Staycations are trending for a couple of good reasons! First off, inflation is hitting Americans hard, and it’s making us rethink our travel plans. Plus, did you know we take the least vacations in the world? We only manage about 11 days a year on average, and many of us don’t even use all our vacation days!
You may think it’s bizarre, but sometimes I like a staycation even more than a far-off vacation. We all know the saying, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” Traveling can be expensive, stressful, and not as relaxing as we might think.
A staycation is the perfect solution for someone like me, who only gets a rare free day now and then. I love the idea of spending less time in transit and more time snuggled up in my bed. It really helps me recharge!
Vacations near home can save a ton of cash while still being just as memorable. You skip the hefty hotel bills and cut down on travel expenses, all while discovering fun activities right in your backyard. A recent study compared over 180 cities to find the best spots for budget-friendly staycations.
Feeling a bit cooped up at home? Don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to make it feel like you’re on an adventure without straying too far from home. Here’s a look at some of the best and worst cities for staycations!
Best: Orlando, FL
Let’s give Orlando residents a moment to celebrate living in the top city for a staycation, which means they don’t need to go far to have a great time!
This Florida city is full of affordable restaurants—most rated 4.5 stars or higher—and there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re into theme parks, nightlife, or festivals, Orlando’s got it all. Go check out the Morse Museum and the Sanford Zoo, or take a scenic walk at Orlando Wetlands Park. Grab lunch nearby or bring a picnic—plenty of tables there! Whatever you choose, you’ll head home feeling relaxed and happy.
Best: Honolulu, HI
Living in Honolulu is a dream with its sunny weather, picture-perfect beaches, and the best poke around! If you’re looking for a great staycation, why not embrace that “aloha” spirit? Tourists spend a fortune to soak up the sun here, but you can enjoy all the fun for less.
Take a road trip along the coast, starting in Waikiki and heading north to the Dole Factory, then back south. Hiking in Diamond Head and Koko Head are both incredible. Don’t skip the delicious seafood and Asian cuisines in Waikiki and Chinatown!
Best: Cincinnati, OH
For a well-spent staycation, why not reconnect with nature? Locals in Cincinnati are embracing the beauty of their city—less travel, more adventure! You can cool off at one of the nearby lakes or hit the trails for a hike. Check out Hocking Hills or Red River Gorge for stunning views and great trails.
If you prefer a more relaxed day, join a historical tour. Queen City Underground tour is highly recommended, and you can explore old brewery tunnels beneath the city. There is even a social Cincinnati food tour if you haven’t done one.
Best: Las Vegas, NV
You’ve probably read that Las Vegas is one of the top travel spots in America. With about 1.9 million searches for ‘Las Vegas’ as a vacation destination, it’s clear why. Even for a staycation, this city has so much to offer!
Spend the day exploring the iconic casinos—whether you gamble or not, they’re packed with incredible attractions, shows, massive pools, and award-winning restaurants. For the ultimate Vegas experience, head to the Strip. And don’t forget the concerts! You might be lucky to catch a show from stars like Christina Aguilera or Maroon 5.
Best: Tampa, FL
Tampa ranks third for rest and relaxation, making it one of the best cities for a staycation. While Orlando is known for its many amusement parks and activities, Tampa offers plenty of fun, too!
If you find a free day, grab some gear and go fishing with local anglers to catch snapper trout, redfish, or maybe a shark! If fishing isn’t your style, stroll or hike at Lettuce Lake Regional Park. And for those who love thrills, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines adrenaline-pumping rides with beautiful nature—perfect for a fun staycation.
Worst: Fremont, CA
Fremont ranks low on the list, struggling to offer great food, entertainment, and relaxation. With average swimming pool ratings and few ice cream shops, it’s not the top choice for a getaway. The nightlife scene is lacking, too, and affordable restaurants are hard to find.
It’s surprising since Fremont is known as one of the happiest cities in the country! Maybe it’s the proximity to wineries!
Worst: Irving, TX
Hot summers in Irving can make you crave a getaway. The intense heat often drives folks indoors, and the high energy bills from air conditioning don’t help. While there are plenty of dining options, fine dining spots are a bit scarce compared to bigger cities.
The city has great parks and green spaces like The Campion Trail, Lake Carolyn, and Mandalay Canal. Just remember that public transportation isn’t as convenient here, with the DART system offering limited routes.
Worst: Pearl City, HI
I get what you’re thinking—how can Honolulu be the best for a staycation while Pearl City falls short? Pearl City is a laid-back suburb just north of Honolulu, offering a chill vibe, but it lacks the excitement and attractions of its bigger neighbor.
Residents often deal with frustrating traffic, especially during rush hour, which can damper things. Staying here can cost more than heading out of town for a vacation.
Worst: Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista, which means “beautiful view,” is right in the heart of a culturally rich and diverse area in Southern California. However, locals often want to steer clear of the summer crowds, which might explain its lower ranking for staycations.
With the city’s rapid growth, reports show that police staffing is lacking, leading to slow response times for emergencies. Did you also know Chula Vista has the 19th worst commute time in the country? To top it off, you’ll find fewer unique dining and entertainment options than larger cities.
Worst: Yonkers, NY
If you live in Yonkers, you might want to rethink your choice of a stay-at-home vacation. It ranks low for food, entertainment, and relaxation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself here!
Take a leisurely stroll through Untermyer Park or visit the Hudson River Museum. You can find plenty to do in Yonkers, but be aware that accommodations and dining can be expensive. You might want to consider splurging on a trip instead.
Source: WalletHub
10 of the Happiest Places to Live in America (2024), According to a New Report
Recent research has ranked the top happiest U.S. cities based on social, physical, economic, and emotional well-being. These places promise an above-average quality of life that might just spark a little extra joy in your day-to-day!
Read more: 10 of the Happiest Places to Live in America (2024), According to a New Report
12 of the Best and Worst Places To Retire in the U.S., According to a New Study
In the U.S., some benchmarks make some areas better or worse for retirees than others. A recent study took a deep dive, ranking over 180 cities based on affordability, quality of life, healthcare, and fun activities. These are some of the best and worst cities to consider for your sunset years.
Read more: 12 of the Best and Worst Places To Retire in the U.S., According to a New Study
10 of the Best Run Cities in America, According to a New Report
A recent study looked at around a hundred major cities across the U.S. and evaluated their local leadership effectiveness in areas like financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure. Curious about the results? Check out these best-run cities and see if you agree!
Read more: 10 of the Best Run Cities in America, According to a New Report
