New research by SportsShoes.com not only uncovered the United States as the top country for running, swimming and cycling, but also delved into the top specific places within the country for family travelers to best enjoy these activities.
The study looked at TripAdvisor reviews for more than 760 running paths, cycle routes and popular swimming locations to discover which spots attracted the most visitors and received the most positive reviews.
Run
The 10 best places to run in the United States are:
- Central Park, New York City
- Miami Beach Boardwalk, Miami
- Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, Austin
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach
- San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio
- Lakefront Trail, Chicago
- Venice Beach, Los Angeles
- Boise River Greenbelt, Idaho
- Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas
New York City’s Central Park offers runners plenty of green space in the heart of a busy and urban environment. Miami Beach Boardwalk spans 2 miles, with two areas of paved paths along the beach for runners to enjoy views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.
Cycle
The 10 best places to cycle in the United States are:
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach
- Central Park, New York City
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alaska
- Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, Florida
- Lakefront Trail, Chicago
- Lady Bird Lake, Austin
- 26-Mile Bike Path, Santa Monica
- Mackinac Island State Park, Michigan
- Shark Valley, Miami
- Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania
The country’s favorite biking location is Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a spot often teeming with cyclists. Alaska’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail takes the third spot, stretching from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. This route promises views of the Cook Inlet in the Gulf of Alaska and Chugach Mountain.
Swim
The 10 best places to swim in the United States are:
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hawai’i
- Waikiki Beach, Hawai’i
- Ka’anapali Beach, Hawai’i
- Waimea Valley, Hawai’i
- La Jolla Cave, San Diego
- Poipu Beach Park, Hawai’i
- Barton Springs Pool, Austin
- Robert Treman State Park, New York
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida
- Blue Springs State Park, Florida
Hawai’i claims five of the top 10 spots for swimming. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, located on Oahu, is a volcanic-formed bay with opportunities to swim, snorkel and lounge on the white sand.
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