Key West Tops America’s Favourite Staycation Destinations as Yosemite, Myrtle Beach and Maui Continue to Attract Domestic Travellers in United States of America

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

See Full Bio

July 15, 2026 3:26 PM

Image generated with Ai

Key West tops America’s favourite staycation destinations in United States of America, while Yosemite, Myrtle Beach and Maui continue to attract domestic travellers. New search data reveals where Americans are planning unforgettable holidays.

Key West has officially topped America’s favourite staycation destinations, while Yosemite, Myrtle Beach and Maui continue to attract domestic travellers in impressive numbers. According to newly released search trend data, these destinations are drawing consistent interest from holidaymakers seeking memorable experiences without travelling abroad. Moreover, the rankings highlight a growing preference for scenic coastlines, national parks and relaxing beach escapes over purely entertainment-focused trips. As a result, domestic tourism continues to evolve across the United States. Consequently, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that combine convenience, natural beauty and diverse attractions, making staycations more appealing than ever before.

Key West has emerged as America’s most searched staycation destination, according to a new study analysing Google search trends over the past year. Yosemite National Park, Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks and Maui complete the top five, highlighting growing demand for domestic holidays that combine relaxation, nature and memorable experiences.

America’s appetite for domestic travel remains remarkably strong, with travellers increasingly choosing destinations that offer convenience, natural beauty and the opportunity to unwind without leaving the country. A new study examining Google search behaviour has identified the destinations capturing the greatest interest among Americans planning their next staycation, revealing a clear preference for coastal retreats, national parks and leisure-focused holiday hotspots.

The research, conducted by luxury travel advisors The Resorts Collection, analysed Google search volumes over the previous 12 months for 100 of the most popular domestic holiday destinations across the United States. The findings demonstrate that while globally recognised entertainment centres continue to attract significant attention, quieter coastal communities and scenic natural landscapes are becoming equally attractive to travellers seeking meaningful escapes closer to home.

Why Has Key West Become America’s Favourite Staycation Destination?

Key West has secured the number one position after recording an average of 11,696 monthly Google searches across the United States, making it the country’s most searched domestic holiday destination. Located at the southernmost point of the continental United States, the Florida island continues to attract visitors with its tropical climate, colourful streets, waterfront sunsets, historic landmarks and relaxed atmosphere throughout the year.

Its enduring popularity reflects a growing traveller preference for destinations where beach holidays, outdoor activities, cultural attractions and laid-back experiences can all be enjoyed in one location. Rather than focusing solely on sightseeing, many visitors are increasingly searching for destinations that allow them to disconnect from busy routines while still offering a wide choice of leisure experiences.

Yosemite Continues to Showcase the Appeal of Nature-Based Tourism

Ranking second with an average of 9,392 monthly searches, Yosemite demonstrates the continuing strength of America’s national parks within domestic tourism. The California destination attracts visitors looking for dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife and outdoor adventures that differ significantly from traditional city breaks.

The strong performance of Yosemite reflects a wider shift towards nature-focused holidays, particularly among travellers seeking healthier, more immersive experiences. National parks continue to benefit from increasing interest in sustainable tourism, outdoor recreation and destinations that encourage longer stays surrounded by natural landscapes.

Full list

Myrtle Beach Remains One of America’s Most Popular Coastal Escapes

South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach claims third place after averaging 8,840 monthly searches across the country, reinforcing its long-standing position as one of America’s favourite beach destinations. Known for its extensive coastline, family attractions, golf courses, entertainment venues and seaside accommodation, the destination continues to appeal to visitors across multiple generations.

Its combination of affordability and accessibility makes Myrtle Beach attractive for families, couples and retirees alike. The destination’s ability to balance traditional seaside holidays with modern entertainment options helps maintain consistent interest throughout the year.

Outer Banks and Maui Complete the Top Five

North Carolina’s Outer Banks ranks fourth with approximately 7,690 monthly searches, highlighting the continued appeal of quieter coastal destinations that emphasise beaches, history and outdoor recreation. The barrier islands have built a strong reputation among travellers seeking peaceful holidays away from heavily commercialised tourism centres.

Hawaii’s Maui occupies fifth place after recording 7,220 monthly searches, reflecting sustained demand despite its greater travel distance for many mainland visitors. Maui combines tropical scenery, luxury accommodation, cultural experiences and outdoor adventure, making it one of America’s most desirable island destinations.

Las Vegas and Orlando Continue to Attract Strong Interest

Although destinations centred around entertainment remain highly popular, they no longer dominate domestic travel searches as completely as they once did. Las Vegas ranks sixth with 7,020 monthly searches, while Orlando follows closely in seventh position with 6,732 searches.

These destinations continue attracting visitors through their extensive hospitality industries, entertainment offerings and year-round tourism infrastructure. However, the latest rankings suggest many Americans are also placing greater value on relaxation, scenery and slower-paced holidays alongside traditional entertainment-focused trips.

Florida Dominates the National Rankings

Florida is the only state to place three destinations within the national top ten, demonstrating its continued dominance in the domestic tourism market. Alongside Key West in first place, Orlando ranks seventh while Destin secures tenth position with 2,682 average monthly searches.

The state’s diverse tourism offering allows travellers to choose between tropical islands, major theme parks, Gulf Coast beaches and numerous waterfront communities without leaving Florida. Combined with warm weather throughout much of the year, this variety continues to strengthen the state’s position as one of America’s most attractive staycation destinations.

South Carolina Also Delivers Strong Domestic Tourism Appeal

South Carolina is another standout performer, placing both Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head within the national top ten rankings. Hilton Head claims eighth place with 4,778 average monthly searches, reflecting strong demand for its beaches, golf resorts, cycling routes and family-friendly atmosphere.

The presence of two South Carolina destinations illustrates growing traveller interest in destinations offering coastal relaxation without the scale and crowds associated with some of the country’s largest tourism centres. Many domestic visitors increasingly value destinations that combine comfort, outdoor recreation and slower-paced experiences.

Branson and Destin Continue to Attract Loyal Visitors

Missouri’s Branson ranks ninth after averaging 4,274 monthly searches, proving that entertainment destinations beyond America’s largest cities continue to maintain significant popularity. Live performances, family attractions and outdoor recreation continue drawing visitors looking for affordable and varied holiday experiences.

Florida’s Destin rounds out the top ten rankings, benefiting from its white-sand beaches and emerald waters along the Gulf Coast. Although it records fewer searches than higher-ranked destinations, its inclusion demonstrates the continuing popularity of traditional coastal holidays among American travellers.

What the Search Trends Reveal About Changing Travel Behaviour

The latest rankings suggest that domestic travellers are increasingly choosing destinations capable of delivering relaxation, scenic surroundings and memorable experiences instead of focusing exclusively on famous tourist attractions. Coastal communities, islands and national parks now compete directly with entertainment capitals, reflecting broader changes in holiday preferences.

Search behaviour also indicates that convenience continues to influence travel planning, with many Americans exploring destinations reachable without international travel. Domestic holidays remain attractive because they often provide greater flexibility, lower travel complexity and the opportunity to experience diverse landscapes without leaving the country.

Industry Perspective Highlights Growing Interest in Meaningful Escapes

According to Florian Pauly, Co-founder of The Resorts Collection, the findings demonstrate that travellers increasingly prioritise destinations where they can genuinely disconnect from everyday pressures rather than simply visiting famous landmarks. The continued popularity of locations such as Key West and Yosemite reflects growing demand for environments that encourage relaxation alongside memorable experiences.

The study also highlights Florida’s remarkable strength within the domestic tourism market, with three destinations appearing among America’s ten most searched staycation locations. Its reliable climate, extensive accommodation choices and wide variety of attractions continue making the state one of the country’s most dependable holiday destinations for travellers of all ages.

America’s Top 10 Favourite Staycation Destinations

The main cause behind this trend is the growing demand for convenient, flexible and experience-driven domestic holidays. The answer lies in travellers searching for destinations that deliver relaxation, outdoor adventure, reliable weather and authentic local experiences without the complexity of international travel. The reason Key West leads while Yosemite, Myrtle Beach and Maui continue to attract domestic travellers is their ability to offer distinctive experiences that appeal to families, couples, solo travellers and retirees alike. Strong online visibility, established tourism infrastructure and year-round attractions have further strengthened their popularity, ensuring sustained search interest across the United States.

The latest study confirms that Key West tops America’s favourite staycation destinations, while Yosemite, Myrtle Beach and Maui continue to attract domestic travellers looking for memorable holidays closer to home. Rather than focusing exclusively on famous entertainment hubs, Americans are increasingly exploring destinations that offer beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, cultural experiences and opportunities to disconnect from everyday routines. This shift reflects changing travel priorities, where quality experiences and personal wellbeing are becoming just as important as iconic attractions.

The rankings also demonstrate the enduring strength of domestic tourism across the United States. Florida’s dominance, with three destinations appearing in the national top ten, underlines the state’s continued appeal through its warm climate, varied landscapes and broad tourism offering. At the same time, destinations such as Yosemite and the Outer Banks show that nature-based tourism continues gaining momentum as more travellers seek hiking, wildlife, coastal escapes and sustainable travel experiences.

Meanwhile, traditional tourism giants including Las Vegas and Orlando remain highly competitive, proving that entertainment-led destinations still hold significant appeal despite changing traveller preferences. Their continued presence among the most searched locations highlights the diversity of America’s domestic tourism market, where visitors can choose between vibrant city experiences, beach holidays, island retreats and national parks.

Overall, the findings reveal a travel landscape shaped by flexibility, convenience and meaningful experiences. As domestic tourism continues evolving, destinations capable of combining relaxation, accessibility and memorable attractions are likely to remain at the forefront of travellers’ planning. Key West, Yosemite, Myrtle Beach and Maui exemplify this trend, demonstrating why they continue capturing the attention of millions of Americans searching for their next staycation.The study by luxury travel advisors The Resorts Collection analyzed Google search volumes over the past 12 months for a list of 100 popular US domestic vacation destinations to find which is America’s favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which destination ranks as America’s favourite staycation?

Key West, Florida, ranks first after averaging 11,696 Google searches each month across the United States.

Which destinations complete the top five?

The top five are Key West, Yosemite, Myrtle Beach, Outer Banks and Maui.

Which state has the most destinations in the top ten?

Florida leads the rankings with three destinations: Key West, Orlando and Destin.

How was the ranking created?

The Resorts Collection analysed Google search volumes over the past 12 months for 100 popular domestic holiday destinations across the United States.

Why are coastal and nature destinations becoming more popular?

The findings suggest travellers increasingly value relaxation, outdoor experiences, scenic landscapes and opportunities to disconnect from everyday life while remaining within the United States.

Do traditional entertainment destinations still perform well?

Yes. Las Vegas and Orlando remain among America’s ten most searched staycation destinations, although natural and coastal locations are attracting growing levels of interest.