Best U.S. vacation cities: SF still chasing Stockton

25) Stockton, California

Total score: 59.99

Travel cost & hassle rank: 51

Local cost rank: 46

Attractions rank: 77

Weather rank: 2

Activities rank: 51 25) Stockton, California

Total score: 59.99

Travel cost & hassle rank: 51

Local cost rank: 46

Attractions rank: 77

Weather rank: 2

Activities rank: 51 Photo: Denis Jr. Tangney, Getty Images Photo: Denis Jr. Tangney, Getty Images Image 1 of / 32 Caption Close Best U.S. vacation cities: SF still chasing Stockton 1 / 32 Back to Gallery

Good news, San Francisco. You're gaining on Stockton.

In 2016, WalletHub rated San Francisco No. 46 among desirable places to take a vacation and Stockton No. 23. People were shocked! How could our internationally beloved metro area be crushed by the Central Valley town best known lately for an allegedly crooked ex-mayor and being among the most dangerous U.S. cities?

But in this year's WalletHub vacation survey, San Francisco has begun to close the gap on the home of the mighty Stockton Ports. The city by the bay soared 18 spots to No. 28, and the city by the river fell to No. 25. Next year should be very interesting.

Still, San Francisco has its work to do with towns like Greenville, S.C. (21), Cincinnati (15) and Oklahoma City (13) standing in its way before it can even dream of overtaking that other Central Valley power, Sacramento, which ranked No. 9. That said, San Francisco was able to edge out San Jose (39) Bakersfield (48) and Fresno (46).

One reason the city places so consistently low is that cost is key in WalletHub's methodology, and San Francisco placed 80th, dead last, in this area. Also, weather is a big factor and WalletHub seems to really enjoy the swelter: Stockton, which bakes during the summer came in second and Sacramento was third. In July the average temperature in Sacramento is 92.4. San Francisco, with its average July temperature between 65 and 68 degrees, came in 31st.

Take a look at the gallery on top to see WalletHub's top 25 places to visit during the summer. See the metro areas currently beating San Francisco and maybe you'll get some ideas for a fun, low-hassle budget vacation.