Best Cities For Outdoor Activities
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Here are the best cities for outdoor activities: skiing and snowboarding in Gloucester, skiing in Colorado, UT, and mountain biking in Atlanta, Colorado.
Outdoor activities are important for living a healthy and balanced life. They bring many benefits for the body, mind, and emotions, whether it’s walking through forests, cycling on beautiful trails, or simply enjoying time in green spaces.
Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research indicates that 'green exercise'—physical activity in natural environments—leads to improvements in self-esteem and mood. The study suggests that even short engagements in green exercise can yield significant benefits.
Cities around the world have understood how valuable outdoor activities are and have created areas that bring nature closer to where people live. These cities offer a mix of easy access, different activities, and natural beauty, making them great for both adventure lovers and families.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that walking at least 7,000 steps per day is associated with a 31% lower risk of depression. Each additional 1,000 steps up to 10,000 was linked to a 9% reduction in depression risk, highlighting the mental health benefits of regular physical activity.
This article looks at some of the best cities for outdoor activities, showing what makes them special and how they suit different interests. From the lively paths of Atlanta to the peaceful waters of Norwich, these cities prove how urban areas can include the outdoors in their designs. Whether you enjoy mountain walks, water sports, or calm parks to unwind, these places offer a wonderful mix of excitement and relaxation.
Best USA cities for outdoor activities
- Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Atlanta might not be the first place you think of for outdoor fun, but it has a surprising range of activities. The Atlanta BeltLine, a 33-mile path still being built, connects different neighbourhoods and offers space for walking, running, and cycling. For water lovers, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a great spot for fishing, paddling, or relaxing by the scenic riverbanks.
The city also has trails like those in Southside Park, perfect for mountain biking. Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry, soon to be Atlanta’s largest park, will cover 280 acres with walking paths and a cliff-lined lake. These developments show how Atlanta is working hard to provide outdoor spaces for everyone in the city.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Colorado Springs is a dream for adventure lovers. It’s home to Pikes Peak, a 14,115-foot mountain with stunning views, challenging trails, and even downhill biking. For climbers, Garden of the Gods offers beautiful sandstone formations and climbing routes, just minutes from the city centre.
Another highlight is the Manitou Incline, a steep trail built on old cable-car tracks. It climbs 2,000 feet in less than a mile, providing a tough workout and incredible views. Local parks like Palmer Park also offer hiking and biking through pine forests and rocky landscapes.
- Duluth, Minnesota, USA
Duluth sits on the shores of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The city has over 100 miles of trails for hiking, running, and cycling. Efforts to clean up the Saint Louis River Corridor have transformed it into a hotspot for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.
The river, once polluted, has been restored, bringing back wildlife like bald eagles and smallmouth bass. Kayakers can explore the estuaries, while parks like Chambers Grove Park have sandy beaches for swimming after a hike or bike ride.
- Olympia, Washington, USA
Olympia is a gateway to outdoor adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Located between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it’s a great base for exploring forests, beaches, and mountains.
Nearby Mount Rainier National Park offers hiking and climbing, while Priest Point Park and Nisqually Wildlife Refuge have nature trails and birdwatching spots. Adventure enthusiasts can surf at Westport, hike the Olympic Range, or ski at Crystal Mountain Resort—all within 90 minutes of Olympia.
Best UK cities for outdoor activities
In the UK, cities provide diverse opportunities for outdoor fun, from water sports to hiking trails and beautiful parks. Here are some of the top destinations for those looking to get outside.
- Southampton
Southampton is one of the UK’s most active cities, with nearly 20 outdoor activities available for every 100,000 people. It’s a great spot for water sports, thanks to the Southampton Water Activities Centre, which offers lessons in sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Being on the coast makes Southampton perfect for those who love spending time near the water. - Norwich
Norwich is a city that blends natural beauty with outdoor fun. It’s close to the Broads National Park, where you can go boating, take walks, or even try arts and crafts in the peaceful wetlands. With 16 walking trails and 18 parks, Norwich is an excellent choice for families and anyone who enjoys being outside. - Gloucester
Gloucester, located in southwest England, is a hidden gem for outdoor activities. It has a Ski and Snowboard Centre with a 255-metre slope where visitors can practise their skills. The city also has plenty of parks and trails, making it ideal for hiking and exploring nature. Its wide range of activities means there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Why outdoor cities matter
Outdoor activities are important for improving quality of life. Having access to parks, trails, and adventure sports helps people stay physically healthy and feel better mentally. Cities that focus on outdoor spaces give residents and visitors the chance to enjoy nature, lower their stress levels, and feel more connected to their community.
From Duluth’s long hiking trails to Southampton’s exciting water sports, these cities are great for people who love spending time outside. Whether you enjoy hiking in the mountains or relaxing in city parks, these places offer the perfect settings to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
