As the year comes to a close, travelers are on the lookout for beautiful locations to add to their travel list for 2026. And one beach locale is currently trending.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks topped the list of trending destinations in the United States, according to data from Google that was shared with Travel + Leisure. Known for its Southern charm and dozens of miles of beaches and shores, the Outer Banks is an affordable and relaxing place to spend a vacation.
Made up of several islands off the Atlantic coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks boasts amazing hotels, incredible food, and more. It was also the inspiration behind Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks and many of the filming locations are available to visit in real life (though most locations are in neighboring South Carolina).
The islands also have a 4.8 ranking on Google Maps with more than 2,600 reviews.
“Best kept secret,” one traveler wrote in a Google review. “Everything is amazing here, from the view, to the beach, to the homes.”
To give back while traveling, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau operates a volunteer program, connecting tourists to local organizations working to protect the beaches, support animals, and more.
Beyond the Outer Banks, Google told T+L that Florida’s Siesta Key was the second most-trending U.S. destination. The 8-mile-long barrier island is known for its calm Gulf waters, dolphin sightings, and more.
That was followed by two locations in Colorado: Garden of the Gods, a recognized National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs known for its breathtaking sandstone rock formations and variety of activities like cycling, hiking, and even horseback riding; and the town of Steamboat Springs, renowned for its incredible skiing and fluffy “Champagne Powder.”
California’s Yosemite National Park rounded out the top five, which also serves as a top winter destination with many trails remaining open and opportunities for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating, and even snow tubing.
The picturesque coast of Big Sur, which sits just south of Monterey, California, came in at No. 6 on the list thanks to its amazing ocean views, stunning cliffs, and hidden beaches.
This is the full list of trending U.S. destinations, according to Google.
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Outer Banks, North Carolina
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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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Acadia National Park, Maine
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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
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Redwood National Park, California
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