- Travel guidance platform Tripadvisor recently released its annual Summer Travel Index.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was named one of the top summer destinations in the U.S., just behind Las Vegas and New York City.
- The South Carolina beach town is known for its bustling boardwalk, beautiful beaches, and fresh seafood.
With the kids out from school and some of the best weather, there’s a reason why summer is the high season for travel. But are you wondering where everyone will be traveling this summer? Tripadvisor’s Summer Travel Index for 2025 has the answers.
Using data from an online survey conducted earlier this year and searches made on TripAdvisor for travel between June 1 and Aug. 31, the platform found that both city breaks and beach vacations are trending this year—with Las Vegas, New York City, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina coming in as top domestic summer travel destinations for U.S. citizens.
There’s no doubt Sin City and the Big Apple have always appealed to travelers—both are known for world-class dining, exciting entertainment, and endless opportunities to shop—but don’t overlook Myrtle Beach. Located along the “Grand Strand,” a 60-mile stretch of gorgeous coastline, the South Carolina city is brimming with outdoor activities, golf courses, a buzzing boardwalk, wide beaches, and an impressive selection of eateries serving up fresh seafood. There’s truly something for everyone in Myrtle Beach, from families with kids to friend groups hoping to balance nights out with leisurely days on the beach.
If you’re one of the many travelers who want to visit Myrtle Beach this summer, there are a few things to consider—starting with accommodations. There are quite literally hundreds of hotels in the Myrtle Beach area (425, to be exact), so let’s narrow it down. If being close to the beach is your priority, book a room at either Island Vista or Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes; both are north of the busy boardwalk area.
Speaking of the boardwalk, you’ll want to carve out an afternoon to explore the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and promenade. Here, you’ll find all kinds of summertime nostalgia: souvenir stores (don’t miss the Gay Dolphin, a three-story Myrtle Beach icon), ice cream shops, and the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, where you can climb aboard the temperature-controlled gondolas.
There’s also another side to Myrtle Beach, one that’s a bit more relaxed and geared toward travelers who want to immerse themselves in nature. Spend at least one full day at Myrtle Beach State Park, where you can set up chairs and umbrellas on a local favorite (read: quieter) beach, walk along the trails, or fish from the pier. Then drive down to Murrells Inlet to board the Myrtle Beach Sunset Cruise or rent kayaks from Crazy Sister Marina and paddle around the saltwater marshes.
Of course, it would be a crime to leave Myrtle Beach without diving into some good, old-fashioned seafood. Head to The Hangout for the peel-and-eat shrimp, The Claw House for oysters and crab, and Sea Captain’s House for crab cakes. Wash it all down with a local brew from Grand Strand Brewing Company or one of the frozen drinks at RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar—you are on vacation, after all.
