Traveling for a vacation isn't always in the budget. Sometimes it's both easier and more affordable to stay at home when you have time off. The trick, however, is figuring out how to make that time special and fun. Some cities offer a lot of options to play tourist while vacationing at home. These are the best at keeping you busy without having to travel far on your Staycation.

What is a staycation?

The staycation evolved somewhere between 2007 and 2010 when the economy took a turn that led people to spend less money. Whether you stay at home or overnight at a hotel, you're remaining in the area — and it's a staycation.

Staycations save money, are easier to plan and don't necessarily require you to take a lot of time off work. You avoid the hassle of packing, driving or flying to another destination that's unfamiliar. You, ideally, then have more time to relax since you're not adjusting to somewhere new and dealing with the potential aggravations of travel. They also work in any season, whether it's the summer, winter break or even a fall weekend “away."

Another bonus of taking a staycation is its impact on the local economy. Instead of spending money abroad or in another state, you're putting those funds back into your local shops, restaurants, museums and other attractions. At the same time, you're rediscovering the local beauty of where you live, which often goes unnoticed during the daily grind.

There are so many benefits to sticking closer to home for your time off. It's worthwhile to consider at least one staycation every now and then to reconnect with all there is already around you.

Finding the best places for a staycation

When thinking about the best cities for a staycation, what criteria come to mind?

For our list, it's all about comfort, relaxation and activity. This breaks down into factors like Average apartment size, the average cost of a bottle of wine, the city's walk and bike scores and the number of hotels, spas and tourist activities in the area. It's all the important stuff that really adds that something extra.

Here are the 10 best cities if you're planning a staycation.

10. Austin, TX

More than a state capitol, Austin is a great place to live if you're into live music. The scene there is so robust, you can catch a show featuring blues, rock and, of course, country.

For those who thrive in a place where there's plenty of outdoor activity, Austin also has you covered. There are multiple parks for hiking and biking, as well as lakes for boating and swimming. You can even spend a day outside as a spectator, watching cars speed by at the Formula 1 Circuit of the Americas raceway.

As the home of the University of Texas, Austin, the city has a good mix of college students, young professionals and families. It also means there's usually a lot of options when it comes to renting. On average, you'll find a two-bedroom apartment for $1,634.

Staycation ideas in Austin

• Blanton Museum of Art: On the campus of the University of Texas, the Blanton Museum is one of the largest university art museums in the country. Check out more than 18,000 works of art in this unique and eclectic collection that also features a sizable assortment of contemporary Latin American art.
• Zilker Metropolitan Park and Barton Springs Pool: Make a day of it outside in nature. Start in the 351-acre Zilker park, simply wandering around, but don't forget your bathing suit. Barton Springs Pool is a local hotspot for swimming and cooling off. It was even believed that the water possessed spiritual healing powers so you can count it as a 'spa day.'
• Sixth Street: As a local, you've probably been to this downtown location before to catch some live music and grab a drink or two. Check the performance schedule for your staycation, though, and make sure to pencil in a night out to hear some of your favorite music. Focus on up-and-coming talent and discover a totally new band in this musical hub.

9. Tampa, FL

With a mix of historic architecture and modern activity, Tampa is a city infused with Cuban and Spanish flavors. Its culture and community make it a beautiful and lively place for a staycation. You not only find plenty of urban parks, but scenic waterways to enjoy year-round in the temperate Florida weather.

Tampa is a great city for all ages, providing activity to suit an entire family alongside hotels for any staycation budget. You can customize your staycation for an outdoor adventure, focus on the cultural roots of the city or simply enjoy the local cuisine.

Downtown is where the young professionals congregate, but this is a family-friendly town designed for leisure and fun. Prepare to pay $1,624 per month, on average, to rent a two-bedroom apartment.

Staycation ideas in Tampa

• Busch Gardens: Don't spend your entire staycation relaxing. Instead, seek some thrills at Busch Gardens in the city's Terrace Park neighborhood. Iron Gwazi is billed as the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America and is set to open in early 2021, but there's no shortage of spinning, fast-moving, thrill rides while you wait. If rides aren't your thing, the theme park is also home to more than 200 species of animals.
• Ybor City: This neighborhood, established by Cuban and Spanish cigar factory workers, is a great dining and nightlife destination during your staycation. Ybor City is also known for its boutiques and vintage shops. Practice some retail therapy before grabbing some authentic Cuban cuisine or learn more about how the community came together at the Ybor City State Museum.
• Tampa Riverwalk: Taking up 2.5 miles along the Hillsborough River, the Riverwalk is more than just a footpath for some staycation exercise. Along the way you'll find parks, a history center, an activity-filled wharf and even the Florida Aquarium. It may take your whole staycation to see everything the Riverwalk has to offer.

8. San Diego, CA

What an ideal place for a staycation. San Diego boasts such amazing weather and so many beaches that every day could feel like a vacation. It also tops our list with the highest number of spas around the city. With more than 580, you could turn your entire staycation into one long spa day.

There's no shortage of other activities, as well. This coastal city offers a great collection of museums, a stylized nod to its history and more delicious dining experiences than you can count. Regardless of how your staycation plays out, make sure to grab some fresh seafood and put the city's signature fish tacos on your to do list.

Depending on where you live in San Diego, the community feel can differ. With a few local colleges and universities, a thriving downtown and excellent suburbs, there's plenty of variety. Across San Diego though, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,299.

Staycation ideas in San Diego

• Belmont Park: For thrill seekers, a staycation offers a chance to visit Belmont Park. You can find this historic spot right along the water in Mission Beach. Make sure to ride the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, which moves through twists and turns at up to 48 miles per hour.
• La Jolla Village: If you're more interested in a laid back staycation, turn your attention to the beachy suburb of La Jolla. The village itself is only a few blocks, but it's packed with art galleries, boutiques and delicious restaurants. You can even watch the seals at nearby La Jolla Cove, and check out the local tide pools.
• Downtown San Diego: When you want to get a little of everything from a single spot in San Diego, visit the downtown area. It's a melting pot of activities. Check out the historic Gaslamp Quarter, grab a bite in Little Italy and take a touristy pic with the Coronado Bridge in the background. You can also toss in a little history with a tour of the USS Midway, shop at Seaport Village and get lost in the origins of the city in Old Town.

7. Minneapolis, MN

One of the Twin Cities, you can recognize Minneapolis from its parks and lakes. Out of all our top 10 staycation cities, it received the highest bike score of 83. Parked alongside the Mississippi River, there's no shortage of waterfront views either. Outside may be where it's at in this city, but what happens when things cool off?

Winter weather is no deterrent for a fun staycation thanks to the Minneapolis Skyway. This indoor pedestrian walkway links seven miles of downtown buildings together for warm and easy access. The system goes through 69 blocks and is the longest continuous skyway system in the world.

A friendly, Midwestern city, Minneapolis offers jobs in a range of industries, including finance, healthcare, transportation and manufacturing. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment here will cost you $2,142.

Staycation ideas in Minneapolis

• Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Mix indoor fun with outdoor beauty. Visit this contemporary art museum in Loring Park and swing by the adjacent sculpture garden. You can see the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry piece by Claes Oldenburg.
• Mall of America: Located in the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington, the Mall of America has become a serious tourist attraction since it opened in 1992. In addition to all the shops, the mall hosts more than 400 events a year, ranging from concerts to fashion shows. You can also find a range of attractions within the mall including mini-golf, a movie theater and an aquarium. It's not just about shopping at this mall.
• Minnehaha Falls: Standing 53-feet tall, this waterfall, made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, used to power a local mill. Today, it's a central attraction within Minnehaha Park. With 193 acres, this park includes bike paths, volleyball courts and a playground.

6. St. Louis, MO

Another city located alongside the Mississippi River, St. Louis is most known for its barbecue and blues music. It's an ideal staycation city because it offers more free major tourist attractions than any other city, excluding Washington, D.C. You can see most of the museums, the zoo and the science center without spending a cent.

A major part of the Inland Waterway system, the city is the northernmost point on the Mississippi that stays free of ice all year. That makes it a huge inland port and a big attraction for many corporations.

It's not all business in St. Louis, though. The city also houses one of the oldest orchestras in the United States and has an opera company and multiple theater companies. Living here lets you balance work and play with a little history tossed into the mix. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment will cost you $2,199.

Staycation ideas in St Louis

• Gateway Arch: The most identifiable structure within the city, the Gateway Arch downtown lets visitors see almost 30 miles in any direction on a clear day. Built to honor the explorers Lewis and Clark and America's westward expansion in general, the arch fits in perfectly on any staycation list.
• City Museum: This special museum is actually a giant playground built from salvaged architectural and industrial objects. You won't find anything like this anywhere else. Contained within a 100-year-old warehouse, repurposed materials used in installations include pieces of old cities that once built tunnels, slides, bridges and castles. There are even secret passages to discover.
• Grant's Farm: If you're a beer lover, pay homage to Anheuser-Busch and visit their signature Clydesdale horses at Grant's Farm. Special events also take place all year at the farm, not to mention the variety of other animals to see, ride and feed.

5. Miami, FL

Already a popular vacation spot, Miami caters to tourists of all types, even those not traveling far from home. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy, not to mention the large volume of clubs, shops and restaurants. You could easily take your staycation to a local resort and get the feel of a vacation while still around the corner from home.

Spend your break doing all the touristy beach stuff like scuba diving, snorkeling or windsurfing. Or, go in a sporty direction and go to a game or two to watch the Marlins, Dolphins or Heat, depending on the season.

With a variety of neighborhoods, Miami has a diverse culture and community. Living here will cost you an average of $3,161 per month in rent for a two-bedroom apartment.

Staycation ideas in Miami

• Jungle Island: You'll find Jungle Island only minutes from downtown on Watson Island. This attraction provides interactive animal experiences and gives visitors a sense of adventure and discovery in Treewalk Village.
• Viacaya Museum and Gardens: A local treasure located between Coconut Grove and Brickell, this museum consists of a Renaissance-style villa with 34 styled rooms full of European furniture and art from as far back as the 15th century. The beautiful gardens, done in the Italianate style are also open to wander through.
• Miami Seaquarium: With a strong leaning toward rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals, the Seaquarium on Key Biscayne is a perfect staycation stop. Between the mammal shows and sea life exhibits, the whole family will have fun. You can even book an interactive experience at Dolphin Harbor.

4. San Francisco, CA

With its dramatic hills and windy waterfront, San Francisco is a great staycation for all the walkers out there. The city's walk score tops out at 93, and you can pretty much see the entire city on foot. From parks to bridges, shopping squares to wharves, a walk through San Francisco can put you in your happy place.

It's also a great city to do your staycation away from your actual home. A hotel staycation lets you enjoy the rest and relaxation of not being at home without the cost of travel, and with nearly 400 different hotels in the city, you'll have your pick at any budget.

It's important to note that San Francisco is a city full of fast-movers. Apartments change hands quickly, and it can sometimes be a challenge to find the perfect place to live. Rent is also a little on the higher side, making it even better to save a little with a staycation. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $4,034 per month.

Staycation ideas in San Francisco

• Alcatraz: There aren't many places where you can spend the day in prison and still go home before dinner. Alcatraz Island has an amazing history, first as a military fortification and then as a famous prison housing well-known criminals like Al Capone. Take your time wandering the island and see what life would have been like if you had gotten locked up on Alcatraz.
• Ghirardelli Square: What's a staycation without delicious treats? Indulge and get your chocolate fix with a touristy visit to Ghirardelli Square near Fisherman's Wharf. As the central draw to the area, the square has developed around the chocolate shop and includes restaurants, hotels and other stores, all worth exploring.
• Golden Gate Park: For a little relaxation, Golden Gate Park is a great city attraction to visit. The only problem may be the crowds since more than 13 million people come through each year. At more than 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park has lakes, picnic areas, monuments, playgrounds and gardens to keep visitors busy.

3. New Orleans, LA

Thinking of places with big tourist attractions, certain cities like Las Vegas or New York City may come to mind, but New Orleans is right up there, too. There are dozens of attractions around the city, many steeped in the unique culture and history that makes New Orleans such a fun staycation location.

Make your staycation all about the nightlife, staying up until all hours to experience the live music and lively clubs. After all, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. If you like your sleep, there's plenty to do by day, as well.

For those who call New Orleans home, expect to pay around $2,260 per month in rest for a two-bedroom apartment.

Staycation ideas in New Orleans

• Garden District: If you live in New Orleans but have never toured the Garden District, make this a must for your staycation. Take a walking tour or ride the trolley through this beautiful neighborhood to see some amazing homes.
• French Quarter: It's hugely touristy, but the French Quarter is quintessential New Orleans. You can have as much fun people watching as joining in on the fun itself. If too crowded, Frenchmen Street offers the same opportunities for live music and tasty eats with a more local flair.
• Swamp Tour: For something a little different, book a swamp tour. You may have to drive a little to get to the bayou, but this mix of freshwater and saltwater creates a special ecosystem worth seeing. Spot crawfish, shrimp, deep and gators as you paddle through the water.

2. Scottsdale, AZ

A little haven in the desert, Scottsdale is the perfect city for a chill staycation. With so many sunny days, you can spend time outside all year-round. Just be careful about taking a summer staycation in the sun, it gets hot.

If not hitting the trails or scaling rocky cliffs, Scottsdale is well-known for its spas and golf courses. Happy hour is also a worthwhile activity for your staycation here. The city wins out for the cheapest average price, per bottle, of wine at $5.36.

While the average age of Scottsdale residents is a little older than most other places, it's an active community that occupies kids as much as adults. For those renting, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,231.

Staycation ideas in Scottsdale

• Butterfly Wonderland: A wonderful family-friendly experience, Butterfly Wonderland gets you up close and personal with these delicate creatures. Learn about the Monarch migration with a special documentary before heading to the “nursery" where a butterfly can emerge right before your eyes. Then, move into the conservatory where you can see butterflies and reptiles that inhabit our world's rainforests. You may even have a butterfly land on you as wander around.
• Old Town: One of the best urban centers in the state, Old Town can occupy your entire staycation with its 90 restaurants, 320 shops and more than 80 art galleries. It's also fun to just walk around as the architecture in this area follows strict guidelines. These control building design and what materials new developments can use. It keeps the area authentic and interesting even when you're not shopping.
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve: The largest urban wilderness area in the United States, this preserve has more than 180 miles of trails within the desert. Spot sand-dwelling wildlife and see tall saguaro cacti reaching toward the sky.

1. Denver, CO

You might feel inclined to devote your Denver staycation to skiing or snowboarding, but take a different route this time. See what the city itself has to offer. Downtown is one of the most walkable city centers in the country with three major sports stadiums, colleges, museums and more.

The Mile High City really does give you a special experience. At this altitude, alcoholic drinks hit harder and the sun feels warmer. This is good news since Denver has about 300 sunny days each year.

Get outside in Denver without the snowy slopes thanks to an incredible park system that includes 20,000 acres of parks. Within, you'll find Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, as well as a city-owned buffalo herd. Living here gives you so many opportunities to customize your staycation, but expect to pay around $2,788 in monthly rent for a two-bed place.

Staycation ideas in Denver

• Elitch Gardens: This theme and water park is distinct since it's located within the Auraria neighborhood of downtown Denver. Open April through October, it's perfectly placed for use during a staycation. There's something for everyone with more than 50 rides and rollercoasters and an entire water park.
• Denver Mint: Making its first coins all the way back in 1906, the Denver Mint is still operating today in Civic Center, producing coins for circulation. Each year, 10 billion coins get produced. You can see how it's done with a free, guided tour.
• Echo Lake Park: Located along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, a little west of Denver, Echo Lake Park contains easy hiking trails, a crystalline lake, campgrounds and a lodge. Heading here on your staycation lets you enjoy the outdoors of Colorado without having to hop on a ski lift.

The 50 best cities for a staycation

In reality, any place you call home will have some attractions or historical sites worth seeing that can easily make you a tourist in your own town. Vacationing at home is the new trend, take advantage of it wherever you live.

Did your hometown make the top 10? No worries if it didn't. Here, we expand the list to include the 50 best cities for staycationing.

Methodology

To determine the best foodie cities, we looked at the 100 most populated cities in the country according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 estimates and then ranked each city by the following factors:

Comfort

• The average square footage of a two-bedroom apartment
• Hotels per capita

Relaxation

• Spas per capita
• The average cost of a bottle of wine

Activities

• Tourist activities per capita
• Walk Score
• Bike Score

Each of these factors was weighted equally, and the cities with the best overall score were determined to be the best cities for staycations.

Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.com's multifamily rental property inventory of two-bedroom apartments. Data was pulled in November 2020 and goes back for one year. We use a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.

The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

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