The Best & Worst Staycation Destinations in the US

The Best & Worst Staycation Destinations

1/11
Staycations are more popular than ever, with many Americans choosing to stay local and discover their home state's charms. Wallethub analyzed 182 cities across the country over three categories (Recreation, Food & Entertainment, Rest & Relaxation) to uncover the best and worst cities for staycations. We're showcasing the five best and the five worst staycation destinations right here.

Best Destinations: Honolulu, Hawaii

2/11
Honolulu ranks as the best destination in the country for staycations, earning first place in the Recreation category, 5th in Rest & Relaxation and 15th in Food & Entertainment. Furthermore, Honolulu has the most spas and tennis courts per capita, so it's perfect for pampering and enjoying the city's awesome beaches and access to outdoor adventures.

Orlando, Florida

3/11
Orlando ranks second in the nation for best staycation destinations, ranking first place in Food & Entertainment, 23rd in Recreation and 91st in Rest & Relaxation. So perhaps only those looking to fill their vacations with activities will enjoy this theme park mecca. Orlando, along with several other cities, has the most zoos, aquariums and ice cream shops per capita, and ranks second for number of coffee and tea shops. Did anyone say espresso ice cream? Yes, please!

San Francisco, California

4/11
San Francisco ranks third in the nation overall, but it can get pretty pricey. It ranks 7th in Recreation, 8th in Food & Entertainment and 25th in Rest & Relaxation. The city also ranks 3rd in the nation for most museums per capita, so it's great for culture lovers, or fans of photography (the city's famous Victorian houses are to die for!)

Charleston, South Carolina

5/11
The historic city of Charleston ranks fourth for best staycation destination. It ranks 12th in Recreation, 14th in Food & Entertainment and 17th in Rest & Relaxation. This city Southern hospitality with great experiences for any type of traveler, but the old districts will charm any history or photography lover.

Las Vegas, Nevada

6/11
Las Vegas, the nation's nightlife capital, ranks fifth for best staycation destination. It takes second place for Food & Entertainment, which isn't much of a surprise, 13th for Recreation and a stunningly low 114th for Rest & Relaxation. The city ties in first place for the most zoos and aquariums, most ice cream shops and most spas per capita. So while it may be known as anything but relaxing, you can rest assured that you'll be able to find a small pocket of paradise within this energizing city.

Worst Destinations: Fremont, California

7/11
Fremont, California is the worst destination in the nation for staycations, ranking 182nd overall. It ranks 158th in Recreation, 161st in Rest & Relaxation and 167th in Food & Entertainment. Fremont ranks 93rd for the lowest number of swimming pools per capita in the nation and180th for number of ice cream shops.

Chula Vista, California

8/11
Chula Vista, California ranks 181st in the nation for staycations. It ranks 152nd in Rest & Relaxation, 163rd for Recreation and 165th for Food & Entertainment. Chula Vista ranks 175th in fewest museums per capita and 91st in fewest swimming pools per capita.

Hialeah, Florida

9/11
Hialeah, Florida ranks 180th for staycations. It ranks 99th for Recreation, 159th in Food & Entertainment and 176th for Rest & Relaxation. Hialeah ranks 174th for the fewest museums per capita, so if you're allergic to museums, you might just enjoy this city!

North Las Vegas, Nevada

10/11
In 179th place is North Las Vegas, Nevada. It ranks 149th in Rest & Relaxation, 157th in Rest & Relaxation and 159th in Food & Entertainment. North Las Vegas ranks 94th for fewest tennis courts per capita, so if you're planning on testing out your tennis game this year, it may be a bit difficult to find a court here.

Aurora, Colorado

11/11
Aurora, Colorado ranks 178th in the nation for staycations. It ranks 108th in Recreation, 126th in Food & Entertainment and 180 in Rest & Relaxation. While it doesn't rank as the fewest of anything per capita, it might be harder to find those relaxing activities or fun restaurants and entertainment.

Next Slide > >

< < Prev Slide

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Associate Editor

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Get To Know Us Better

Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me
Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me