This City Was Just Named the Most Outdoorsy in the U.S. — and It's Near Both the Mountains and the Ocean
Seattle beat out cities like Denver and Portland for the title.
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There are many things to consider when you’re looking to book a trip. How expensive are flights and lodging? How walkable is it? What will the weather be like? In addition, one factor is growing in importance for many people: how outdoors-friendly is the city?
The 2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report found that in 2022 the outdoor recreation participant base grew an additional 2.3 percent, reaching a record 168.1 million participants. That means around 55 percent of the U.S. population ages six and older participate in outdoor recreational activities like hiking, biking, and skiing.
Certain U.S. cities are posed to meet this growing quest to get outdoors. According to a report sponsored by RVshare, a company that facilitates RV rentals, Seattle is the most outdoor-friendly large city in the U.S. followed by Denver and Grand Rapids.
The study, which included cities with populations of one million or more, relied on information from residents and guests in each city. Destinations were then evaluated on several factors, including the average number of days residents participate in outdoor recreation, visits to public parks and lands, and the number of travelers who visit the city for outdoor recreation.
Not only did Seattle score in the upper tier across most categories, most notably regarding the number of visits to public parks and land and the use of outdoor-focused apps and planning tools, but the city was also recognized for its access to various types of recreation. The report notes that “the city is surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, offering activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing.”
Following Seattle on the list is Denver, which ranked first for its access to state and municipal outdoor recreation opportunities. The report called it the “gateway to the Rocky Mountains,” highlighting its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and the high number of nature enthusiasts.
Grand Rapids landed in the No. 3 spot and was recognized for its park system, proximity to Lake Michigan, and location on the Grand River, which is known for its kayaking and fishing.
The top 10 most “outdoor-friendly” cities, according to the report are listed below:
Seattle
Denver
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Miami
Portland, Oregon
Nashville
San Francisco
Richmond, Virginia
Los Angeles
Charlotte, North Carolina
The study also determined the nation’s least outdoor-friendly cities, which was topped by Houston and then Rochester, New York.
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