America’s 10 Biggest Cities and Their Best RV Weekend Trips

Sometimes bigger really is better. When you’ve been exploring the road less traveled, sometimes it’s good to hit the main path again with a fresh perspective. Visiting the big cities throughout the country can be a fun, adventurous challenge for the weekend warrior who fancies a good excuse to gas up the RV. So, if you’re up for it, here’s a list of America’s 10 biggest cities and their best RV weekend trips.

New York City, NY

Population: 8,230,290

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Known as The Big Apple as well as The City That Never Sleeps, New York City is big on fast-paced energy, job opportunities, and adventure, which makes it the perfect place for an RV weekend getaway.

New York’s Best RV Weekend Trip

As anyone would expect, parking the RV and heading into the heart of the city is a must. Check off the bucket list spots on your list like Central Park and Times Square (go ahead, buy the t-shirt), then hop back into the RV and head upstate to one of the best locations in the world — the Niagara Falls State Park.

There’s plenty to do at this national landmark, so a weekend trip is perfect. There’s the tour of the falls, of course, but there’s also an aquarium, a big-screen adventure theater, the Cave of the Winds, and plenty more to fill your time. Plus, there’s the Top of the Falls Restaurant with incomparable views of the falls that you’ll definitely want to stop by for a bite.

Los Angeles, CA

Population: 3,983,540

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Popular for its ideal weather, the City of Angels or La La Land, as it’s often called, has more to offer than just a home base for the entertainment industry. It’s where celebrities and free spirits gravitate, sure, but there’s also convenient access to beaches, hiking trails, and beautiful forests.

LA’s Best RV Weekend Trip

Who doesn’t love a little bit of magic in their life? Swing by Disneyland for a weekend of fun the whole family will enjoy. While most travelers think of Florida’s Disney World as the ideal place to meet Mickey Mouse and the gang, the original Disneyland opened in 1955 and resides just outside of Los Angeles. Pack a lifetime of memories into your weekend with this visit.

Chicago, IL

Population: 2,679,080

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Prepare to be blown away. The Windy City is famous for its iconic skyline and beautiful architecture, but most travelers are more concerned with the blustery weather that comes along with this location. Never fear. There are plenty of activities to turn the bitter temperatures sweet.

Chicago’s Best RV Weekend Trip

While there is so much to do in Chicago, you would be remiss if you didn’t spend some time at Millennium Park. There, you’ll see stunning landscaping and public art contributed through numerous cultural programs. Enjoy concerts. View exhibitions. Then visit the Cloud Gate sculpture also known as “The Bean” — don’t forget to take a picture. A short walk from there is the shore of Lake Michigan and it’s worth every step.

Houston, TX

Population: 2,323,660

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Everything is bigger in Texas, right? There are big career opportunities and big neighborhoods, but there are also plenty of places to have Texas-sized fun when visiting this state’s largest city.

Houston’s Best RV Weekend Trip

Houston is the 4th biggest city on this list and it’s also home to the Space Center, which truly makes your visit an out-of-this-world experience. Home of the NASA mission control and the International Space Station mission control, visitors can see astronaut training as well as view more than 400 space artifacts. See? Everything really is bigger in Texas. Astronomical, even.

Phoenix, AZ

Population: 1,733,630

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While RVing can be all about having the convenience and comfort of home on the road, it’s not a secret that the RV community that loves the outdoors. Phoenix embraces that love with tons of hiking trails, first-class golf courses, desert mountains, and year-round sunny weather to accommodate all of your outdoor excursions.

Phoenix’s Best RV Weekend Trip

There would a big hole in this list if we didn’t mention the Grand Canyon National Park. If you’re visiting Phoenix, you should absolutely take time out to see the Grand Canyon. At 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, it’s something you must see in person to truly grasp the enormity of its beauty. It’s called “grand” for a reason.

Philadelphia, PA

Population: 1,585,010

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It’s one of the most historically significant cities in the country, but Philadelphia is also a city that remains relevant through hip restaurants, music venues, and an out-of-the-box art scene. The City of Brotherly Love not only keeps up with the trends, but it often sets them too.

Philadelphia’s Best RV Weekend Trip

If you’re RVing through Philadelphia, visiting the Liberty Bell is a requirement if you’ve never been. While there, explore the Benjamin Franklin Museum and take a tour of Independence Hall. Read the original draft of the Constitution and see the actual inkstand used when our country’s forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

After embracing some US history, hop over to Hersheypark for tons of fun. There are over 70 rides, including roller coasters, a massive waterpark, and an 11-acre, walk-through zoo. If that’s not enough, Hershey’s Chocolate World is right next door where you’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

San Antonio, TX

Population: 1,581,730

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The wild west is surprisingly full of wildly amazing things like family-friendly festivals, Tex-Mex cuisine, a booming job market, affordable real estate, and a relatively low cost of living. San Antonio is the home of the Alamo, but if you’re not careful when visiting, it could easily convince you to call it home too.

San Antonio’s Best RV Weekend Trip

Once you’ve explored the Alamo and checked out San Antonio’s Pearl District, head west to find a nature getaway on the shores of Medina Lake. This reservoir covers more than 6,000 acres and offers excellent chances for boating, swimming, and bass fishing. The Lake Medina RV Resort is a great location for your Texas Hill Country basecamp.

San Diego, CA

Population: 1,427,720

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San Diego is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and it’s easy to see why. Thanks to its ideal warm and sunny weather, younger generations and outdoor enthusiasts are flocking to the area to take advantage. As a result, high-tech companies and startup businesses are setting up shop to join the city’s great culture and help it continue to thrive.

San Diego’s Best RV Weekend Trip

While you’ll undoubtedly be on the beach at some point during your trip to San Diego, it’s worth making time for the San Diego Zoo. The non-profit wildlife sanctuary is home to over 3,500 rare and endangered animals across 650 species, as well as more than 700,000 exotic plants.

Dallas, TX

Population: 1,347,120

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Located in the northern part of Texas, Dallas is a commercial and cultural hub and a leader in entrepreneurship. Combine that with its reputation of having top-of-the-line public schools and it should come as no surprise why families, especially those with school-age children, are flocking there to plant their roots.

Dallas’ Best RV Weekend Trip

As every RV enthusiast knows, some of the best treasures are off the beaten path. That proves true when planning a weekend trip to Dallas. Once you’ve soaked up the city, drive just outside the limits to Grapevine, TX. There you’ll find Grapevine Lake, which is perfect for fishing, water skiing, boating, and more. After spending the day on the water, hop on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a ride along the historic Cotton Belt Route.

If you’re looking for history that far pre-dates America’s cotton trade, check out Dinosaur Valley State Park. At first glance, it’s like most other state parks with great hiking, fishing, and perfect spots for pop-up picnics. However, what sets it apart is the dinosaur tracks. Millions of years ago, tracks were left behind by the dinosaurs themselves in this exact location and now visitors can walk in those footsteps. Talk about wild, right?

Austin, Texas

Population: 1,011,790

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As the state capital, Austin has a bustling live-music scene that marries country, blues, and rock like no other place in the country. With numerous parks and lakes, it’s a popular location for anyone that enjoys the outdoors. Plus, an average temperature of 68-degrees and over 300 days of sunshine a year practically begs you to stay outside.

Austin’s Best RV Weekend Trip

Since the weather is friendly and abundant in Austin, so are the outdoor activities. Prepare to spend the weekend along Lady Bird Lake where you can bike, hike, paddleboard, swim, and more.

If you want to camp within close proximity of the city, check out McKinney Falls State Park. In the spring, Onion Creek burbles right through the heart of the park and offers chances for swimming and fishing. But this park is great for a quick hike to escape the city year-round.

Have you been to any of these cities? Tell us your favorite places to visit in the comments below.

*City ranking and population information provided by World Population Review.