I don’t know who needs to hear this, but having zero summer trips booked in July doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to get away. Every year, I tell myself I’m done planning vacations, and then I realize there are still a few weekends left on the calendar or a destination catches my eye. Before I know it, I’m comparing flights and convincing myself that one more weekend getaway is totally justified. The good news? If you haven’t booked your summer vacation yet, there’s still plenty of time.
According to Expedia’s new 2026 Destinations of the Summer report, a handful of U.S. destinations deserve a spot on your travel radar this season. The list features everything from sunny beach escapes and outdoor-adventure hubs to charming smaller cities. And if you’re hoping to keep things easy with a road trip or a quick flight, you’re in luck—Expedia found that domestic destinations within driving distance or a short hop on a plane are the places travelers are flocking to this summer.
Read on to see which destination claimed the No. 1 spot and why it should be on your list too.
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How did the report determine the best summer travel destinations in the U.S.?
It wasn’t just a matter of picking a few pretty vacation spots. Expedia looked at where interest is surging the most by comparing accommodation searches for trips between May 22 and Aug. 31, 2026, with the same summer travel period in 2025. It also dug into social media conversations to see which U.S. destinations everyone has been talking about this year.
To round things out, Expedia partnered with the market research firm OnePoll, which surveyed 11,000 travelers across nine countries about their vacation habits. The result? A snapshot of the U.S. destinations that are generating the most excitement and bookings for summer 2026.
What is the No. 1 summer travel destination for 2026?
Drumroll, please … it’s St. George, Utah. The desert city took the top spot after seeing the biggest jump in accommodation searches compared to last year—by 125% percent, to be exact.
While many visitors use the city as a jumping-off point for nearby Zion National Park, St. George has plenty of reasons to stick around. Think: scenic hiking trails, dramatic desert views, golf courses surrounded by stunning landscapes and a growing food scene. Plus, you can spend the morning exploring red-rock trails—all without the crowds (or price tags) of some of the West’s bigger vacation hot spots.
What are the best things to do in St. George, Utah?
I’ve never visited St. George, but after visiting Moab, I understand why southern Utah has such a loyal fan club. Between the towering red-rock arches and dramatic canyon views, it feels like stepping onto another planet. (No wonder NASA tests its space rovers and trains its astronauts in the Utah desert.)
Like Moab, St. George gives you plenty to explore without having to spend your entire trip in the car. Start with Snow Canyon State Park, where fiery red cliffs, ancient lava flows, petrified sand dunes and scenic trails make it feel like a mini desert right outside town. For an easy adventure with a big payoff, head to Pioneer Park and Dixie Rock, where you can scramble around the red rocks and take in sweeping views of St. George.
Want to cool off after a day of hiking? You can swim, kayak or relax at Sand Hollow State Park. Then, explore Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, where trails lead through colorful rock formations and peaceful landscapes that showcase exactly why this part of Utah is so unforgettable.
What are the other best summer destinations in the U.S.?
If St. George, Utah, isn’t on your summer bucket list (yet), there are plenty of other destinations Expedia says should be on your radar. Here are the other U.S. destinations that earned top billing on Expedia’s report.
Tacoma, Washington
Located just south of Seattle, Tacoma makes a great home base for exploring some of the Pacific Northwest’s most jaw-dropping scenery. If you love basking in the outdoors, you can easily make the drive to Mount Rainier National Park for hikes surrounded by wildflowers and glacier views. Or head to Olympic National Park for rugged coastlines, forests and waterfalls. Don’t miss spots like Point Defiance Park, a waterfront escape with trails and views of Puget Sound, and the Museum of Glass for a dose of the city’s creative side. The closest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about a 30-minute drive away.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is the kind of place where you can spend the morning chasing mountain views and the afternoon hopping between breweries. Take in the scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or explore the sprawling gardens and architecture of the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home. When you’re ready to eat and drink your way through town, Asheville’s River Arts District and lively downtown are filled with local restaurants, craft breweries and plenty of personality. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) makes getting there easy.
Bradenton, Florida
If your ideal summer trip involves sunshine, water and a slower pace, Bradenton checks all the boxes. This Gulf Coast city is the gateway to Anna Maria Island, where you’ll find sugary beaches, turquoise water and old-Florida charm. Spend the day relaxing at Coquina Beach or explore the natural beauty of Robinson Preserve, where trails and waterways make it a favorite for kayaking and wildlife spotting. The closest airport is Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), which is only a short drive away.
Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz is the definition of a classic California beach getaway, with a laid-back surf scene, ocean views and loads of nostalgic charm. Spend the day riding the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, then watch surfers catch waves at Steamer Lane, one of the city’s most iconic surf spots. For a quieter side of town, take a stroll through Natural Bridges State Beach, known for its dramatic coastal views and tide pools. The closest airport is San Jose International Airport (SJC), about a 45-minute drive away.
Siesta Key, Florida
Famous for its powdery white-quartz sand, Siesta Key feels like the kind of beach destination made for doing absolutely nothing—and enjoying every minute of it. Spend your days swimming in the clear Gulf waters at Siesta Beach, or explore the nearby Turtle Beach area for a more relaxed vibe. When the sun starts setting, head to Siesta Key Village for restaurants, live music and a classic beach-town atmosphere. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest airport.
Truckee, California
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ adventure? Truckee is the best year-round basecamp for Lake Tahoe, where outdoor activities are practically endless. In summer, hike trails around Donner Lake, spend the day swimming or kayaking at Lake Tahoe, or explore the charming historic downtown filled with local shops and restaurants. The closest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), about a 45-minute drive away.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is the kind of destination that makes you want to spend as much time outside as possible. It’s a popular jumping-off point for Yellowstone National Park. Closer to town, hike the scenic trails at Hyalite Canyon, or stroll through downtown Bozeman’s restaurants, breweries and boutiques. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is conveniently located just outside the city.
Prescott, Arizona
Prescott offers a cooler, more unexpected side of Arizona with pine forests and mountain views. Take a walk around Watson Lake, known for its unique granite boulders and bright blue water, or explore Thumb Butte, one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks with panoramic views from the top. The closest airport is Prescott Regional Airport (PRC), though you can also fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and make the drive.
Providence, Rhode Island
This New England city blends historic charm with a surprisingly lively arts and food scene. Take a walk along the Providence Riverwalk, catch the city’s famous WaterFire event or explore the colorful streets of the College Hill neighborhood near Brown University. Consider yourself a foodie? Check out Federal Hill, known for its Italian restaurants and local favorites. The closest airport is Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), just minutes from downtown.
Sources:
- Expedia: “Where to Travel This Summer: Closer-to-Home Getaways Dominate Expedia’s Destinations of the Summer List”
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