US National Parks Witness a 35% Boost in Travel Searches for 2026
Airbnb’s 2026 travel predictions unveil a significant shift towards nature-based experiences. Searches for stays near U.S. national parks have seen a 35% surge compared to the previous year. This trend coincides with the United States’ 250th-anniversary celebrations and the landmark centennials for iconic parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Grand Teton.
The Great Smoky Mountains has emerged as one of the top trending destinations globally in 2026, with searches trending over 135% among solo travelers. Nature and outdoor experiences have now become the most booked experience category on Airbnb’s platform, outpacing all other categories including art, cultural tours, dining, and wellness.
This phenomenon, popularly known as “touching grass” on social media, signifies travelers stepping away from screens and reconnecting with nature. The hashtag #touchgrass has generated over 85,000 posts on TikTok. Trending U.S. national park destinations include:
- Yosemite
- Acadia
- Shenandoah
- Jackson Hole near Grand Teton National Park
This shift represents a significant change in travel behavior, with 65% of top-searched 2026 travel dates also aligning with major global events such as the Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
Source: Airbnb 2026 Travel Predictions