Published on
August 20, 2025
Las Vegas, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, Denver, Houston, and several other U.S. cities are ideal for travelers who want to maintain their fitness routine while having fun. These cities offer the perfect combination of outdoor activities, fitness facilities, and vibrant local cultures. Whether it’s walking through scenic neighborhoods, enjoying the many parks and trails, or participating in fitness classes, these urban hubs provide plenty of options to stay active while you explore. With a mix of good weather, walkability, and recreational spaces, these cities ensure that travelers can prioritize their health without missing out on exciting experiences. From hiking in San Francisco to cycling along the beaches of Los Angeles, these destinations make it easy to stay fit and have fun at the same time.
Key Factors for Ranking Health-Friendly Cities:
- Walkability: Cities that score highly on walkability make it easier to explore on foot, encouraging travelers to stay active rather than rely on cars or public transport.
- Fitness Studios: Having access to fitness studios and gyms gives travelers the opportunity to continue their workout routines, whether it’s yoga, spin classes, or weight training.
- Annual Precipitation: Cities with low rainfall allow for more outdoor activities, meaning you’re less likely to be hindered by bad weather while trying to stay fit.
- Parks and Green Spaces: Cities that offer expansive parks and recreational areas make it easy to enjoy the outdoors, from running trails to cycling paths.
- Sports Facilities: Cities with numerous sports fields enable visitors to engage in local games or watch amateur sports, further supporting an active lifestyle.
The Top 10 U.S. Cities for Fitness and Health:
- San Diego, California
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Denver, Colorado
- Houston, Texas
- New York, New York (tie)
Health-Friendly Cities: What Stands Out
Major urban centers dominate the rankings, with cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Chicago topping the list. Coastal cities, especially those in California, rank well thanks to their walkability, abundance of outdoor activities, and fitness-focused amenities. Washington, D.C. and New York also perform well, representing the East Coast’s offerings. In the Midwest, Minneapolis stands out, while Denver and Las Vegas emerge as top picks in the West.
Walkability: Best and Worst Cities for Exploring on Foot
If you’re someone who enjoys walking to explore new cities, certain places make it easier than others. Here are the cities with the highest and lowest walkability scores:
- Most Walkable Cities:
- Nashville, TN & Washington, D.C. (tie)
- Louisville, KY
- San Francisco, CA
- Least Walkable Cities:
- Charlotte, NC & Jacksonville, FL (tie)
- Indianapolis, IN & Raleigh, NC (tie)
- Birmingham, AL & Virginia Beach, VA (tie)
Fitness Studios: Where to Find the Best Workout Options
If maintaining your fitness routine is a priority, some cities offer a wider range of fitness studios. Whether you’re into yoga, pilates, cycling, or high-intensity interval training, these cities have you covered:
- Cities with the Most Fitness Studios:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- San Diego, CA
- Cities with the Fewest Fitness Studios:
- New Orleans, LA
- Kansas City, MO
- Providence, RI
Precipitation: Best Cities for Outdoor Activities
For those who prefer dry weather, these cities with lower rainfall make outdoor exercise much more enjoyable and predictable:
- Cities with the Least Precipitation:
- Las Vegas, NV
- Phoenix, AZ
- Los Angeles, CA
On the other hand, if you’re prepared for rainy weather, consider these cities:
- Cities with the Most Precipitation:
- Buffalo, NY
- Portland, OR
- Cleveland, OH
Parks and Green Spaces: Cities with the Most Nature for Outdoor Fun
Parks are perfect for jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying a walk surrounded by nature. These cities provide the most expansive green spaces for outdoor activities:
- Cities with the Most Parks and Recreation Areas:
- New Orleans, LA
- Washington, D.C.
- San Francisco, CA
For those looking for less green space, here are cities with the least:
- Cities with the Least Parks and Recreation Areas:
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Detroit, MI
- Memphis, TN
Sports Fields: Where to Play and Watch Local Sports
If you enjoy participating in or watching sports while traveling, these cities are perfect for finding sports fields:
- Cities with the Most Sports Fields:
- Cincinnati, OH
- St. Louis, MO
- Minneapolis, MN
- Cities with the Fewest Sports Fields:
- Austin, TX & New Orleans, LA (tie)
- Los Angeles, CA
- Phoenix, AZ & San Jose, CA (tie)
Full Ranking of U.S. Cities for Fitness and Health Travel:
- San Diego, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Washington, D.C.
- Las Vegas, NV
- Denver, CO
- Houston, TX & New York, NY (tie)
- Philadelphia, PA, Sacramento, CA, San Jose, CA (tie)
- St. Louis, MO
- Phoenix, AZ
- Dallas, TX
- Nashville, TN
- Riverside, CA
- Boston, MA
- Cincinnati, OH
Tips for Staying Healthy on the Go
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track:
- Pack for Movement: Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, workout gear, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Select Fitness-Friendly Lodging: Choose accommodations near parks, walking trails, or hotels with gym facilities to make exercise a part of your routine.
- Healthy Eating Options: Research healthy food options in advance and pack snacks to help you avoid unhealthy temptations while traveling.
With the right destination and preparation, you can stay active and healthy while enjoying all the exciting experiences that come with traveling. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or participating in a local sport, these cities offer the ideal environments for maintaining fitness goals during your vacation.
