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Who doesn't love a good recreational activity? They're a fantastic way to relax, have fun, and take a break from the daily grind. But let's be honest, finding the right recreational activities can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially in cities with limited options. Even if you do manage to find a recreational space, the costs can be sky-high. Private gyms, fancy sports clubs, and exclusive recreational classes often come with hefty price tags.
July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and WalletHub compiled a list of the best and worst cities for recreation. To determine the places where recreation is a high priority, they compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 48 key metrics that speak to the benefits of recreational activities. In each city, they examined basic living costs, the quality of parks, the accessibility of entertainment and recreational facilities, and the weather.
Orlando and Tampa ranked No. 2 and 3 on the list of best cities for recreation.
Of the 100 cities ranked, Durham, North Carolina, Newark, NJ, and Chula Vista, California, fell at the bottom of the list among the worst. Among all the states, Florida stood out as the only one with multiple cities making it into the Top 10. The rankings were led by Las Vegas and featured other cities such as Cincinnati, Atlanta, San Diego, Honolulu, St. Louis, Chicago, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
The list also featured other Florida cities, such as St. Petersburg, ranking at No. 19, Jacksonville at No. 33, and Miami at No. 54. However, Hialeah didn't fare as well and found itself in the bottom 10, landing at No. 93. Hialeah was specifically noted for having the fewest playgrounds per capita, according to the financial site’s findings.
In addition to the overall rankings, the financial site also dived into specific metrics to assess how cities performed. For instance, Nashville, Tennessee, emerged as the city with the most affordable bowling costs, while St. Paul, Minnesota, topped the list for the highest bowling costs. Their findings revealed that Corpus Christi, Texas, had the lowest movie costs, while Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, shared the distinction of having the highest movie costs.
Regarding tennis courts per capita, Norfolk, Virginia, and Omaha, Nebraska, took the lead, while Bakersfield, California, had the fewest. As for coffee shops per capita, three cities – Orlando, Florida, Pittsburgh, and Honolulu – tied for the highest number, while Laredo, Texas, ranked lowest in this category.
On the other hand, Anchorage, Alaska; Fremont, California; and Irvine, California, proudly claimed the highest percentage of parkland, highlighting their commitment to green spaces. In contrast, Hialeah, Florida, had the lowest percentage of parkland, indicating a lower availability of such recreational areas.
15 Florida Beaches Where Alcohol Is Legal To Drink
I fondly remember the days of drinking on Fort Myers Beach. It wasn't really legal, but we did it anyway. Going to 7-11 and getting a giant Big Gulp cup and then making a mixed drink to sip on the beach. It was so common that every Spring Breaker outside the Lani Kai was carrying a Big Gulp cup. I'm pretty sure the cops knew. Florida beaches and alcohol have always gone together.
And if you're going to drink on Fort Myers Beach, you better hide it. The Town Of Fort Myers Beach has this posted "Any person convicted of violation of Section 5 of this Ordinance may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed 60 days, or both." 60 days in jail for a Mich Ultra? Seems harsh.
The grown up version is to make a drink in a giant Yeti cup. The ice lasts so much longer. That's how I do my summertime vodka cranberry down on Bonita Beach. Even though it's not actually legal to do so. There used to be a sign that says "no alcohol", but the Hurricane Ian destroyed it.
One thing to remember with alcohol on Florida beaches. It's really never ok to bring glass. Even if no one says don't bring glass - don't bring glass. If you break a bottle you'll never get all the pieces and then someone will step on it.
And it's hot here. Don't forget to alternate between booze and bottled water or you'll be hurting. That dehydration headache is a killer.
Perdido Key
Perdido Key is on the Panhandle, at the Florida - Alabama border. The local sheriff breaks down the rules:
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is in the same county as Perdido Key, so the same rules apply. Pensacola Beach does have an alcohol free "family zone" west of the pier.
Shell Island
It's ok to drink on private lots and county roads in the middle of the island, but it's illegal in the State Park area.
Panama City Beach
The PCB has a Spring Break law where no alcohol is allowed on the beach during the month of March. Also, no metal shovels are allowed on the beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. I'm interested in hearing whatever story caused that law. So it's legal for 11 months out of the year. PCB has had a major problem with rip currents this year. If the double red flag warning is out, drink on the beach - but stay out of the water.
Madeira Beach
On over to the Tampa - St. Pete Area. We don't call it Mad Beach for nothing. As is usually the case, no glass. I spent spring break there when I was in college. Not sure how I made it out alive.
St. Pete Beach
Rules on this beach. You can drink on the sand at beachfront hotels, but only if you're a guest of the hotel.
Treasure Island
Apparently it's ok to drink here as long as it's not day-drinking. No alcohol is allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. So pack it and let it set on ice until 4pm.
Siesta Beach
We're in Sarasota County. Cans and cups, no glass. Bad behavior is not ok, so be cool.
Turtle Beach
Another Sarasota County Beach, so the same rules as Siesta.
Lido Beach
Sarasota County, so it's cool here, too.
Naples Municipal Beach
I see a lot of conflicting information on this one. Some sites say it's ok to drink on the beach. Others say it's not. I know you can't drink at the pier. You can drink on Marco Island beaches. I know people do drink on Naples Beach, but I don't know if it's really legal.
Flagler Beach
Let's move on over to the East Coast. The Sheriff's Department says this "Open containers are prohibited except on the sand of the beaches. " So finish it before you step off the sand.
Cocoa Beach
Drinking is fine, but no glass, and no pets. Sometimes there's even live music out on the sand.
Playalinda Beach
Not only can you drink here, but if you park in lot 13 that takes you to a clothing optional section of the beach. Yes, a nude beach where drinking is allowed. How have I not been here, yet?
