that often, but I've changed by habits quite a bit after moving here which may be due to the overall connected nature of the city. Nothing feels overly far off given how the streets diverge at so many points and thus I find myself going to more places than I did before (the variety of stores and public spaces also contributed to this). The overall atmosphere of the city can feel pretty dangerous in a good few places admittedly, but as long as you keep an eye out and stay cautious of your surroundings, you're good. Even though its only been about a month, my time in San Francisco has been a pretty positive one and I hope it continues to stay that way as my stay here continues!...Read 901 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 874,961 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Oakland

    • City in California
    • 516 reviews
    #14 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I am originally from San Francisco and was a little hesitant about living in Oakland at first. But I am totally loving it! The weather is amazing, the people are friendly, diverse and active. There are tons of events, great food scene and nightlife (although since covid it's been a little harder to explore these areas). There is also tons of great outdoors activities, such as hiking in the Joachin Miller park. It's a great mix of city vibes, but chill and laid back at the same time. If you're thinking of moving to the bay area, I highly suggest choosing Oakland!...Read 516 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 425,097 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Denver

    • City in Colorado
    • 1,058 reviews
    #15 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: The community of Denver is quite diverse and overall well mannered folk. I am forever thankful for the district of Lowry, (where I live) as it is an extremely safe neighborhood with the kindest people you’ll meet. Downtown Denver is filled with the most extraordinary family owned shops which attract the modern consumer. The entertainment in Denver is more than a small town girl could ask for! Denver is filled with absolute life, vibrancy, and action! The only downside I’d say would be the lack of housing for those on the streets. To know that someone like you and I is lacking a very basic human right and necessity breaks my heart. They are just as deserving of housing and health benefits as anyone...Read 1,058 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 705,576 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Tacoma

    • City in Washington
    • 461 reviews
    #16 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I have lived in Central Tacoma since 2017 and we love it! Central Tacoma is, well, central to all there is to do and go in this city and the wider region. Super easy to get around on a bike, stroll past historic and colorful craftsman houses, 10 minute walk (for me) to 6th Ave, short bike ride to Proctor. Tacoma rocks excellent and affordable restaurants, museums, music and comedy venues, and incredible parks! Transportation is improving year by year with major upgrades to public transportation, rail access to Seattle, etc...Read 461 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 212,869 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Costa Mesa

    • City in California
    • 160 reviews
    #17 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I love Costa Mesa! I moved here in March and my husband and I have loved it so much. It's close to the ocean without being as cold as living right at the beach. We are close to plenty of shopping, food, and various activities. It has been a wonderful experience...In terms of something that the city needs, it needs more reliable and easily accessible public transportation.Read 160 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 113,159 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Reno

    • City in Nevada
    • 1,065 reviews
    #18 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: There are so many things to love about Reno. We have a very diverse population and there is always something to do! Throughout the year we hold many festivals and celebrations, usually in the heart of our beloved city. We even have a whole month dedicated to the artists and performers of our community and surrounding areas and it's called Artown. The entire month of July has a wide variety of events; from movies in the park, to food, and live music shows, there is always something for everyone to enjoy. Year round the city stays busy with monthly events and a wide range of entertainment provided by local establishments for people of all ages to enjoy! There's always something to do in Reno...Read 1,065 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 246,500 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Berkeley

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

    Works Here: First of Berkeley Ca is a very diverse place. It is a place where you can feel free and express yourself without the fear of being judged. The neighborhoods are beautiful and are surrounded with big beautiful green tress. It has a great variety of public schools and we have UC Berkeley in our own back yard! There is always great food around along with friendly people. The great thing about Berkeley its young and welcoming atmosphere. The one thing I would change about it would be the gentrification that is happening. Gentrification takes away a lot of the historical value Berkeley has to offer...Read 185 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 121,485 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Stamford

    • City in Connecticut
    • 193 reviews
    #20 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: What I like about Stamford is simply the kind of lifestyle there is and how big it is. One place to compare it to is NY CITY because of the amount of things to do there. You can "Go Cart", Ice skate, and many other activities as well as hanging out with friends in downtown Stamford. Not only that but many public parks that you can bike, walk, picnic, play sports like basketball, swim, and even barbeque.Some of those places are Scalzi park, cove park with there beaches. As well as lone park. Other notable parks include, mill river park which is a great place for sight seeing and walking around, also Kosciusko park, cummings park and more! Stamford athletically is good because of the sports complex's like sports complexes, like Bobby Vs, also Chelsie piers that also has fields and courts but younger kids can swim there and gymnastics and trampolines. Not only is Stamford exiting but the restaurant choices might be the best in CT. fancy restaurants, diners, great places for Icecream...Read 193 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 129,309 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Washington, D.C.

    • City in District of Columbia
    • 711 reviews
    #21 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: I absolutely love DC! It has the community element of a smaller town and the appeal of a slightly larger city. There's always something to do here: lots of farmers markets, festivals, all the free museums and attractions, lots of open, free outdoor space. It is easy to stay away from the political bubble, as well, if you're not into that sort of thing. I keep up with the news, but am no way considered a wonk, so it's great to be in a bit of a bubble here and know that people care about many different causes and the state of the world without being overwhelmed. A lot of different non-profits and fields exist here, making it a great place to be professionally. Though it's expensive, the great happy hour + brunch + free activities make it worth it. It's also super diverse, which I love as someone from a Pakistani background!...Read 711 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Outdoor Activities
    • 692,683 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Anaheim

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

    Current Resident: I lived in Anaheim since first grade and overall my experience living here is very good. My favorite thing about living in this city is being next to Disneyland! I loved hearing and seeing the fireworks at 9:30PM almost every night during the summer and every weekend during the slow season. Everything feels so safe, clean, and lively! Unfortunately, due to covid, Disneyland is closed until further notice so the environment has been different lately. It has been quiet and lifeless!...Read 467 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 349,964 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 295 reviews
    #23 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: Torrance is a great city. Personally, the closeness to several beaches makes the city worth wild. Hollywood Riviera offers countless delicious restaurants as well as Old Town Torrance. Also the Del Amo Mall has all stores for all your shopping needs! A city great for families...Read 295 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 145,492 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Jersey City

    • City in New Jersey
    • 286 reviews
    #24 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: This city is exceptionally known for its diversity. There's a variety of different restaurants, places, cultures, and people. It is essentially NYC. Speaking of which, it's very close to NYC. It's a great commuter city. As a result, living here can be pretty expensive! It is also somewhat dangerous in some parts of the city. Otherwise, the benefits of this wonderful city overshadow the flaws...Read 286 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B minus
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 261,940 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Salt Lake City

    • City in Utah
    • 637 reviews
    #25 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in America

    Current Resident: If you like the outdoors, this is the place to be! Skiing and snow sports are 30 minutes away from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown. Summer is a blast with hiking, mountain biking, camping, water sports. There are a ton of lakes within 30 minutes of downtown with camping, fishing and boating options. Southern Utah is red-rock country, and only 3-5 hours away from downtown, depending on which direction you go. The city itself is very conservative, but that just makes the more liberal folks try harder to push back. The art and music scenes are awesome, and believe it or not, we have great beer, wine and spirits made right in our city. There are a ton of bars and clubs, theaters and a large amusement park 25 minutes from downtown...Read 637 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A
      Outdoor Activities
    • 197,756 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Ideaventions Academy for Math and Science

    • Private School
    • RESTON, VA
    • 4-12
    • 1 review

    Parent: We finally found a school that not only could keep up with our children's appetite for learning, but made learning fun and stretched them. They come home happy every day, even after taking Physics in 8th grade. Worth every penny. The teachers are engaging, the administration is dedicated, and the students want to learn...Read 1 Review

    • 63 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour
  34. Review Your Area 

  35. Sponsored

    St. Bartholomew Catholic School

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • PK, K-8
    • 28 reviews

    Parent: My son is in third grade at St. Bart's. We moved from an independent Catholic school and the change in his self-confidence was obvious right away. Class size is small, my son has a homeroom teacher and additional teachers for Spanish, Music, PE, library and computer lab. Although we don't need extra help in the classroom, I know resources are available for kids who have different challenges. Extracurriculars are provided through CYO or private companies and include chess, sports, science, robotics. The school body is small and teachers know all the kids by name. Recess is well supervised, and aftercare is fun. Hot lunch is catered and the caterer offers reasonably balanced meals. Uniform is easy, no jacket for the little guys in lower school! We'd love to see more after school activities being offered to the kids...Read 28 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 185 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour
  36. Sponsored

    The Covenant School

    • Private School
    • CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 33 reviews

    Junior: The Covenant School has a loving and welcoming Christian atmosphere that makes you feel at home. Being a smaller school, the class sizes are perfect for getting more personalized assistance. The teachers are always happy to help their students. I have made a small group of friends here who I'm very close to. Each grade does have their cliques or friend groups, but everyone socializes with other people as well. My few complaints are: ...1. There's no health or mental health class2. Some teachers are a little too open about their political opinions (LGBTQ+ views and more)3. Being a college preparatory school, the workload can be quite challenging, especially with required sports and electivesOverall, I highly recommend this school to all. I'm sure that once I graduate, I will look back with many fond memories.Read 33 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 652 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
    Virtual Tour