St. George, Utah: The Unrivaled Summer Hotspot of America
Forget Miami and New York — this summer, the spotlight is on the red rocks. St. George, Utah has emerged as America’s top trending destination, according to Expedia’s 2026 Destinations of the Summer report. The report reveals a stunning 125% surge in accommodation searches compared to the same period last year.
Located near Zion National Park, St. George is a desert city enveloped by dramatic red-rock formations and canyon trails. It’s reaping the benefits of a major national trend that Expedia has dubbed the “Stay-Here Summer.” Factors such as rising travel costs, shorter vacation windows, and the complexities of international travel are reshaping Americans’ vacation plans. As a result, 63% of U.S. travelers are now planning a domestic trip this summer.
St. George offers a plethora of attractions, including scenic hiking trails, Snow Canyon State Park, world-class golf courses, and access to the Mojave Desert. And all this comes without the crowds or hefty price tags associated with more popular western destinations.
- Other rising stars on Expedia’s list include:
- Tacoma, Washington (+120%),
- Asheville, North Carolina (+80%), and
- Bradenton, Florida (+75%).
The social buzz for domestic trips in the U.S. has doubled, with searches for Florida and California beaches up 50%. Interest in lakes, mountains, and national parks has also seen a 65% year-over-year increase.
Deloitte’s 2026 Summer Travel Survey further confirms this trend, predicting that July will be the busiest month for American travel this year, with 31% of planned summer trips taking place this month.