SAN DIEGO — A recent study by RV Share, which is an online community for RV renters and owners, set out to rank the most and least outdoor friendly cities in America. San Diego landed 37th on the list trailing behind cities like Las Vegas and Jacksonville.
Tourist Charlotte Joshi was shocked.
"I actually find that kind of weird, I've been to Las Vegas and I could not be outside like everything was done inside in the air conditioning," said Joshi.
The cities were determined by number of days participated in outdoor recreation, number of visits to public parks and land, proximity to state and municipal parks and trails, and federal lands.
The list ranked two California cities in its top ten.
- Seattle, Washington
- Denver, Colorado
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Miami, Florida
- Portland, Oregon
- Nashville, Tennessee
- San Francisco, California
- Richmond, Virginia
- Los Angeles, California
- Charlotte, North Carolina
Paula nation is a face painter in Balboa Park, who has lived in San Diego for 54 years. She says the city should be ranked higher on the list.
"That is horrendous, cause we live in paradise, this is the best place on earth we're America's Finest City," said Nation.
From surfing and parasailing to hiking, Nation said San Diego has it all.
"That's my favorite part about living San Diego, we have the beaches and mountains we can go there in one day, all of those places," said Nation.
It's beaches that drew Joshi to visit.
"Kind of the beach vibe appeals to me, the temperature is so much better, wandering around is a lot easier down here," said Joshi.
While it seem costs on everything continue to rise, you don’t have to pay to enjoy a walk on the beach or a hike at Torrey Pines.
"I just enjoy kind of walking around and seeing and not necessarily spending a whole lot of money on doing things, but there's so much to see as a tourist walking on the streets," said Joshi.
Nation said in terms of outdoor activities, everyone has something to enjoy in San Diego.
"Walking, biking, when I was younger, roller-skating, I know they're here to enjoy," said Nation.
The cities ranked as the least outdoor-friendly cities included one in California.
- Houston, Texas
- Rochester, New York
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Detroit, Michigan
- Buffalo, New York
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Fresno, California
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