US domestic tourism is experiencing an unprecedented boom in 2025, with a significant shift towards shorter, more spontaneous weekend getaways to iconic beach destinations. Panama City, Waikiki, Huntington, Rockaway, and Rehoboth Beaches are leading this charge, becoming magnets for Americans seeking quick escapes and memorable coastal experiences, redefining the landscape of national travel.
This evolving travel trend is largely driven by practical considerations such as demanding work schedules, limited school breaks, and the rising costs associated with longer, international trips. Consequently, a growing number of Americans are opting for regional travel, prioritizing accessibility and emotional connection over distant, complex itineraries, making weekend getaways the new norm for many.
Panama City Beach, with its alluring emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands, stands out as Alabama’s preferred out-of-state beach destination. This Florida Panhandle gem offers a quintessential tropical escape that is both easily reachable and deeply familiar to travelers from the Southern states, solidifying its status as a top choice for stress-free beach vacations.
Despite its typically snowy climate, Alaska’s residents are frequently searching for tropical warmth, making Waikiki Beach in Hawaii their most sought-after destination. This iconic Hawaiian locale provides a stark contrast to Alaska’s rugged beauty, promising unparalleled warmth, beginner-friendly surf, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere that resonates deeply with those dreaming of distant shores.
For landlocked Nevadans, Huntington Beach, California—affectionately known as “Surf City USA”—represents the ultimate coastal dream. Just a short drive from the desert, this Californian hotspot offers the quintessential sun-drenched, laid-back lifestyle, complete with iconic piers, lively surf scenes, and inviting beach bonfires, perfectly fulfilling the desire for an ocean-side retreat.
One of the more surprising travel trends 2025 reveals is Oregonians’ fascination with Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York. This East Coast urban beach offers a unique blend of metropolitan energy and seaside charm, providing an accessible boardwalk, diverse food trucks, and seamless subway access from Manhattan, appealing to those with a taste for culture and quirk.
Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, long cherished as “The Nation’s Summer Capital,” has emerged as Pennsylvania’s most searched out-of-state beach. Its family-friendly appeal, pristine boardwalk, quaint shops, and gentle surf create a sense of familiarity and tradition, offering a convenient and emotionally rewarding summer escape that remains a perennial favorite.
These distinct search patterns illuminate a broader shift in US domestic tourism: Americans are traveling with increased purpose, emotional connection, and a preference for familiarity. This data provides invaluable insights for destination marketers, airlines, and hotel chains, underscoring the critical importance of regional targeting and leveraging personal nostalgia to foster deeper connections with travelers.
