Top Trending US Destinations for July 4 Vacation

As COVID-19 travel restrictions gradually lift, demand for summer vacation is on the rise. Vacation rental site Vrbo reports that searches are soaring compared to a year ago and has revealed the 10 domestic destinations garnering the most interest for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend. Unsurprisingly, most Americans have their sights set on a trip to the beach this Independence Day.

South Carolina's famous port city has been voted America's number one small city year after year and has something for every type of visitor, including a vibrant arts scene, access to world-class spas and golf courses, shopping and mouthwatering bars and restaurants.

From Plymouth to Provincetown, Cape Cod offers Independence Day revelers countless beaches, rich history and loads of charm, making it a no-brainer for summer travelers hoping to get out of the house in the Northeast.

While Gatlinburg's seemingly endless list of family-friendly attractions will undoubtedly be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic this summer, this scenic mountain town is also a gateway to the country's most-visited national park in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Outer Banks is a beloved summer escape for those in search of peace and privacy so it makes sense that North Carolina's barrier islands are an attractive destination in the time of coronavirus. The list of cozy villages and towns in the Outer Banks goes on forever and most vacation rentals are large enough to accommodate entire groups and families.

Elsewhere in the Carolinas, Myrtle Beach remains as appealing as ever in 2020, according to Vrbo's latest search data. The resort city's dozens of miles of beaches make it an easy choice for a socially distant Fourth of July celebration.

America's Finest City is also a trendy summer vacation destination this year. San Diego's Coronado Beach is one of the world's best for families and was recently named to Dr. Beach's list of the 10 best beaches in America for 2020.

Not far from Charleston and just a short trip from Savannah, Hilton Head is an iconic Lowcountry destination offering not only sought-after beaches and golf courses but a slew of exciting opportunities for nature lovers in addition to a handful of luxe resorts.

According to Vrbo, demand for vacation rentals in The Hamptons has grown twice as much as any other destination. This region is renowned for its charming villages and secluded beaches, including the award-winning Cooper's Beach in Southampton.

Another premier beach destination in the Southeast gaining momentum ahead of the July 4 weekend, Gulf Shores and nearby Orange Beach are well-established on vacationers' radars, attracting sun-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country summer after summer.

The Florida Panhandle is the hottest Fourth of July destination based on Vrbo search data this summer as families and groups will be flocking to the Sunshine State's Emerald Coast to seek out some much-needed fun in the sun in places like Destin and Panama City Beach.