American cities offer a wide range of summer travel adventures, and travelers’ search for spots may be more diverse than ever. According to Airbnb’s list of top U.S. destinations, unexpected spots for outdoor adventurers and beach lovers are mixed in with classic favorites.
Perhaps the most anticipated city to make the list is year-round favorite Las Vegas. This desert getaway is undoubtedly a haven for anyone seeking any kind of summer indulgence, from lavish poolside parties to lavish spa retreats and everything in between. Nearby access to the great outdoors also adds to the allure of this Nevada destination, as does a wide range of spectator events, including Dead & Company taking up a residency at The Sphere from mid-May to mid-July and the highly-anticipated Copa America 2024 soccer tournament matches at Allegiant Stadium ahead of the start of the NFL season in late summer.
Also on the list as a Copa America host city is Glendale, Arizona. Located about 10 miles northwest of Phoenix, this desert city has a unique identity as a professional sports town. It’s home to State Farm Stadium, where the Arizona Cardinals play, and has hosted three Super Bowls in the past 16 years. Summer fun (and relief from the heat) can also be found in the Westgate Entertainment District, known for its fountains as well as shopping and dining.
Airbnb is also finding that summer travelers are turning to outdoor-focused destinations, including lesser-known spots like the mountain city of Ouray, Colorado, known as the “outdoor recreation capital of Colorado,” and Quincy, Washington, where boating and waterskiing are easily accessible. Other destinations include Broken Bow, Oklahoma, gateway to Beavers Bend State Park, and Eugene, Oregon, which sits at the confluence of several rivers and has plenty of hiking trails, including the popular Spencer Butte Trail.
Two state capitals, including St. Paul, Minnesota, are also gaining popularity and establishing themselves as more travelers visit. After all, it’s a diverse city (more than 100 languages are spoken here) with a ton of summer festivals celebrating everything from beer to blues. Columbia, South Carolina, also makes the list, with a laid-back vibe and creative spirit that’s perfect for river tubing or catching a movie at the retro Nickelodeon Theater.
Finally, here are two surprising Florida beaches, both on the northwest coast around Destin: Rosemary Beach offers an upscale coastal experience with cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and trendy restaurants, while Santa Rosa Beach is known for its nature preserves and white sand beaches.
To determine popular US summer travel destinations, the vacation rental company looked at search data from January to March 15 for stays from June to August 2024.
