California Cities Ranked Lowest for Staycations: What You Need to Know!

Hialeah, Florida - This summer, a notable 82% of Americans are gearing up for travel, but rising inflation is casting a shadow on those plans. The current economic climate has more folks looking for cost-effective ways to unwind, and staycations are quickly becoming the go-to option for family fun without breaking the bank. WalletHub has shed some light on where to find the best and worst cities for these local getaways. According to Oakdale Leader, over 180 U.S. cities were evaluated based on 41 indicators such as parks per capita and average restaurant meal costs to compile the staycation rankings for 2025.

Leading the pack is Cincinnati, Ohio, which has scored top marks for its wealth of outdoor activities and affordable eateries. Right on its heels is our own Orlando, Florida, renowned for its amusement parks, vibrant nightlife, and a plethora of dining alternatives. Las Vegas, with its mix of entertainment and outdoor fun, follows closely behind. Let’s not forget Chicago, St. Louis, and Tampa as other noteworthy cities making the list of best staycation spots.

The Bottom Dwellers

Not all cities fared well in the rankings, though. The bottom five are a mix of California and Texas cities, with Hialeah, Florida, snagging the unenviable spot of being the third worst. The cities bringing up the rear in this particular study include:

• 173. New Haven, Connecticut
• 174. Anaheim, California
• 175. Santa Ana, California
• 176. Oakland, California
• 177. Irving, Texas
• 178. Hialeah, Florida
• 179. Chula Vista, California
• 180. Pearl City, Hawaii
• 181. Fremont, California
• 182. Yonkers, New York

Inflationary pressures seem to be nudging families towards local activities rather than far-flung adventures. As highlighted by experts featured in Boston University, the key to successfully making the most of a staycation lies in planning and a touch of creativity. Jonathan Katz emphasizes the importance of rediscovering one’s local area with intentionality, and this approach is echoed by several other researchers.

Expert Insights

According to various experts included in this report, there’s a wealth of local opportunities that families can dive into—whether they prefer museum visits, hiking, or enjoying local parks. David T. Rolfe recommends checking out nearby swimming pools and recreational areas that often get overlooked. The advice is clear: make the most of your surroundings, no matter where you call home. Dr. Katherine A. Quinn notes that the popularity of staycations is surging due to the challenge of inflation, so now is an opportune time to explore what’s close and affordable.

This trend towards staycations seems set to continue, as families look for ways to enjoy leisure without straining their budgets. Orlando’s array of attractions, including its unique dining scene and vibrant nightlife, continues to position it as a prime location for those choosing to stay closer to home. With all that said, it’s clear that while we’ll miss the glamorous vacations of the past, there’s still plenty of fun to be had right in our own backyards.