Orlando Tops U.S. Summer Travel Destinations, Major Cities Missing Rankings

WalletHub's recent ranking named Orlando, Florida as the top summer travel destination in the U.S., praised for its central airport and 18 theme parks. Atlanta, Georgia emerged as a surprising runner-up, benefiting from improved transportation, redevelopment projects, and cultural revitalization, marking a significant rise in tourism since 2017. Other notable cities in the top five included Washington D.C., Honolulu, and Austin, with Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown ranking fifth due to its diverse attractions and moderate costs despite a lower safety ranking. While major cities like Philadelphia, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and New York featured in the top 20, Southern California destinations such as Los Angeles and San Diego were notably less represented. Separately, Tripadvisor's 2025 Summer Travel Index placed Las Vegas as the leading domestic summer destination, highlighting its evolving entertainment scene, luxury resorts, and vibrant pool party culture. These diverse rankings reflect shifting traveler preferences toward a mix of cultural hubs, established entertainment centers, and emerging urban destinations.