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Stressful Summer? Get Outside!

See the Best Cities for Outdoor Activities In Case You Need Some Summer Sun and Fun

By Melody PorterPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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It’s summertime, and, normally, people across the country would be slathering on sunscreen and heading outside. This year, summer looks a little different. As our nation faces challenges in public health, economics and civil rights, the joys of warm days outside may seem far away. However, mental and physical health benefits of getting outside may be just what many people need, especially those in cities that are centers of anxiety right now.

City dwellers looking to trade some stress for fresh air this summer may feel lost. A recent study evaluated different American cities to rank the best locales for outdoor activities. The study ranked cities based on available activities, temperatures and public spaces. Analyzing this study and looking into local outdoor guides may inspire city residents to get outdoors.

According to the study, the top-ranked city for outdoor activities is San Francisco, and summer is certainly a great time for those living in the Bay Area to get outside. It’s clear to see how San Francisco ranked so highly, as the city boasts activities like camping on nearby Angel Island and kayaking in the Bay.

San Francisco wasn’t the only California City to earn a high score. San Diego, San Jose, Riverside and Sacramento also made the top 20 cities for outdoor activities. The study’s findings about California seem to be on-par with Californians own priorities of getting outside. The LA Times reports that the state is supporting dozens of activities to keep its residents outside. The West Coast seems like a great place to be this summer as we all hope to get out and move.

But for those on the East Coast, where a sun-kissed tan is a little harder to maintain, some cities still ranked high on the list. Washington, D.C., Boston and Hartford all made the top 15 cities for outdoor activities. Many of these cities have parks with organized sports leagues for city residents. Although this summer’s health concerns may have put a stop to some of those leagues, the public parks are still mostly open for those looking to get outside.

Interestingly, many cities in the southern and midwestern parts of the country did not rank highly, despite the beautiful rolling hills that surround them. Cities like Birmingham, AL, Memphis, Indianapolis and Oklahoma City all ranked in the bottom five cities from the 50 cities analyzed. Given that the particular study considered heat rankings as a factor in ranking cities, these humid spots may have ranked especially low. Still, other guides for outdoor fun in all types of cities may offer some inspiration for residents looking to enjoy the summer weather. Plus, information about how to beat the heat while enjoying the region’s sun is widely available.

With all these cities and their outdoor fun in mind, it is still important to conform to social distancing guidelines and best practices this summer. Some tips outlined by the Harvard Gazette include:

  • Working out in the same personal networks with which you have been self-isolating
  • Keeping a distance from others when out on runs or other outdoor activities
  • Disinfecting surfaces at parks, campsites and other high-traffic activity areas
  • Staying in if you aren’t feeling well and covering your mouth if possible
  • Educating yourself on CDC guidelines before planning your outdoor summer fun

No matter where you live, it’s important to get outside and move around during stressful times. Getting exercise outdoors can boost your immune systems, prevent weight gain and help with inconsistent sleep schedules and anxiety. It’s truly transformative to take the time to get outside and enjoy the summer as usual, even if this is an extremely unusual time.

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