Traveling is probably one of life’s most enjoyable pastimes and it’s something that most of us look forward to every year. Whether its a short day trip, a weekend getaway, or a month-long getaway, there’s just something about visiting a new location (or rediscovering an old one) that improves our overall sense of happiness and fulfillment.
Unfortunately, for people who suffer from pulmonary conditions, traveling can be just a tad bit more challenging. If you have a lung condition, the air quality of the location to which you are traveling is a big deal and it can mean the difference between total enjoyment, and absolute hell.
That is why we’ve put together a short travel guide of U.S. cities with best air quality. The up-to-date list accounts for ozone pollution, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution. In no particular order, here are the 6 cities with best air quality in the U.S.
1. Bellingham, WA.
Bellingham air quality is definitely among the best in the country. The coastal city is in Washington state near the Canadian border, and despite how cold and perhaps uninviting that sounds, it’s actually very comfortable in the summer! The city is big on outdoor activities so your lungs will definitely thank you. If you go, you can check out Mount Baker for some ski runs, or go hiking at Whatcom Falls Park or Sehome Hill Arboretum.
2. Burlington, VT.
Burlington is a city in northwestern Vermont, on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. The lake is a great destination for getting some fresh air as you go sailing, fishing, cycling, or lighthouse-sighting. The city also boasts Mount Mansfield where you can go mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, and plenty else!
3. Casper, WY.
This city in central Wyoming is a great spot for history lovers and outdoor-seekers alike. Some of its museums include the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center which features the life of pioneers, the Nicolaysen Art Museum which features contemporary art, the Tate Geological Museum, and Fort Casper, a reconstructed 1865 military post. For outdoors activities, Casper Mountain offers waterfalls and ski slopes.
4. Honolulu, HI.
The beautiful island capital is quite popular but manages to maintain great air quality for all who live and visit there. If you plan on visiting Honolulu, be sure to enjoy it from the beach. We’re talking snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply relaxing by the shore.
5. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL.
If you’re looking to stay local but still enjoy a great getaway with good, fresh air quality all you have to do is cross over to the other coast and visit Brevard county’s three cities: Palm Bay, Melbourne, and Titusville. Once there you can pay a visit to the Kennedy Space Center, the Canaveral National Seashore or the Indian River.
6. Wilmington, NC.
Wilmington is a port city in North Carolina, where it enjoys close access to beaches and a long Riverwalk within the city’s Historic District. As for tourist-y things, you should be sure to check out their Airlie Gardens, a private garden turned public, and the USS North Carolina, a WWII battleship exhibit.
As you can tell, there’s plenty of spots for you to vacation and things to do at these 6 cities with best air quality. The best part? You won't put your lung condition on edge! Whether air quality affects your symptoms of asthma or you simply want to make sure that your destination has few sources of air pollution, make sure you visit the cleanest cities in the U.S.