Here are the top 10 US cities for a 'staycation' this summer and what to do while there

WalletHub said these cities are great for recreation, food, entertainment and relaxation

Summer 2024 is here, and millions of Americans will head out on trips of all kinds to different cities across the U.S. 

Vacation destinations are a popular topic of conversation leading up to the warm, school-less months — but what are the best spots to stay this summer? 

Staycations are often popular for those with a lower travel budget who are just looking to change scenery for a few days. 

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WalletHub recently compared 182 U.S. cities to find the best ones to take advantage of a staycation. 

The company compared cities in three key dimensions: recreation; food and entertainment; and rest and relaxation. 

San Diego, California

San Diego was named a great staycation spot by WalletHub. (iStock / iStock)

Among those categories, specific points were drawn from the number of public golf courses, swimming pools, casinos, beer gardens, public beaches and more per capita.

Here's a countdown of the top 10 U.S. cities for staycations this summer.

Top 10 U.S. cities for staycations in 2024

10. Tucson, Arizona

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9. New Orleans

New Orleans

New Orleans also ranked high on the list of staycation spots. (iStock / iStock)

8. Atlanta

7. San Diego

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6. Chicago

Chicago river

Chicago was named one of the best places for a staycation this summer. (iStock / iStock)

5. Tampa, Florida

4. Las Vegas

3. Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio skyline

Cincinnati also ranked high on the staycation list. (iStock / iStock)

2. Honolulu

1. Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, was named the best city to have a staycation this summer — and for some very specific reasons.

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WalletHub said this city took the top spot due to its variety of activities in the area — amusement parks, water parks, nightlife activities, festivals, zoos and arcades per capita. 

The town is also known for having a plethora of diverse, affordable restaurants

Honolulu ranked high for a staycation spot — although it is one of the most popular travel destinations for a vacation in the U.S., as well.

Orlando skyline

Orlando, Florida, was named the best place to take a staycation due to its large offerings of outdoor activities.  (iStock / iStock)

WalletHub noted that it’s a great place for people who love to spend time outdoors as it has lots of opportunity for activity. 

Cincinnati was named the third-best staycation city in the U.S., thanks to its large number of parks, swimming pools and baseball fields.

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The Ohio city also ranked high for its affordable restaurants and variety of beer gardens and ice cream shops. 

Cities at the bottom of the list include Pearl City, Hawaii; Irving, Texas; and Fremont, California, respectively. 

Chicago and New Orleans

WalletHub released a list of the best U.S. cities to take a staycation this summer — see if your local spot made the list.  (iStock / iStock)

Additionally, WalletHub noted that five cities tied for first place with the highest number of zoos and aquariums per capita: St. Louis, Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando and Tampa. 

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Those looking for a staycation filled with museum visits might consider New Orleans, New York, Miami, San Francisco and Charleston, South Carolina. 

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Fox News Digital reached out to WalletHub for further comment.