10 Cities in the US with the Best Outdoors Scene in 2024
Discover the top 10 cities for outdoor enthusiasts in our guide to America’s best urban and wilderness landscapes. Explore vibrant parks and expansive natural areas as we highlight the outdoor scenes to watch in 2024.
10New York City, NY
From Central Park to the High Line, NYC offers diverse outdoor experiences.
- Highlight:Diverse parks and innovative green spaces.
- Notable Spots:Central Park for peaceful escapes, the High Line for urban strolls.
- Outdoor Experience:Biking along the Hudson River Park, kayaking in the East River.
9Denver, CO
Denver's mountainous backdrop and city parks provide a perfect outdoor blend.
- Highlight:Access to the Rockies and thriving urban parklands.
- Notable Spots:Rocky Mountain National Park, City Park for City Park Jazz.
- Outdoor Experience:Hiking and mountain biking in the foothills, skiing nearby.
8Portland, OR
Portland is a green city packed with parks and bike paths alongside rivers.
- Highlight:A network of bike paths and waterfront parks.
- Notable Spots:Forest Park, the largest urban forest in the US, Waterfront Park.
- Outdoor Experience:Kayaking on the Willamette, extensive urban biking trails.
7San Francisco, CA
Iconic landscapes and extensive parks offer unique urban outdoor experiences.
- Highlight:Golden Gate Park and the Presidio provide city escape.
- Notable Spots:Golden Gate Bridge vistas, Alcatraz Island tours.
- Outdoor Experience:Sailing in the bay, hiking in Muir Woods.
6Seattle, WA
Seattle combines lush greenery with water-based activities and stunning mountain views.
- Highlight:Emerald City with abundant parks and waterfront access.
- Notable Spots:Discovery Park for trails, Lake Union for paddle sports.
- Outdoor Experience:Whale watching in Puget Sound, hiking in the Cascades.
5Miami, FL
Miami's sunny beaches and vibrant natural reserves offer year-round outdoor fun.
- Highlight:Beaches and wetlands within city limits.
- Notable Spots:Everglades National Park, South Beach for sunbathing and swimming.
- Outdoor Experience:Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park, kayaking in the Everglades.
4Minneapolis, MN
Renowned for its bike-friendly streets and plethora of lakes, Minneapolis is a haven for cyclists and paddlers.
- Highlight:City of Lakes with vibrant biking culture.
- Notable Spots:Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Park.
- Outdoor Experience:Canoeing and fishing on the lakes, winter skiing and snowboarding.
3Asheville, NC
Asheville offers a unique blend of artistic downtown and access to the Appalachian wilderness.
- Highlight:Artistic community with a gateway to Appalachian adventures.
- Notable Spots:Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic drives, downtown Asheville for urban art.
- Outdoor Experience:Hiking and camping in the Great Smoky Mountains, white-water rafting.
2Austin, TX
Austin's outdoor scene is as vibrant as its music, with lakes and trails that invite exploration.
- Highlight:Live music outdoors and water-bound adventures.
- Notable Spots:Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Metropolitan Park for festivals and leisure.
- Outdoor Experience:Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, hiking the Greenbelt.
1Los Angeles, CA
LA's unique geography offers beaches, mountains, and urban parks all within a short drive.
- Highlight:Diverse landscapes from beaches to hiking trails.
- Notable Spots:Griffith Park for city views, Santa Monica Beach for ocean activities.
- Outdoor Experience:Surfing in Malibu, hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains.