These two SC cities are top summer 2025 US travel destinations, Tripadvisor says
If you want to enjoy sand and surf this summer in South Carolina, you don’t have to travel far.
That’s because the state is home to two of the nation’s top summer travel destinations, according to the latest Tripadvisor 2025 Summer Travel Index.
Isle of Palms was identified as the second-fastest growing domestic destination for travelers, while Myrtle Beach was named the third-most popular domestic destination.
The travel website analyzed site data and a customer survey to determine the most popular destinations and the fastest-growing domestic destinations for summer.
Here’s why the Isle of Palms and Myrtle Beach are attractive vacation spots:
How did they earn top spots?
Tripadvisor found that activities and experiences are the most important part of a travel budget for more than 80% of travelers. Both beach towns offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation in nature, as well as summer adventure.
Why is the Isle of Palms a popular summer destination?
Just half an hour from Charleston, Isle of the Palms features seven miles of Atlantic coastline, salt marshes and tidal creeks along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The barrier island is a top spot to watch birds, turtles and even dolphins. So, it’s no surprise Tripadvisor reviewers love visiting the beach, exploring nature tours and riding charter boats.
Nearly all 10 of the fastest-growing spots listed by Tripadvisor were coastal locations, though Wyoming makes an appearance.
Florida took the top spot and was the only state with multiple cities on the list.
The 10 fastest-growing summer destinations in the US
- Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- Isle of Palms
- Big Sur, California
- North Wildwood, New Jersey
- Dewey Beach, Delaware
- York Beach, Maine
- Moran, Wyoming
- St. Augustine Beach, Florida
- Panama City Beach, Florida
- Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Myrtle Beach maintains reputation as popular summer destination
As an established vacation spot for decades, Myrtle Beach tourism isn’t growing like the Isle of Palms, but remains popular. The northeast South Carolina vacation spot combines natural beauty with bustling attractions.
Myrtle Beach State Park was ranked No. 3 on the Tripadvisor Summer Travel Index behind the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas and the New York City sightseeing tour.
Tripadvisor reviewers also love Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium and the SkyWheel at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade.
The top 10 US summer destinations for 2025
- Las Vegas
- New York City
- Myrtle Beach
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Chicago
- Honolulu, Hawai’i
- Panama City Beach, Florida
- Key West, Florida
- Clearwater, Florida
- Nashville, Tennessee