Vacations are a treasured summertime tradition, and when the weather heats up, many Americans hit the road. But where to? Travel company TripAdvisor tracked travel searches to determine where people are interested in vacationing this summer, and the results are in. If you’re looking for inspiration — or already planning to visit a popular spot — check out TripAdvisor’s top 10 travel picks in the U.S. for summer 2026 — and all the highlights at each destination.

10. Nashville, Tennessee

Summer travelers are singing Music City’s praises, and for good reason: The capital of Tennessee has a lot to brag about. Everyone knows its legendary live music scene — look no further than Music Row and the Grand Ole Opry — but there’s plenty more to explore in Nashville this summer.

The city continues to be a mecca for foodies, and there are so many new hotels and attractions that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wealth of activities in Nashville’s parks, lakes, and greenways, while culture vultures won’t want to miss the surprising architecture, museums, and murals. There’s always a packed lineup of special events, but we love Fridays by the River, a laid-back, family-friendly beer garden by the iconic Cumberland River.

9. Clearwater, Florida

Beaches are a summer vacation staple, and Clearwater Beach landed at No. 2 on TripAdvisor’s list of the best U.S. beaches, thanks to 3 miles of sugar sand with shallow waters perfect for parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and splashing. After a day at the beach, be sure to check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a working animal hospital that rescues and returns marine creatures to the wild. Plus, fans of surrealism won’t want to miss this summer’s Dali in America exhibit in nearby St. Petersburg, examining the Spanish artist’s relationship with the U.S. and his impact on American culture.

8. Seattle, Washington

With long days, mild temps, and minimal rainfall, summer delivers the Emerald City’s best weather, and the season has a lot going on in 2026. Six FIFA World Cup matches will be held in June and July, giving the city an electric, global energy. Beyond fútbol fever, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Center — home to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Museum of Pop Culture — offer a classic Seattle itinerary. Families won’t want to miss Woodland Park Zoo, either, where the new Forest Trailhead beckons with a treetop path, red pandas, and tree kangaroos.

7. Panama City Beach, Florida

With 27 miles of white-sand beaches, Panama City Beach draws vacationers seeking an affordable beach escape. Get away from the crowds to snorkel, kayak, and dolphin-watch at Shell Island — an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by boat. The summer calendar is packed with events such as the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, celebrating four days of country and Southern rock music at the beach, and the weekly Summer Concert Series, which takes place at Aaron Bessant Park through August.

6. Key West, Florida

A tropical island without a passport? Key West might be just the ticket. The Hemingway Home and Museum is an essential stop for literature (and cat) lovers, while fans of presidential history will want to check out Harry S. Truman’s “Little White House.” Tourists and locals alike gather on the historic waterfront to watch the sunset each evening at Mallory Square, and don’t miss the Key Lime Festival, running July 1 through 5, with pie tastings, cocktail competitions, and more.

5. Ocean City, Maryland

Summer classics like saltwater taffy, miniature golf, and amusement park rides — along with easy access from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York — keep East Coast visitors flocking to Ocean City’s beaches and boardwalk year after year. The OC Air Show sees top military and civilian flight teams soaring over 10 miles of beach in June, and anglers can’t resist August’s White Marlin Open, the largest billfishing tournament in the world.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

Sin City never stops reinventing itself, and summer 2026 will be no exception. Grand Prix Plaza has a redesigned F1 go-karting track and an upgraded 4D theater, while the Sphere brings a lineup including The Wizard of Oz and the Backstreet Boys. 

You can also always revisit the classics, like the Fountains of Bellagio with more than 1,000 water jets shooting up to 40 stories and synchronized to music. For a stunning natural experience nearby, head to Red Rock Canyon for 2,000-foot red sandstone escarpments and ancient petroglyphs. (Pro tip: Be sure to go early, as afternoon temperatures often exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.)

3. Chicago, Illinois

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler have voted Chicago as the Best Big City in the U.S. for nine consecutive years, and this summer is as great a time to visit as any. The Obama Presidential Center opens on the city’s South Side in early summer, and Chicago will be celebrating the Route 66 centennial all year as the official starting point of the historic highway. The Windy City goes all in on summer festivals, too: The largest free blues festival in the world draws more than half a million attendees in early June, while Lollapalooza takes over eight stages in Grant Park from July 30 through August 2.

2. New York, New York

There’s no shortage of things to do in New York any time, but summer 2026 will leave travelers spoiled for choice. Eight FIFA World Cup matches — including the final game at nearby MetLife Stadium — will suffuse the city with excitement, even for fans who don’t have a ticket. And beyond classics like Central Park, the High Line, the Met, and the Empire State Building, free concerts and outdoor movie nights run throughout the summer in all five boroughs. If nothing else, Coney Island’s beach and boardwalk reliably deliver a healthy dose of vintage summer pleasure.

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The appeal of TripAdvisor’s summer top spot in 2026 is undeniable: Myrtle Beach’s “Grand Strand” offers 60 miles of uninterrupted Atlantic shoreline. The area draws roughly 14 million annual visitors to its boardwalks, amusement parks, and golf courses. This year, there are even more reasons to visit, as Family Kingdom Amusement Park celebrates its 60th anniversary and Brookgreen Gardens debuts a new $17 million conservatory. Plus, the Carolina Country Music Festival returns June 4 through 7, featuring headliners Blake Shelton, Post Malone, Luke Bryan, and Riley Green.