These Are the Most Popular Summer Destinations in the U.S., According to Airbnb
The top 10 include buzzy spots like Las Vegas to more under-the-radar places like Florida’s Rosemary Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.
American cities offer a wide range of summer travel adventures — and the spots travelers are seeking just might be more far-ranging than ever. According to Airbnb’s trending U.S. Destinations list, a mix of unexpected spots for outdoor adventures and beachgoers mingle with perennial favorites.
Perhaps the most expected city to make the list was year-round favorite Las Vegas. The desert getaway is no doubt a haven for those looking for any kind of summer indulgence, from lavish poolside party scenes to decadent spa retreats — and everything in between. Nearby access to the great outdoors adds to the Nevada destination’s appeal, as does the wide breadth of spectator events, from Dead & Company taking up residency at The Sphere from mid-May through mid-July to Allegiant Stadium hosting games of the much-hyped Copa America 2024 soccer tournament before the NFL season kicks off in the late summer.
Another host city of Copa America also made the list: Glendale, Arizona. Just about 10 miles northwest of Phoenix, the desert destination has its own persona as a professional sports city, It's home to the State Farm Stadium, where the Arizona Cardinals play and where the Super Bowl has been held three times in the last 16 years. Summertime fun (and relief from the heat) can also be found in the Westgate Entertainment District, known as much for its water fountains as its shopping and eateries.
Airbnb also saw summer travelers eyeing destinations where the great outdoors dominate. Lesser known spots include the alpine city of Ouray, Colorado, known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado” and Quincy, Washington, which has easy access to boating and water skiing. There are also destinations like Broken Bow, Oklahoma, which is the gateway to Beavers Bend State Park, and Eugene, Oregon, at the confluence of several rivers, with plenty of hiking, like the popular Spencer Butte Trail.
A pair of state capitals are also trending, including Saint Paul, Minnesota, which is finding its footing with growing interest from travelers. After all, it’s a city that is rich in diversity (more than 100 languages are spoken) as well as plenty of summer festivals, toasting everything from beer to blues. Also on the list is Columbia, South Carolina, where a creative spirit permeates alongside a laid-back vibe, whether it's tubing on a river or catching a film at a retro Nickelodeon theater.
Finally, two unexpected Florida beaches, both on the northwestern coast around Destin, round out the list. There’s Rosemary Beach, an elevated shore experience with cobblestone streets filled with boutiques and trendy restaurants, as well as Santa Rosa Beach, known for its nature preserves and white sand beaches.
To come up with its trending U.S. destinations for the summer, the vacation rental company looked at search data from January through March 15 for stays in June through August of 2024.
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