These U.S. Cities Have the Best Fitness Scenes

Don’t drop your fitness regime when you travel, especially if you are headed to these U.S. cities—including one surprising spot.

Many Americans dream of living a healthier life, whether through exercise, weight loss, or just trying to get more active. It’s something we all strive for at some point, right? But while staying fit is challenging anywhere, especially when you travel, living in a city that encourages an active lifestyle can definitely give you the upper hand, as can choosing a hotel that offers gym facilities or fitness centre, so you can get a quick workout in when you are away from home.

But being surrounded by like-minded folks, along with having easy access to gyms, parks, and outdoor spaces, can make sticking to your fitness goals a whole lot easier when you are in a different state or city, for business or pleasure.

The research team at SportsMillions compared the 99 largest cities in the U.S., analyzing 20 key factors related to active living. These factors were grouped into five categories: budget, participation, sports, outdoor activities, and environmental conditions. What follows are the top 10 cities that should make sticking to your fitness routine a breeze.

1. St. Louis, Missouri (Score: 86.36)

St. Louis, Missouri, takes the number one spot as the best city for an active lifestyle, thanks in large part to its top-tier participation rate. With around 16 sports stores per 100,000 residents, St. Louis offers plenty of places to pick up new athletic gear.

The city is a sports lover’s paradise, boasting over 80 top-rated clubs and nearly 30 tennis courts. Plus, with more than 3,400 fitness trainers ready to help you out, there’s no shortage of guidance to help you crush your fitness goals.

Browse hotels with gyms in St. Louis here.

2. San Francisco, California (Score: 85.39)

San Francisco grabs second place, thanks to an outstanding performance in the outdoor activities category, where it ranked number one. The city’s bike-friendly environment is a key factor, with a bike score of 72, 40 bike trails, and 88 bike rental stations. And let’s not forget about the city’s bike-sharing program, which boasts over 9,000 bikes!

While San Francisco excels in active living, its high cost of living could make it a tough fit for some. Gym memberships average a hefty $106 per month, and tennis court rentals will set you back $26 per hour on weekends. But hey, if you’ve got the budget, it’s a great place to live the active life.

Editor’s hack: The Fitness SF in the Castro is widely considered a popular and well-regarded gay fitness center in San Francisco. It’s a two-level gym located along Market Street, known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant community. While not exclusively gay, it’s a popular spot within the LGBTQ+ community. Fitness SF has eight locations in the Bay Area including Oakland, and Marin. They offer a variety of amenities and services, including group fitness classes, on-demand workouts, and personalized training. Fitness SF emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on physical, mental, and social wellbeing. 

Browse hotels with gyms in San Francisco here.

3. Cincinnati, Ohio (Score: 83.60)

Cincinnati lands in third place, excelling in affordability while still maintaining a decent level of activity. It ranks sixth for participation, and its budget-friendly gym memberships, just around $28 per month, and tennis court rentals at $12 per hour make it an affordable option for those looking to stay active.

With a solid air quality index of 45 AQI, Cincinnati offers decent conditions for outdoor exercise. However, if you’re not a fan of cooler weather, its average temperature of 55.4°F might make you rethink those outdoor runs.

Editor’s hack: Cincinnati has a surprising number of LGBTQ-friendly and inclusive gyms. The Mayerson JCC is one such example, advertised as a welcoming and inclusive space. The Cincinnati Athletic Club also offers a wide range of amenities and is known to be welcoming to diverse populations, including the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, Northside, a neighborhood in Cincinnati, is known for being a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, which may make it easier to find like-minded individuals and potentially more inclusive spaces. 

Browse hotels with gyms in Cincinnati here.

4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Score: 81.02)

Pittsburgh comes in fourth, largely due to its outstanding participation rate. With high search numbers for home workouts and equipment, Pittsburgh residents are clearly committed to staying active. The city also boasts a variety of sports clubs to cater to different fitness preferences.

Pittsburgh’s air quality is exceptional, with an AQI of 29, though the city’s average temperature of 52.3°F may make outdoor enthusiasts think twice before heading outside in the colder months.

Browse hotels in Pittsburgh with gyms here.

5. Scottsdale, Arizona (Score: 80.30)

Scottsdale rounds out the top five, with an impressive number of sports clubs, including over 60 with ratings of three stars or higher. It ranks eighth for sports facilities, with a strong emphasis on sports like soccer, basketball, and golf.

In addition to its sports offerings, Scottsdale has an abundance of swimming pools, around 40 per 100,000 residents, and a solid bike score of 56, making it a great spot for cyclists. With 66 bike rental stations and 4,300 bikes, getting around by bike is a breeze.

Browse hotels with gyms in Scottsdale here.

6. Seattle, Washington (Score: 78.95)

Seattle claims the sixth spot, with standout performances in both the outdoor and sports categories. The city’s 73 hiking trails and 6,400 acres of parkland make it a paradise for hikers, walkers, and runners alike.

For families, Seattle’s 200 playgrounds, many of which have exercise amenities, provide great options for combining fun with fitness.

Look for the best Seattle hotels with gyms here.

7. Miami, Florida (Score: 77.78)

Miami ranks seventh, with 17 sports stores per 100,000 residents, showing a strong interest in sports and fitness. The city also ranks 18th for outdoor activities, with plenty of parks, hiking trails, and bike-sharing programs to explore.

Miami’s perfect weather, with an average temperature of 75.9°F, makes it an ideal city for outdoor workouts. You’ll have no excuses to skip that jog or bike ride along the beach!

Browse Miami hotels with a focus on fitness here.

8. Newark, New Jersey (Score: 74.39)

Newark comes in eighth place with a wealth of sports facilities to support an active lifestyle. The city ranks second for its extensive sports options, including fitness trainers, tennis courts, swimming pools, and sports clubs.

With so many options at your fingertips, it’s easy for Newark residents to stay active and fit, whether you’re into tennis, swimming, or team sports.

Check out the 10 best Newark hotels with a gym here.

9. Arlington, Texas (Score: 73.41)

Arlington claims ninth place, ranking sixth for outdoor activities and offering an impressive 122 hiking trails. The city also boasts affordable fitness options, with average monthly gym memberships of just $25 and weekend tennis court rentals at $15 per hour.

Arlington’s combination of outdoor adventures and budget-friendly fitness options makes it a great choice for those who want to stay active without breaking the bank.

These are the top hotels in Arlington with a gym.

10. Atlanta, Georgia (Score: 72.67)

Atlanta rounds out the top 10, thanks to its residents’ dedication to staying active at home. The city ranks fifth for participation, with a high volume of searches for home workout gear and exercises. Additionally, Atlanta offers great air quality and mild weather, making it an ideal location for outdoor workouts year-round.

Editor’s hack: When in Atlanta, incorporate fitness into your stay when you book accommodation at Nobu Hotel Atlanta with its luxury rooftop pool, steam room and connection to the fantastic and fabulous Phipps Plaza and its Life Time complex.

Book your hotel with fitness in Atlanta here.