What’s Your Ideal Vacation in the United States?

But choosing the ideal vacation in the U.S.?

Now that’s where it gets interesting. Some people crave adventure. Others want peace and quiet. And then there are those who just want to eat their weight in funnel cake at a theme park. No judgment, we’ve all been there.

So we asked the Ipsos iSay community across the U.S. to tell us where they’d most love to escape this summer. Is the dream a sunny coastline or a cool mountain trail? A city packed with culture or a quiet lakeside nook?

The answers are in, and they offer a fun peek into what people really want when it comes to unwinding, recharging, and making the most of summer. These insights tie into broader seasonal trends we’ve seen in Ipsos’ summer plans research, which reveals how Americans are prioritizing their time off.

Let’s dig into the dream destinations and see how your own vacation goals stack up.

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When it comes to choosing the ideal vacation in the U.S., 41% of Ipsos iSay visitors in the U.S. say their top choice is a sunny beach getaway. That’s nearly half of the respondents dreaming of warm weather, crashing waves, and sand between their toes.

And really, can you blame them?

A beach vacation checks all the boxes, including relaxation, scenic beauty, and a chance to step away from the usual hustle. After long months of deadlines, school runs, and back-to-back meetings, the idea of lounging under a beach umbrella while the tide rolls in sounds like the perfect antidote.

For many, these beautiful beaches aren’t just about rest. They offer unforgettable experiences, such as sunrise walks along the shoreline, fresh seafood by the water, and peaceful evenings with a view. Beach vacations are also among the best family vacation spots, where kids can play in the surf and adults can unwind without the need for an hour-by-hour itinerary.

But if a beach is the dream, that raises another question: Which U.S. beach destination is the ultimate choice?

We asked. You answered.

Here’s how the beach picks ranked:

• Maui, Hawaii: 53%
• Miami Beach, Florida: 20%
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: 20%
• Laguna Beach, California: 7%

Maui

Maui clearly stands out as a top vacation spot, known for its pristine beaches, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you're looking to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, hike through a national park, or simply soak in the serenity, Maui offers something for everyone.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach, with one-fifth (20%) of the vote, stands out for its electric energy and cultural vibrancy. It’s a destination known for its buzzing nightlife, iconic art-deco architecture, and world-class attractions. For travelers who want a mix of sun, style, and social scene, Miami Beach offers a dynamic vacation spot with endless places to eat, explore, and experience.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, also chosen by one-fifth (20%) of our audience, appeals to a different kind of beachgoer. This stretch of the South Carolina coast is especially popular with families and those looking for a laid-back getaway. Known for its classic boardwalk fun, live entertainment, and an impressive lineup of golf courses, Myrtle Beach remains one of the best places to visit in the Southeast for a relaxed, family-friendly escape.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, though with a smaller share, remains a favorite for those who crave a slower pace and picturesque views. Nestled along Southern California’s coast, this small beach town blends art galleries, local eateries, and cliffside ocean panoramas that make it a perfect place to spend your days.

Not everyone dreams of saltwater and sunscreen. While nearly half of respondents in our Ipsos iSay poll voted for a sunny beach getaway, others are drawn to different types of travel, ones that spark peace, adventure, or a little nostalgia.

These preferences remind us that vacation isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. For some, the ideal destination is a quiet corner by a lake. For others, it’s the energy of a city or the thrill of the outdoors. 

Let’s take a closer look at the other destination our audience chose as their dream summer escape in the U.S.:

• Serene lakeside escape: 21%
• Adventurous mountain retreat: 11%
• Vibrant city with cultural attractions: 11%
• Historic town with rich heritage: 10%
• Theme or amusement park: 7%

Seeking Solitude by the Lake

Just over one in five respondents (21%) said their ideal vacation would be a serene lakeside escape, which makes it the second most popular choice in our Ipsos iSay poll. And it’s easy to see why.

There’s something timeless about a peaceful cabin by the water. These types of vacation spots in the U.S. offer a slower pace. Think early morning paddles on Lake Tahoe, fishing from a dock at a secluded Minnesota lake, or enjoying quiet evenings with a view in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

These preferences also reflect broader values seen in our recent Ipsos research into what makes somewhere a great place to live, including prioritizing peace, nature, and meaningful time with loved ones.

For families or couples, these destinations are ideal for recharging without crowds or chaos. They're also among the top destinations for those looking to disconnect and just enjoy the moment.

For the Adventure-Seekers

For travelers chasing a thrill, mountain retreats offer the perfect mix of beauty and adrenaline. Chosen by 11% of respondents, these getaways are great for anyone craving an outdoor adventure.

Regardless of whether it’s hiking trails through the national forest, sunrise views over rock formations, or planning a rafting trip on the Colorado River, this kind of escape taps into the wild, untamed side of the American landscape. Places like Big Sur, the Grand Canyon, or the town of Jackson, Wyoming are among the best summer vacation spots for those who want to be active, off-grid, and in awe.

For the Culture Lovers

Cities still have their place in summer travel. For 11% of voters (11%), the best places to go on vacation are full of museums, music, and food.

U.S. cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., New York City, and Seattle offer rich itineraries, from exploring the National Air and Space Museum to sampling seafood at Pike Place Market. These vacation spots in the USA appeal to curious minds and energetic travelers who love to wander neighborhoods, explore landmarks, and find the best places to eat in town.

Urban getaways are great for weekend trips or longer adventures that combine comfort with discovery, and many of these destinations also make the list of places to visit in the USA for 2025.

History and Heritage Lovers

If you prefer cobblestone streets and stories from the past, you’re not alone. A historic town was ideal for 10% of respondents, which could prove there’s still strong interest in the charm of old towns and preserved traditions.

Think Charleston, Savannah, or even Cape Cod, all known for their architecture, local stories, and inviting atmospheres. These are some of the best small towns to visit, especially for travelers who want to slow down and appreciate the layers of history that shaped the country.

Summer is also the best time to visit many of these towns, with walking tours, seasonal festivals, and landmark experiences that make each stop feel memorable.

Theme Park Fans Still Holding Strong

Lastly, a small percent of people (7%) say their ideal destination includes rides, cotton candy, and maybe a loop on a rollercoaster or two.

Whether it’s a full-blown trip to Orlando or a weekend stop at a local amusement park, these getaways still hold appeal, especially for families planning a fun place that truly offers something for everyone. 

Rising travel and energy costs, however, may shape how people plan these types of vacations. Ipsos data on how staying cool is hitting American wallets hard shows how even simple leisure plans can be impacted by broader economic pressures.

Theme parks may not be remote or rustic, but they’re packed with energy and excitement, which makes them a classic family trip option.

There’s a reason why some people crave a hammock on the beach, while others would rather spend their days hiking in the mountains or wandering through historic towns. Vacation dreams often reveal what’s missing in our everyday routines.

For many, the pull toward vacation spots in the U.S. isn’t just about geography but also about finding balance. It’s a quiet rebellion against digital overload, a break from scrolling and scheduling, and a chance to simply breathe. The dream is less about the destination and more about the feeling regardless of whether it’s gazing at a lighthouse on the coast or walking barefoot along the sand dunes of the Southwest.

Some are seeking reconnection with family, with nature, or with themselves. A trip to the Outer Banks, for example, is about making memories that can’t be downloaded or replayed. 

For others, it’s about exploration, taking the time to discover the best of what the United States offers, whether that’s hot springs, days hiking through national forests, or trying out new activities like kayaking or fishing.

Even a desire for a fun, fast-paced type of trip, like a theme park adventure or a tour through the Florida Keys, speaks to something deeper: the human need for joy, play, and spontaneity. These kinds of getaways, often chosen as a destination for families, reflect a longing to escape routine and share time together in a way that feels both refreshing and memorable.

At its core, the responses from the Ipsos iSay community reflect something quintessentially American, which is the freedom to choose, a sense of adventure, a craving for both fun and rest and the belief that there’s always something new just around the bend. 

And with so many unique vacation spots in the U.S., the possibilities are as open as the road ahead.

Whether your idea of a great summer escape involves beautiful beaches like Maui or Myrtle Beach, or you’re dreaming of vacation spots in the U.S. that are a little off the beaten path, your ideal getaway says a lot about what matters to you.

Maybe it’s about slowing down by the lake. Or diving into history in a charming old town. Or maybe it’s as simple as spending time with the people you love, far away from the usual noise.

Now it’s your turn to join the conversation.

Let’s revisit our Questions of the Day:

1. What’s your ideal summer vacation destination?
2. Which U.S. beach destination is the ultimate summer spot?

We’d love to hear what kind of trip you’re dreaming about. If you’ve already mapped it out or are still deciding where to go, your input helps us better understand what inspires today’s travelers.

So, as you plan your next break, be it for fun, family, or a bit of both, ask yourself: where would you go if you could go anywhere?

Because chances are, the United States offers just the right place to make that dream a reality.

*These results represent Ipsos iSay web visitors in the U.S. from April 10 – 14, 2025, and may not reflect the views of the general population.