As the year comes to a close, many travelers are searching for beautiful places to add to their 2026 travel plans. According to new Google data, one beach destination is receiving the No. 1 trending place in the U.S. It’s known for long beaches, peaceful vibes, and warm Southern charm.
The area has affordable hotels, great food, and beautiful coastal views. It also inspired the Netflix series Outer Banks, and some filming spots can be visited (mostly in South Carolina).
Siesta Key in Florida is the second most trending destination. This 8-mile-long island is famous for soft white sand, calm Gulf waters, and dolphin sightings.
Next on the list are two Colorado favorites:
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Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, known for its red rock formations and fun activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
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Steamboat Springs, a popular ski town known for its soft “Champagne Powder” snow.
Yosemite National Park in California is in the top five. It’s also a beautiful winter spot where visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, and snow tubing.
Big Sur in California ranks sixth, thanks to its stunning cliffs, ocean views, and quiet beaches.
Here is the full list of trending U.S. destinations, according to Google:
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Outer Banks, North Carolina
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Siesta Key, Florida
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Garden of the Gods, Colorado
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Steamboat Springs, Colorado
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Yosemite National Park, California
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Big Sur, California
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Acadia National Park, Maine
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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
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West Palm Beach, Florida
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Redwood National Park, California
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