Orlando Tops Best Staycation Cities for 2024
With around 82% of Americans planning to travel this summer, the high costs might force some to cut back on expenses, opting for less extravagant trips or even staying home. Fortunately, you don't need to go far to have a great time. Many cities within day-trip range offer plenty of options for entertainment and relaxation without breaking the bank.
Exploring Top Staycation Cities
To help you find the perfect staycation spot, WalletHub compared over 180 cities across 42 key metrics, including parks and museums per capita and restaurant costs. Here’s a closer look at some of the best cities for a fun-filled, budget-friendly staycation.
1. Orlando, FL
Orlando tops the list as the best city for a staycation, thanks to its abundance of activities. Known for its high number of amusement parks, water parks, nightlife activities, festivals, zoos, and arcades per capita, Orlando offers endless entertainment options.
The city also boasts a plethora of affordable, highly-rated restaurants and diverse cuisine options. Don't forget to cool off at one of the many ice cream shops during the hot summer days.
2. Honolulu, HI
Honolulu takes the second spot, leveraging its reputation as a popular vacation destination. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering ample opportunities to play tennis or baseball, swim, hike, or rent bikes. The city’s natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for staying active.
Honolulu also features numerous spas, making it a great place to relax. Plus, with the average cost of a massage being relatively low at around $74, pampering yourself is within reach. The city’s coffee shops and affordable, quality restaurants further enhance its staycation appeal.
3. Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati ranks third, especially excelling in outdoor activities. With a large number of parks, swimming pools, and baseball fields, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and active.
The city is also home to many affordable restaurants with high ratings, ensuring you can enjoy good food without cooking or cleaning up. Cincinnati’s numerous beer gardens and ice cream shops cater to those looking to indulge. Additionally, hiring a maid service for house cleaning is relatively affordable, allowing you to return to a spotless home after a day of fun.
Methodology
WalletHub’s analysis evaluated 182 U.S. cities, including the 150 most populated cities and at least two of the most populated cities in each state, across three key dimensions: Recreation, Food & Entertainment, and Rest & Relaxation. These dimensions were assessed using 42 relevant metrics, graded on a 100-point scale.
Recreation (33.33 points) included metrics such as public golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, basketball hoops, parks, and playgrounds per capita, as well as walk and bike scores.
Food & Entertainment (33.33 points) evaluated costs of movie tickets, theater tickets, bowling, party tickets, cocktails, and more, along with the number of nightlife options, festivals, museums, zoos, arcades, coffee shops, and restaurants per capita.
Rest & Relaxation (33.33 points) considered costs of house-cleaning services, spas and wellness centers, massages, beauty salons, and public beaches per capita, alongside the idealness of summer weather.
By determining each city’s weighted average across these metrics, WalletHub ranked the cities to find the best staycation spots. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, great dining, or some relaxing downtime, these cities offer everything you need for a memorable staycation without straining your budget.
