FLORIDA - A recent WalletHub study ranks Orlando and Tampa among the best cities in the country for staycations, with Orlando taking the number 2 spot and Tampa coming in at number 7.
WalletHub evaluated 182 cities across the U.S. using 45 key indicators, including access to recreation, food and entertainment, and relaxation options.
Each city received a score out of 100 based on the availability of local attractions, affordability, and quality of life.
Orlando stood out nationally for its abundance of amusement parks, water parks, nightlife, festivals, and arcades.
It also has the highest number of ice cream and frozen yogurt shops per capita, making it a family-friendly destination without the need for plane tickets.
Tampa earned high marks for its mix of waterfront parks, cultural attractions, and booming food scene, offering both excitement and relaxation for locals looking to unwind.
While Orlando and Tampa shine, not every Florida city performed well.
Hialeah was ranked near the bottom at number 178, largely due to limited recreational and wellness options.
The top 10 cities for staycations this year are Cincinnati, Orlando, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Chicago, St. Louis, Tampa, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and San Diego. The bottom of the list includes cities like New Haven, Anaheim, Oakland, Irving, and Yonkers.
With travel costs climbing, many Floridians are discovering that the best vacation might just be in their own backyard.
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