When you reminisce about the ultimate summer vacation you may recall a peaceful trip to grandma’s house in the country, tropical escapes with your friends, or thrilling amusement park adventures with your cousins.
So now that you’re an adult… where’s the best place to go?
And with popular destinations becoming a tourist ridden nightmare, Americans are now seeking new vacation spots outside of the norm – so it’s not too surprising this year’s trendiest getaway is to a place you’d never expect.
Ranking No. 1 as “most sought-after” vacation spot for US travelers is Topsail Beach in North Carolina.
This surprising win by North Carolina shows the southern state has more to offer than most would expect – including alligators if you are up for a little adventure.
In order to find out which destinations ranked the highest in sought-after vacation spots the website HomeToGo looked at data for US travelers searching for summer interest trips between June 21 to September 22, 2023.
Naturally, HomeToGo reported American travelers prefer beach destinations and lakes – and while people usually think of Florida or California – neither of these places hit the top spot.
California obviously is sliding in popularity due to its skyrocketing homeless population, outrageous crime rates, and seemingly weekly natural disasters.
Topsail Beach, however, was up in demand by 543% compared to 2022, reported News Observer.
The town is about 140 miles southeast of Raleigh, and offers more than just a boardwalk and mini golf.
Year-round travelers can experience the world’s most adorable sea creatures up close at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
Or, catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat at one of three breathtaking piers.
And if one isn’t surfing, parasailing, or dolphin sighting, they can take a break from the sun at the famous Topsail Beach Skating Rink.
Cheap beer, cheap food, and a whole lot of laughs as dad tries to groove to a disco beat on skates make unforgettable memories.
And don’t stick out like a sore thumb by calling the town “Top-sail”, because it is pronounced “Tops’l”.
Worried about securing a room?
Fear not – if the recent popularity of this down-to-earth beach destination causes the limited number of local hotels to book up before you secure your itinerary…
…you can always look into last year’s winner, Ocracoke Island- another North Carolina beach!
Or you could trade in your swimming trunks for hiking boots and avoid the hectic east coast altogether by stopping in the Great Smoky Mountains before your feet ever hit the sand.
Either way, North Carolina seems like the place to be this summer- which is a breath of fresh air compared to the long lines, overpriced chicken nuggets, and overcrowded hotel pools of previous summer vacations.
(h/t Proud American Traveler)