Best and Worst Cities for a Summer Staycation

Many Americans will opt for a money- and time-saving staycation this summer. To determine the best and worst places to stay put, WalletHub analyzed 40 key indicators across three major categories-recreation; food and entertainment; rest and relaxation-for more than 180 U.S. cities.

No surprises here. The Theme Park Capital of the World takes the crown, ranking number one in food and entertainment thanks to its abundance of amusement parks, which attract countless visitors from nearby and afar each and every summer.

Honolulu ranks consistently high across all three major categories, earning top 10 marks for recreation (ninth), food and entertainment (eighth) and rest and relaxation (fourth). After all, few destinations can compete with the Hawaiian capital's pleasant climate and world-class beaches.

The Windy City ranks the highest in terms of recreation based on its stellar parks, lakeside trails and numerous shopping opportunities. Chicago even ranks slightly better than Honolulu when it comes to food and entertainment.

Like Chicago, Seattle scores top 10 marks in both recreation and food and entertainment as a result of its plentiful outdoor activities, unique attractions and burgeoning foodie and craft beer scenes.

Portland barely trails Seattle for the title of Best Staycation Destination in the Pacific Northwest. Running trails, river access and the expansive Forest Park mean locals and visitors alike will have a tough time running out of things to do. Plus, Portland is tied for first in most beer gardens per capita.

Tampa trails only Cape Coral, Florida in terms of rest and relaxation opportunities and ranks a solid 12th for food and entertainment. If you're looking to recharge your batteries and try something new on the Gulf Coast this summer, Tampa is the place to do it.

Las Vegas is the Entertainment Capital of the World so it's fitting it ranks second in food and entertainment and seventh overall for a staycation. Sin City also boasts tremendous accommodations for visitors hoping to revel alongside locals this summer.

Despite ranking slightly below average for rest and relaxation, San Francisco's seemingly endless recreation opportunities and impressive dining and live music scenes make it the top destination for a staycation in the Golden State.

Elsewhere in California, San Diego ranks ninth for its weather, beaches, attractions and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park and SeaWorld are just a couple of possibilities.

Arguably the biggest surprise in the top 10, Charleston trails only four other cities for rest and relaxation and cracks the top 30 in both recreation and food and entertainment offerings.

The birthplace of Buddy Holly ranks the lowest of any Texas city WalletHub examined. However, there are plenty of things to do in Lubbock, including visiting the Buddy Holly Center or Joyland Amusement Park within the 248-acre Mackenzie Park.

Located just south of Providence, Warwick, Rhode Island ranks above average (86th) in terms of recreation, tying for first in most public golf courses per capita. Nonetheless, the smallest state's second-largest city is the second-worst for rest and relaxation, according to WalletHub's research.

Similar to Warwick, Aurora ranks middle-of-the-pack for recreation but falls off in the other important categories. Fortunately, residents can make the short drive east to fun-filled Chicago for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Anaheim is easily the biggest surprise in the bottom 10 as it's home to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Knott's Berry Farm. Clearly, there are worse places to be stranded for the summer.

Believe it or not, Nashua has a lot to offer in regards to recreation, including outdoor spaces such as Mine Falls Park and Greeley Park. However, residents will likely find nearby Boston more appealing for food and entertainment.

Yonkers is tied for first in terms of most museums per capita and ranks a respectable 67th for recreation. Still, locals in search of top-tier restaurants and entertainment will be inclined to make the trip into nearby New York City.

Located in the Bay Area between San Francisco and San Jose, Fremont has a lot to offer nature lovers, including Mission Peak and Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. But it simply can't compete with the larger cities that surround it when it comes to entertainment.

While San Bernardino isn't the worst destination for a spa or wellness getaway, the city isn't likely to wow visitors with its recreation opportunities or food and entertainment offerings.

Residents of Bridgeport, Connecticut will be tempted to visit New York City or nearby New Haven this summer as the historic seaport city ranks 165th or worse in all three major categories.

Despite its seaside location and close proximity to Los Angeles, Oxnard ranks 182nd out of 182 American cities, based on WalletHub's research. The city came in below average in all three categories but ranked dead last in food and entertainment. Well, there's always the beach.