While urban areas used to be catered toward the automobile, that’s starting to change. It is easier than ever for active families to travel around in the U.S. American cities are increasingly accommodating toward runners and cyclists, while the number of public gyms, parks, recreational sports leagues and other fitness amenities are also on the rise.
Physically active families who are looking for a change of scenery should strongly consider visiting these health and wellness-oriented U.S. cities.
1. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Michigan’s state capital is small compared to neighboring cities like Detroit and Lansing, but its size is an advantage. In 2016, downtown Ann Arbor earned the title of the most walkable Midwest neighborhood and has competed for that title every year since. The city proper is only 67 blocks and feels more like a suburb than a dense urban area, making it extremely attractive for walkers, runners and cyclists.
Ann Arbor sits alongside the Huron River, where hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and paddle boarding are popular activities. During the winter when the river freezes over, ice skating becomes the city’s favorite pastime. Washtenaw County also boasts the most well-maintained forests in the state, with numerous parks and gardens for families to enjoy.
Additionally, Ann Arbor has a tremendous athletics culture as the home of the University of Michigan Wolverines. Football is a big deal here, but you can find a youth and adult recreational league for virtually every sport. There are also over 20 highly rated public gyms concentrated in the downtown area.
2. Arlington, Virginia
Arlington is an urban county in northern Virginia, one of the most beautiful and family-friendly areas in the nation. It has an insane 148 county-owned parks in just 26 square miles, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also find 52 miles of multi-use trails, 13 community centers, 93 basketball courts, 92 tennis courts, 15 volleyball courts and 613 restaurants.
For commuters, Arlington consistently ranks among the most bicycle-friendly jurisdictions year in and year out. With more than 100 miles of designated bike paths, you’ll have a hard time exploring the whole area in one trip. The paths take you across the Potomac River into Washington, D.C. and far south to the adjoining city of Alexandria.
In a nutshell, Arlington gives visitors a Virginian urban experience without the crowdedness of D.C. Your whole family can walk, run or bike around the neighborhoods to your heart’s delight. Be sure to cross all five bridges in the area to get the full experience — the Francis Scott Key, Arlington Memorial, George Mason, Theodore Roosevelt and Rochambeau Memorial.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is called the city in the forest for a good reason. Its warm southern climate has allowed local parks to blossom, creating beautiful areas like Piedmont Park, Grant Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden. The tallest outdoor setting in the area is Stone Mountain Park, which features a variety of attractions, including Geyser Towers, Camp Highland Outpost and Adventure Golf.
Metropolitan Atlanta accommodates all commuters and visitors who want to explore. It ranks ninth in the country in walkability and has quickly become a cycling town in recent years thanks to road improvements. Dozens of gyms, fitness studios and community centers are scattered throughout the midtown and downtown areas.
The sports culture also runs deep thanks to the numerous local professional and college teams, including the Braves, Hawks, Falcons and Georgia Bulldogs. In 2015, the Atlanta Hawks started construction on 25 community basketball courts to promote outdoor recreation and social connection for city residents.
4. Austin, Texas
There’s a reason why Austin has become a go-to destination for families. The climate is perfect and the residents take their health and wellness seriously, ranking the eighth-most physically active city in the U.S. There’s always something to do along the Colorado River, including fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, bird watching and even bat watching.
Austin is also ranked one of the fittest cities in the country thanks to its wide variety of community recreation centers. You can find conventional public gyms, climbing gyms, dance studios, tennis courts and more. Plus, thanks to sunny skies and warm temperatures year-round, outdoor fitness classes are always available for locals and visitors.
Just outside the city limits are attractions like the Barton Creek Greenbelt, McKinney Falls State Park, Auditorium Shores and Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. There are also numerous hiking trails and public campgrounds to explore. Austin’s residents certainly don’t let the area’s climate and geography go to waste.
5. Boston, Massachusetts
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Boston’s blue-collar, hard-working culture made this list. Beantown is the third-most walkable major city in the U.S. behind New York City and San Francisco. Residents are more than twice as likely to walk or bike to work than people from other cities, which has played a huge role in keeping the population healthy.
Scattered throughout the city are more than 300 parks and waterways to explore, most notably the Boston Common on Beacon Hill. The Charles River offers ferry tours and sunset cruises that show you many of the city’s historical landmarks. If you want to get the most out of these experiences, try to visit during the late summer or early fall when the leaves start to change.
Boston’s gym scene covers every workout style you can think of, from boxing gyms to spin classes to functional fitness boot camps. You can even sign up for private workout classes right on the baseball field at Fenway Park. Families have an abundance of health and wellness options when visiting this historic town.
6. Boulder, Colorado
Colorado has earned the title of the most physically active state in the country, and Boulder is one of the major contributors. It’s arguably the best city in the Midwest for active families, with almost the entire population living in close proximity to a gym, park or recreation center. As a college town, it’s accessible for walkers, cyclists and other unconventional commuters.
The state of Colorado maintains its public land exceptionally well. There are 45,000 acres of unspoiled land, including 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in the Boulder area alone. The Rocky Mountains provide a range of activities, from camping to horseback riding to white water rafting. Hot air ballooning is also a popular attraction because of the high elevation.
Boulder is also among the top winter sports destinations in the world, not just the U.S. Skiing and snowboarding are more like religious obligations than casual hobbies here. When it snows, you’re guaranteed to find kids sledding throughout the city. If your family prefers winter recreation over the other seasons, then you won’t find a better spot than Boulder.
7. Corvallis, Oregon
Portland and Eugene take up most of the spotlight in Oregon, but Corvallis is the place to go for physically active families. It has a longstanding history as a safe and easily navigable city for walkers, runners and cyclists. With a quintessential Pacific Northwest climate, the city is surrounded by temperate rainforests and rugged mountains with many activities to offer.
You can find everything on the Heart of the Valley Outdoor Recreation Map, which provides a full description of outdoor activities in Benton County. Perhaps the most popular attraction is the Corvallis-to-the-Sea trail, which takes you through 62 miles of forests, hills and farmlands straight to the Pacific coast.
Corvallis is also home to Oregon State University, where students and local residents can work out at the Dixon Recreation Center. The center features two gyms, a climbing wall, a swimming pool and indoor and outdoor courts for almost every sport imaginable. Visitors should strongly consider getting a day pass and exploring the whole facility.
8. Denver, Colorado
Colorado makes another appearance on this list, this time featuring the capital city of Denver. Denver ranks the fourth-most physically active city in the U.S. thanks to a few key factors. First, many residents are naturally in better shape because of the mile-high elevation. Walking around town is a challenging workout for newcomers, but the locals are accustomed to it.
Another reason for Denver’s emphasis on health and wellness is the city’s easy access to the Rocky Mountains. It’s literally surrounded by sporting activities and outdoor recreation. The metro area contains more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, while multi-purpose trails around the city are full of hikers, mountain bikers and off-road enthusiasts.
Denver is also one of the few American cities that offers winter recreation year-round. The snow-capped mountains are always full of diehard skiers, snowboarders and people riding snowmobiles. If you’re lucky enough to visit the Mile High City during the spring or fall, you’ll get the best of both worlds with cold-weather and warm-weather activities.
9. Miami, Florida
Miami is the polar opposite of Denver in terms of climate and geography, but both cities take their health seriously. The Magic City has the highest percentage of residents who work out at least once a week at 83%. Around 56% of residents also work out for at least 90 minutes every week, which is more than any other U.S. city.
It’s no surprise that Miami residents gravitate toward the fitness lifestyle. You’d be crazy not to spend time outdoors enjoying the tropical weather and pristine beaches. There are 280 Miami-Dade Parks to explore, which feature hiking trails and slow-moving canals for amazing fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Just watch out for the alligators!
The metropolitan neighborhoods are designed for walking to accommodate the heavy tourist presence, especially in North Miami Beach and South Beach. Families can walk from their hotels straight to the coast and enjoy a full day on the beaches. Plus, there are always fitness classes, volleyball matches and other fun activities going on.
10. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Once again, this list does a complete 180 and returns to a cold climate. Minneapolis is the second-most physically active city in the U.S. thanks in large part to the frigid temperatures. Residents can either do nothing and freeze or stay warm and strong with athletic pursuits. Most people choose the latter option.
The name “Minneapolis” means “City of Waters” in Latin, which is a testament to the area’s urban wilderness. Residents are never more than six blocks away from the nearest park or natural landscape. Numerous hiking and biking trails run along the area’s lakes, creeks and waterfalls. Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes and none of them disappoint.
For indoor fitness amenities, there are dozens of gyms on both sides of the Mississippi River. Los Campeones and Twin Cities Gym are two popular local chains. Ice skating and rollerblading rinks also make common appearances. The Minneapolis Convention Center even offers free fitness classes to the public in its redesigned plaza.
11. Park City, Utah
Park City is heaven on earth for hikers and cyclists. It’s the first city in the U.S. to earn gold-level ride status according to the International Mountain Biking Association. The extensive trail network starts in the downtown area and trickles into the surrounding hills, which provide amazing views of the local desert terrain.
The Deer Valley Resort is always adding new trails, while old classics like the Wasatch Crest Trail and Old Town Area are some of the most popular hiking and mountain biking destinations in the country. There are also fun attractions like fishing, white water rafting, zip lining and horseback riding.
During the winter months, Park City usually gets lots of snow and becomes a haven for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and privately guided snowshoe tours. Thanks to Utah’s unique climate and geography, locals and tourists alike always have something to do in this hidden Western gem.
12. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh has earned the nickname “Kidsburgh” because it’s one of the most family-friendly cities in the U.S. It has everything a child could want, including the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, an aquarium, a zoo, walking/bike tours and all kinds of live entertainment in the town square. This city was made for exploring on foot.
One major reason Pittsburgh is so fitness-oriented is the local sports culture. This city bleeds black and yellow, whether it’s for the Steelers, Penguins or Pirates. These organizations host many community recreational events throughout the year, including some intense athletic competitions like flag football games.
The greater Pittsburgh area boasts a ridiculous 4503 miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking, mountain biking, off-roading and snowmobiling in the winter. Some of the trails have public campgrounds and fishing spots as well. There’s bound to be an ideal spot for you and your family somewhere in this expansive network.
13. San Diego, California
California is full of great cities for physically active families, and San Diego is the best of them all. It’s the seventh-most active city in the U.S. and the second-most active city in Cali behind San Francisco, but San Diego is more family-friendly for several reasons. For starters, the metropolitan area is safer and easier to walk because the terrain isn’t so hilly.
Another reason is San Diego’s slightly more tropical climate, which has allowed local beaches and parks to coexist with the urban sprawl. While other California cities have become more urbanized, metro San Diego maintains a healthy balance between concrete and nature. Visitors have no issue going car-free when they want to explore the area.
The beautiful weather also means you can swim, fish, hike, play recreational sports and pursue other athletic activities year-round. San Diego offers dozens of highly-rated gym chains to the public, most notably the BXNG Club and Point Loma Sports Club. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a gym that doesn’t have some outdoor amenities.
14. San Francisco, California
Although San Diego has a slight edge in terms of family-friendly activities, San Francisco still deserves some recognition. It’s the third-most physically active city in the U.S. with an adult obesity rate of just 16%, the lowest in the country. People have no trouble staying active while they explore the rolling suburban hills and mesmerizing beaches.
There are a total of 220 parks, playgrounds and open spaces in the Bay Area, making up almost 18% of the city’s total land area. No other city in America can boast so many scenic walking trails, gardens or picnic spots so close to the metropolitan center. Residents and the local parks and recreation department do an excellent job maintaining these natural areas.
Although California is known for its amicable year-round climate, San Francisco’s northern location still allows you to enjoy a snow day during the winter months. Families can take a snowshoe tour through Yosemite National Park, go skiing at Bear Valley Resort or bring the kids to Leland High Sierra Snowplay’s massive tubing slopes.
15. Seattle, Washington
Seattle might also be on the Pacific coast, but its climate and atmosphere are very different from San Diego. Despite the rainy climate, Seattle claims the title of America’s most physically active city with an 85% share of active adults. This number is largely due to people walking and biking everywhere. The city is full of bike paths and multi-use trails that can take you right downtown.
Additionally, Seattle is nicknamed the Emerald City for a reason. It’s full of tropical Pacific greenery that provides scenic views year-round. People from all over the region travel to Seattle for hiking, mountain biking and overnight camping excursions. Ocean activities such as whale watching and ferry tours are also popular among tourists.
For indoor fitness amenities, Seattle offers a unique spread of gyms and classes catered toward families and young adults. Visitors should have no trouble finding affordable guest passes for gyms in the metro area. If you’re lucky, you can join one of the free outdoor classes on the Seattle waterfront.
16. South Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America with crystal-clear waters, providing the perfect environment for both land and water activities. It sits right on the California-Nevada border, but the main “city” is South Lake Tahoe on the Cali side of the lake. The lake’s southern end is full of walking and biking paths with a range of difficulty levels.
The Tahoe Rim Trail that runs around the lake is a well-maintained collection of paths with shoreside campgrounds, fishing spots and public beaches. The Northstar Resort is arguably the most popular destination, but there are many small villages around the lake with family-friendly recreation centers and eating establishments.
Lake Tahoe is also a top destination for winter sports when the snows roll through. With 300 days of sunshine a year, the slope conditions are perfect for most of the season. Sledding, tubing, ice skating and snowmobiling are available for kids who can’t ski or snowboard. Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are highly recommended.
17. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is arguably the best beach town in the U.S. The weather is enjoyable all year, with perfect summers and mild winters. As such, there are numerous outdoor activities that keep the local population healthy and happy. Water sports are the most common activities, but fishing, ziplining and glamorous camping — also known as “glamping” are also popular.
Thanks to its ideal environment, Virginia Beach ranks as the twelfth-most physically active city in the U.S. The other cities ranked around it are much larger, which shows how committed the local community is to health and wellness. Gyms, fitness studios and spas are common oceanfront fixtures so people can exercise right on the beach.
During the fall and winter months when the water gets too cold, Virginia Beach offers a complete family itinerary to keep visitors busy. You can shop along the boardwalk, tour various local landmarks, go mini-golfing, visit the aquarium or simply explore the state parks and wildlife refuges with seven distinct ecosystems.
Stay a While at These Healthy, Happy Cities
Short vacations are much easier to plan than extended vacations, but your family won’t get the full experience of these cities just by visiting for one weekend. You need to stay awhile, enjoy as many attractions as possible and get a better understanding of why they’re so healthy and happy. Every location has plenty of lodging options to choose from.
Perhaps in the future, you can permanently relocate to one of these cities and give your family the perfect environment for your physically active lifestyle to flourish.
Author Bio
Jack Shaw has spent the last five years writing freelance and seeing as much of the world as he can. He has a distinct love of traveling and exploring new cultures. Writings about his experiences can be found on Modded, The Travel Magazine, Duluth Pack and more.
