America’s top destinations for Independence Day

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – HomeToGo, the marketplace with the world’s largest selection of vacation rentals, released its Fourth of July Report, pinpointing the top 20 trending destinations for Independence Day breaks this year. Based on exclusive traveler search demand, the forecast finds that rural destinations and waterside towns are capturing the interest of the majority of travelers, with 88% of searches looking outside urban areas.

New Buffalo, Michigan (Photo: Getty Images, HomeToGo).

“With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, travelers are taking their Fourth of July vacation plans to the next level. Journeying an average of 750 miles to reach destinations, Americans will stay in their selected spots for an average of nine days, representing a +4% increase from 2024. Travel group sizes have also grown, with the average number of guests per stay similarly seeing a +4% year-on-year uplift,” said Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo Spokesperson and Travel Expert. “Traditional favorites such as Destin, Panama City Beach, Gulf Shores, Myrtle Beach, and Outer Banks rank as the top searched destinations for Independence Day celebrations. However, HomeToGo’s data additionally shows that U.S. travelers have become more interested in discovering under-the-radar escapes in off-the-beaten-path destinations, including New Buffalo in Michigan and Concan in Texas.”

Top Trending Destinations for the Fourth of July

The locations with the most notable year-on-year increases in search volume for vacation rental stays during the two weeks surrounding the Fourth of July weekend in 2025 are:

Top Destination Descriptions:

1. Asbury Park, New Jersey: Blending seaside charm with a dash of eclectic energy, travelers can enjoy Asbury Park’s lively boardwalk, where quirky shops and live music pulse through the air, or take in the artistic vibe at local galleries. Whether strolling along the shore or exploring the nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to do in this top trending destination.
2. Ocean View, Delaware: Just inland from Delaware’s coast, Ocean View is the perfect base for vacationers to experience laid-back adventures in sun-kissed nature, with Fenwick Island State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, and James Farm Ecological Preserve all just a short drive away. Bethany Beach is also nearby, offering peaceful shores with golden sand.
3. Lake Michigan Beach, Michigan: This tranquil stretch along mighty Lake Michigan’s eastern shore is a superlatively serene spot where travelers can discover the hidden gem beach at Hagar Park or explore the scenic trail at Barvick’s Sand Dune Preserve. Whether unwinding by the water or immersing themselves in nature, Lake Michigan Beach is sure to deliver a relaxing retreat.
4. New Buffalo, Michigan: New Buffalo is a charming lakeside destination offering 800 feet of beach and a recreational harbor where guests can picnic and grill while enjoying summer days at Lions Pavilion Park. As a prime base for excursions along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, it’s also a top spot for sampling Lake Michigan Shore AVA tipple.
5. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina: In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk combines the allure of expansive beaches with—as the site of the Wright brothers’ first flight—a real sense of history. The ocean invites visitors to dive in for a swim or surf, while the Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve offers winding trails through salt marshes and maritime forest.

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.