With the pandemic firmly behind us, Americans are now venturing out to explore their cities and country. To guide you in making the most of your summer, Lyft analyzed two years of ride data to pinpoint the top cities for dining, nightlife, gaming, sports, and outdoor adventures.

Las Vegas is the Hottest Food City!

Las Vegas has solidified its status as a culinary haven since Wolfgang Puck opened Spago near Caesars Palace in 1992. This sparked a competition among casinos not only for gamblers but also for diners, leading to the emergence of nine Michelin-starred restaurants, over 38 celebrity chef establishments, and frequent accolades as one of America’s top food cities.

With Las Vegas tourism roaring back post-pandemic, its dining scene has surged, with restaurant rides increasing by 12% in the past year. The city’s dining landscape is incredibly diverse, drawing crowds to casual spots like Nacho Daddy and upscale newcomers such as The Pepper Club by Todd English. Visitors flock to celebrity chef venues like Gordon Ramsay’s and lesser-known gems like the all-you-can-eat 888 Japanese BBQ.

Beyond the Strip, food enthusiasts explore acclaimed spots like Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District and the Bavarian Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas near the airport, known for its tradition of playfully spanking patrons with a wooden paddle upon request. As they say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

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Detroit tops other US cities as the Hottest City for Nightlife!

Since emerging from bankruptcy in 2013, Detroit—renowned as the birthplace of Motown, and arguably early punk rock and techno—has strategically showcased its musical heritage to draw visitors, a move that is paying dividends. Over the past year, late-night rides to hotels, bars, and clubs have surged by 30%. Revelers were particularly drawn to events like last May’s Movement Festival, featuring electronic music icons such as Carl Craig and Moodymann. Popular venues like Leland City Club and the intimate disco spot Marble Bar saw their late-night ride activity nearly double.

Detroit continues to accelerate its tourism momentum with the launch of three new stylish hotels last year, timed with April’s NFL draft that attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. Economists foresee continued growth in the hospitality sector next year. If you’re looking to dance into the early hours this summer, Detroit promises to be the place to be.

Milwaukee is the Hottest city for outdoor activity!

Last year, National Geographic spotlighted 25 destinations as the “best in the world” for travel, featuring exotic locales like Laos and Botswana. Among these, Milwaukee made a notable appearance.

For American travelers, Milwaukee’s popularity has surged in recent years, driven by its array of outdoor attractions. During summer, Lyft riders frequented waterfront spots such as Veterans Park, situated on a Lake Michigan peninsula, and Bradford Beach, a scenic sandy stretch just north of downtown.

The city’s appeal extended beyond its lakefront. In summer 2023, Milwaukee cemented its reputation as a festival hub, hosting events like Independence Day fireworks and the Harley-Davidson Homecoming, a celebrated four-day extravaganza with motorcycle parades and performances by major acts like Green Day and Foo Fighters. Bradford Beach also introduced The Playa Fest, Milwaukee’s inaugural Latin Beach festival. The Wisconsin State Fair, ranking as Lyft riders’ third most popular destination in the area, drew attendees from across the region.

Overall, Lyft rides to outdoor activities in Milwaukee surged by 43% over the past year, underscoring the city’s growing allure as a vibrant cultural and recreational destination.

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Philadelphia is the Hottest Sports City in the US!

In 2023, Major League Baseball experienced its highest attendance increase in 30 years, up 9.1%, following the implementation of new rules aimed at speeding up the game. The Philadelphia Phillies notably benefited from this surge, with a 34% rise in rides to their home stadium, Citizens Bank Park. Their unexpected appearance in the 2022 World Series likely contributed to this boost as well.

Philadelphia fans showed their support not only for baseball but also for other sports. The Philadelphia 76ers have sold out every home basketball game for six consecutive years. The city also drew massive crowds for events like WrestleMania Week at the Wells Fargo Center this spring. In addition, the Premier League Summer Series last July, featuring teams like Chelsea and Newcastle United at Lincoln Financial Field, attracted nearly 150,000 fans over two days. If you’re looking to join enthusiastic sports fans this summer, Philadelphia is the place to be!

Chicago is surprisingly the Hottest City for Gambling!

Chicago has a historical connection to gambling dating back to the era of Al Capone, but legal casinos were limited to riverboats or located just outside the city in places like Des Plaines or Peoria. That all changed in September when the long-awaited Bally’s opened in a temporary city location, sparking a 60% increase in casino drop-offs over the past year. With this surge, Chicago now ranks as the third-largest gambling market in the U.S., according to the American Gaming Association, trailing only Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

The future of Chicago’s gambling scene remains uncertain. Critics point out that the casino has generated less tax revenue than anticipated, and plans to construct a permanent complex in River West reportedly face challenges. Nevertheless, every new gambling hub comes with its share of risks and uncertainties.