Where to Stay (and Get a Great Workout!) in America’s Fittest Cities

It’s fitting that Arlington is the country’s most fit city and is minutes from Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, where Hilton’s Five Feet to Fitness concept was born. Credit: Hilton Download Article Photos

From sightseeing to trying new physical activities outside a normal routine, traveling is a great way to invigorate your wellness mindset –whether it’s taking a brisk walk to see a city’s landscape or trying locally sourced healthy food. 

The American Fitness Index recently released its 2018 list of fittest U.S. cities, an annual ranking based on factors such as whether a city offers easy access to recreational activities and facilities, and how often its locals exercise, eat healthy, and have diseases such as obesity and asthma.

This year, Arlington, Virginia – just across the scenic Potomac River from Washington, D.C. – topped the list, closely followed by cities including Minneapolis, Minnesota; Washington, D.C.; and Seattle, Washington. For travelers planning upcoming trips (or locals considering staycations or restaurant outings), here’s where to stay or drop in to immerse yourself in the local wellness culture thanks to leading fitness amenities, healthy dining options and proximity to walking trails, parks and hikes. 

Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C.: It’s fitting that Arlington is the country’s most fit city and is minutes from Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, where Hilton’s Five Feet to Fitness concept was born. The guest rooms include digital workout tutorials accessed with a touch of a button along with yoga, cycling, HIIT, and TRX suspension equipment for a full body workout. Beyond these unique rooms is the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center. Travelers exploring the area can also take advantage of Arlington’s 75 miles of trails and park space or numerous nearby golf courses. There’s even the popular local fitness studio, SolidCore, across the street.

A short walk (or bike ride!) away from Arlington is Washington, D.C. With the National Mall as its backyard, this city has no shortage of wellness-centric accommodations from Hilton. Traveling with little ones? Step just outside of the fitness center at Washington Hilton to enjoy a courtyard pool, children’s wading pool and sun deck with D.C. views including the Washington Monument. Unlike other pools in the Northeast, this historical hotel keeps its pool open a full six months from May 1 through October 31.

View from Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C., The Wharf [ Credit: Hilton ]

Traveling with Fido? The Graham Washington D.C. Georgetown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C.,The Wharf are both pet-friendly and close to waterfront areas for sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding or even just strolling with your pup. Guests can also take advantage of discounted packages and rates through the Capital Adventure Package through the end of the year. 

Hilton Minneapolis [ Credit: Hilton ]

Minneapolis, Minnesota: Hilton Minneapolis just celebrated its 25th anniversary with a multi-million-dollar renovation boasting revamped wellness and dining options. Guests there can truly breathe easier, as it’s one of the first Hilton hotels to offer PURE guest rooms, which are allergy-friendly and treated with cutting-edge air filtration technologies. The hotel’s restaurant, Ten 01 Social, serves plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten/dairy-free options made with locally sourced ingredients. Hilton Minneapolis also has a Nice Ride docking station located right across the street that is constantly full of rentable bikes. With Minneapolis being the most bikeable city in the U.S., it is easy for guests to explore the city, while getting great exercise.

Try one of the area’s best hikes, Rattlesnake Ledge. [Image Credit: Steven Pavlov / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 ]

Seattle, Washington: Seattle is a must-visit West coast wellness destination. Nothing says Pacific northwest like the historic The Arctic Club Seattle, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, a former social institution for men who returned from the Yukon gold rush after “striking it rich” in the early 1900s. It’s just blocks from the charming Pike Place Market, a farmer’s market that is perfect for active exploring. To view the city from higher up, try one of the area’s best hikes, Rattlesnake Ledge. Hilton Bellevue is about a 30-minute drive from the famous climb. It’s also less than a mile from the luxury shopping and dining destinations at Lincoln Square, ideal for unwinding with a healthy meal or purchasing some stylish new workout clothes.

It’s fitting that Arlington is the country’s most fit city and is minutes from Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, where Hilton’s Five Feet to Fitness concept was born. Credit: Hilton

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