If your group chat has already turned into a chaotic mix of flight screenshots and “should we just do a beach?” messages, new data from Tripadvisor might help you all make some firm decisions before you default to just visiting family.
The company’s Summer Travel Index—based on searches made between February and April for trips taking place June through August—offers a snapshot of where Americans actually want to go right now. And for 2026, the answer is pretty straightforward: beaches, bright lights and big, easy hits.
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Leading the list is Myrtle Beach, which continues to dominate thanks to its broad, sandy shoreline and crowd-pleasing mix of attractions. It’s followed by heavy hitters like New York City and Las Vegas, proving that even in peak summer heat, travelers are still drawn to urban areas that promise nonstop stimulation.
The biggest trend seems to be the complete domination of beach destinations, particularly along the East Coast and across Florida. Places like Key West, Clearwater and Panama City Beach highlight a clear preference among domestic travelers for warm water, soft sand and low-effort itineraries. Even Ocean City brings that same boardwalk energy, just a little further north.
Still, major cities are holding strong. Chicago offers lakefront beaches with a skyline backdrop, Nashville continues its reign as a bachelorette-party capital, and New York City will always remain a perennial draw for culture, dining and sheer density of things to do.
Taken together, the ranking paints a clear picture of summer 2026: Travelers aren’t necessarily looking to go off the grid. This year is all about choosing destinations that feel familiar, fun and easy to say yes to, whether that means a frozen drink by the ocean or a packed weekend in a city that never really slows down.
Here are the top 10 domestic destinations Americans are eyeing for summer 2026:
1. Myrtle Beach
2. New York City
3. Chicago
4. Las Vegas
5. Ocean City
6. Key West
7. Panama City Beach
8. Seattle
9. Clearwater
10. Nashville
