The Most Popular Labor Day Weekend Destinations

More than three out of 10 Americans plan to travel for this upcoming Labor Day weekend, according to a recent TripAdvisor survey. However, that number could rise in the days to come as 22 percent are currently undecided and many travelers have opted for last-minute bookings of late-70 percent of trips booked on Tripadvisor in the first week of August were for travel within the next three weeks. When it comes to the top Labor Day destinations in 2021, domestic dominates, with 86 percent planning to stay in the country and 45 percent traveling locally by car or train. Here's a look at the 10 hottest holiday weekend escapes to close out summer.

TripAdvisor points out that beaches and national parks are among the top searched attractions, with travelers still showing considerable interest in the outdoors in the time of COVID-19. The Hawaiian capital of Honolulu is certainly known for its beaches; however, Hawaii Gov. David Ige recently asked visitors to delay non-essential travel to the islands through the end of October 2021 due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, pointing out that "it is a risky time to be traveling right now."

One of three Florida cities to make the top 10 in 2021, Key West is gaining more buzz compared to prior to the pandemic when it comes to Labor Day weekend interest. The lively destination that's home to the southernmost point of the continental U.S. offers visitors plenty of sun, sand and sea as well as mouthwatering seafood, live music and entertainment, shopping and an array of water activities, including world-class snorkeling.

A few hours north of Key West, Miami Beach maintains its pre-pandemic placement, ranking eighth for Labor Day interest in 2021. In addition to some of the best beaches in the country, visitors will discover unparalleled nightlife and burgeoning art and foodie scenes as well as diverse neighborhoods and locals.

Another East Coast summertime favorite offering plenty of beach and seaside fun, Virginia Beach is up six spots from its pre-pandemic ranking of 13th in 2019, according to TripAdvisor. The bustling boardwalk and other outdoor attractions like First Landing State Park provide visitors with plenty of room to vacation comfortably this holiday weekend.

Cancun is once again the lone international destination to make TripAdvisor's rankings for the most popular Labor Day getaways, rising three spots from 2019. The Mexican Caribbean continues to be one of the most accessible overseas destinations for Americans who don't need proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test result to gain entry.

Crowded cities have lost some of their luster amid the pandemic, but New York City's allure apparently remains as it ranks fifth-most popular for Labor Day 2021. Although down three spots from number two in 2019, the Big Apple is emerging as one of the safer places to visit as officials begin to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry into indoor businesses, including restaurants and entertainment venues.

Down only one spot from the pre-pandemic Labor Day weekend of 2019, Myrtle Beach offers travelers the quintessential summer vacation with miles and miles of sandy shores and inviting surf as well as numerous top-notch golf courses, restaurants, bars, clubs and beloved family-friendly attractions from the boardwalk and promenade to Broadway at the Beach.

Entertainment has returned to Las Vegas and so have tourists. Sadly, Sin City surrenders its number one ranking from 2019 but remains firmly in the top five with countless end-of-summer travelers showing interest in hitting the Strip to tour the city's iconic casinos, pools, celebrity chef-inspired restaurants and clubs.

The Theme Park Capital of the World has navigated the pandemic pretty well, jumping two spots in 2021, with many travelers, especially families, eager to close out summer in Walt Disney World, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall. Universal parks, SeaWorld and Gatorland are just a few of the other top attractions Labor Day visitors have their sights set on in 2021.

Ocean City boasts 10 miles of beautiful free beach and an impressive blend of nightlife and family-friendly attractions, including amusement parks, go-karts and miniature golf. World-class fishing, fresh seafood, parasailing, awesome craft beer, jet skiing, you name it, OC has it. The complete Maryland resort town is up four spots from its pre-pandemic ranking of fifth in 2019, claiming the top spot for Labor Day Weekend 2021.