Tripadvisor Summer Travel Index Shows Myrtle Beach as America’s Most Sought-After Summer Destination

Tripadvisor has revealed once more just how much The Golf Capital of the World® means to travelers of all types and interests. Wednesday, the world’s largest travel guidance platform released initial findings from its upcoming Summer Travel Index revealing the top and trending summer destinations for U.S. travelers in 2026. They revealed a preference for East Coast beach destinations, with Myrtle Beach leading domestic travel searches.

These accessible coastal destinations offer family-friendly appeal and activities that cater to travelers of all ages, from water parks and beach activities to cultural attractions and local entertainment. Internationally, Mexico and the Caribbean continue to dominate, with Cancun as the top summer travel destination for the third year in a row, offering world-class diving and snorkeling experiences as well as proximity to iconic cultural heritage sites.

Destination preferences shift across holiday weekends in the U.S., with the data revealing that travelers are choosing long-weekend trips to destinations like Anaheim, California, and Orange Beach, Alabama, for Memorial Day, and to beach hotspots like Myrtle Beach and Clearwater, Florida for 4th of July.

“While inflation, fuel costs and shifting travel behaviors continue to influence how families plan their vacations nationwide, Myrtle Beach’s position as an affordable, accessible, drive-to destination remains a key advantage,” said Stuart Butler, president of Visit Myrtle Beach. “Initial Spring 2026 occupancy trends are exceeding expectations, and travelers continue to prioritize destinations that offer strong value, flexibility and family-friendly experiences.

“That demand is being met with continued investment across the region. From new and expanded attractions and dining options opening like Downtown Flavortown by Guy Fieri and Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing Co. as well as accommodations, retail and infrastructure improvements, Myrtle Beach is delivering new reasons to visit while enhancing the experiences so many already love.”

Summer Travel Index: 2026 Top Summer Destinations
Summer travel searches reveal a balanced mix of beloved beach getaways and iconic urban destinations.

While the well-loved Myrtle Beach takes the lead this year along with three top Florida beach destinations, city icons also top the list, with top cities including New York, Chicago and Vegas all included. Internationally, Cancun takes the lead with U.S. travelers, with Paris and London rounding out the top three, reflecting strong demand for European cultural hubs throughout the top 10.

4th of July Weekend Travel Trends

Trending destinations for the 4th of July holiday show traveler preferences shifting toward beach destinations like Virginia Beach and Panama City Beach, and entertainment-focused cities like Pigeon Forge – home to the Dollywood Theme Park.

Added Butler, “Visit Myrtle Beach continues to proactively adapt to evolving travel conditions by promoting the region’s family friendly, affordable offerings through the newly launched Make More Myrtle Moments campaign and other promotions that showcase the Myrtle Beach region as a welcoming choice for savvy travelers this summer and beyond.” 

Methodology

Site behavioral data sourced from first party traffic data on the Tripadvisor platform for searches made by travelers in the U.S. and U.K. between February 1 – April 10, 2026 for travel between June 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026.

Sources: Tripadvisor, Visit Myrtle Beach