Florida shines in WalletHub’s latest rankings of the best cities for recreation
Two Florida cities—Orlando and Tampa—are among the most recreation-friendly cities in the United States, according to a new report from WalletHub. The annual study, which evaluates the 100 most populous U.S. cities across dozens of metrics, ranked Orlando No. 2 and Tampa No. 3 in the nation for access to parks, affordability of recreational activities, and year-round weather suitable for outdoor fun.
The only city to outperform both was Las Vegas, which claimed the top spot overall thanks to its wide range of entertainment venues and low recreation costs.
Florida’s Outdoor Appeal
WalletHub’s rankings highlight what many Floridians already know: Sunshine State cities offer some of the best opportunities in the country for staying active and entertained.
Orlando earned high marks for its abundance of amusement parks, playgrounds, golf courses, and public recreational facilities. It also boasts a favorable climate that allows for outdoor activity year-round.
Tampa, just two hours away on the Gulf Coast, scored well for its extensive network of parks, access to water-based recreation like kayaking and boating, and relatively low costs for fitness and recreational services.
Together, the two Florida cities reflect the state’s investment in livability and active lifestyles.
Methodology
WalletHub’s 2025 report compared cities across 47 key indicators grouped into four main categories:
- Entertainment & recreational facilities
- Costs (such as gym memberships and park fees)
- Quality of parks
- Weather
Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale, with higher scores reflecting better conditions for recreation.
Cities Struggling to Keep Up
While Florida cities shined, others lagged behind. Cities like Fort Wayne, IN, Newark, NJ, and Chula Vista, CA ranked near the bottom due to limited access to public recreation, fewer amenities, and less favorable weather conditions.
Recreation and Quality of Life
Experts note that strong recreation infrastructure contributes to better physical and mental health, increased community engagement, and economic vitality.
“Cities that invest in accessible parks and low-cost recreation help build stronger, healthier communities,” said WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez.
With Orlando and Tampa ranking so highly, Florida continues to make a strong case for being one of the most active and recreation-rich states in the country.
