Domestic travel is surging, and we at Bravo Savings Network wanted to know exactly where Americans go when they stay stateside. Drawing on national and state-level Google search data from the past year, we identified the states, cities, and attractions that inspire the most trip planning. The result is a clear picture of the country’s favorite places for vacations and staycations, from coastlines and canyons to neon-lit city nights.
California or Hawaii, the state Americans dream about most
At the state-by-state level, the race is remarkably tight. California is the preferred destination for 46% of states, while Hawaii leads for 42%.
The pull is obvious. California promises variety in a single trip, from surf and hot springs to deserts and alpine lakes. Hawaii offers year-round warmth, a rich mix of cultures, and landscapes that feel worlds away, even when you never leave U.S. soil.
New Hampshire sits a distant third, chosen by 6% of states, especially among its New England neighbors that favor easy road trips over long flights.
When we shift to overall U.S. search volumes, the order changes. Hawaii ranks first nationwide, California second, and Florida third. However you slice it, one theme shines through: Americans love sunshine, beaches, and big, open-air experiences.
Top 10 U.S. states for domestic travel
These are the states with the highest nationwide search interest, based on our analysis. Think of this as the shortlist Americans check first when planning a domestic escape.
- Hawaii — Tropical scenery, volcanic landscapes, and a culture that rewards slowing down. Hawaii dominates national interest.
- California — Iconic beaches, redwood forests, Sierra peaks, and cinematic cities all within one state.
- Florida — Atlantic and Gulf coasts, theme parks, and an endless lineup of beach towns for every travel style.
- Colorado — Rocky Mountain highs, canyon rivers, and four-season adventure from ski towns to high-desert trails.
- Alaska — Vast wilderness, glaciers, and wildlife viewing that turns a vacation into a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
- Maine — Rugged shoreline, lighthouses, and cool coastal summers within weekend range of the Northeast corridor.
- Vermont — Forested peaks, covered bridges, and a farm-to-table scene that pairs perfectly with powder days.
- Arkansas — Ozark hikes, clear lakes, and caves that make an under-the-radar outdoor getaway.
- Pennsylvania — American history meets diverse terrain, from Appalachian ridges to river towns and Amish country.
- Arizona — The Grand Canyon headlines a state packed with red rock, saguaro deserts, and star-filled skies.
Planning a long-range trip to any of these, book flights and stays early to secure inventory and better rates. For road-heavy states like Colorado or Arizona, a rental car unlocks the experiences between major hubs.
Top U.S. cities Americans search for
Big-city breaks continue to perform, and the top results show a country that craves nightlife, culture, and easy access to nature on the same itinerary.
- Las Vegas, Nevada — More than casinos. World-class dining, live shows, and day trips to Hoover Dam and Red Rock help Las Vegas top a million monthly searches.
- New York, New York — Museums, Broadway, sports, shopping, and skyline views that pack endless experiences into any length of stay.
- Nashville, Tennessee — Live music on every corner, an ascendant dining scene, and a creative energy that keeps visitors coming back.
- New Orleans, Louisiana — A fusion of cuisines, architecture, and jazz, plus late-night energy along the Mississippi.
- Virginia Beach, Virginia — Family-friendly waterfront vibes and a three-mile boardwalk where the Chesapeake meets the Atlantic.
- Los Angeles, California — Pacific beaches, creative neighborhoods, and studio-era landmarks under year-round sun.
- Boston, Massachusetts — Walkable history, elite universities, and a sports culture that defines the city.
- Seattle, Washington — Water, mountains, and parks all around, with a tech-forward city center and standout coffee culture.
- Atlanta, Georgia — A modern Southern hub with museums, theaters, and a food scene that reflects its global ties.
- Portland, Oregon — Breweries and boutiques framed by Forest Park trails and views of snow-capped peaks.
Where states look for city breaks
Regional patterns are clear. Nevadans look west to Los Angeles for a taste of Hollywood. North Carolinians head up to Virginia Beach for boardwalk strolls.
Washington residents dip into Portland for breweries and design shops, while Oregonians return the favor in Seattle, from Pike Place Market to Space Needle views.
New Englanders gather in Boston for a compact spin through history. Texans and Mississippians meet in New Orleans to savor its singular mix of food and music. When Floridians do not jet to New York, Atlanta offers big-city culture with a shorter hop.
The U.S. attractions Americans want most
We also analyzed the top searched attractions by state, then aggregated the national top 10. Outdoor icons dominate, with city strolls and casino glamour rounding out the list.
- San Antonio River Walk, Texas — Historic architecture, shaded pathways, and waterside dining make this an easy all-ages crowd pleaser.
- South Beach, Florida — White sand, turquoise water, and Art Deco flair. Daytime lounging shifts seamlessly into nightlife.
- Yellowstone National Park — Geysers, canyons, and wildlife across a vast high-country landscape. Pack for changeable weather.
- Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee — The live show that defines country music history, pairing legends with today’s chart-toppers.
- Mount Washington, New Hampshire — The Northeast’s highest peak, notorious for swift weather shifts and panoramic summit views.
- Borgata, New Jersey — A marina-side casino and spa that anchors Atlantic City’s luxury set.
- Acadia National Park, Maine — Granite headlands, carriage roads, and coastal hikes that showcase the North Atlantic at its best.
- Red Rock Canyon, Nevada — Towering sandstone, scenic drives, and trail networks minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
- Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey — The historic oceanfront spine that connects hotels, casinos, and classic amusements.
- Savannah Historic District, Georgia — Oak-lined squares, preserved mansions, and a gracious pace made for lingering.
Nature calls the loudest. Four of the top ten are national or state park experiences, and eight of ten are primarily outdoors. If you love unstructured exploration, a camping loop remains one of the most rewarding ways to see these places.
What our data says about staycations
Closer-to-home trips became a habit during the pandemic and the search data confirms the trend.
When we look at each state’s favorite domestic attraction, South Beach leads with 26% of states, San Antonio River Walk follows with 20%, and Yellowstone attracts 14%.
The pattern is clear. Americans lean into warmth, water, and wide-open spaces, yet they also value destinations that deliver a strong sense of place without a long-haul flight.
A staycation can cut costs, save time, and reduce your carbon footprint, especially when you swap the sky for a scenic drive of 50 to 200 miles.
How we built this ranking
We conducted keyword research on travel intent terms such as travel, vacations, and hotels, paired with domestic modifiers including state names, capital cities, major cities, and the top five attractions in every state.
We validated queries for user intent, then used Google Keyword Planner to gather average monthly search volumes at both the state and national level.
Data was collected in March 2022 and reflects the previous 12 months of searches. We then compared state-level preferences with national-level volumes to reveal both local favorites and the country’s overall top choices.
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