Stars, stripes, and staycations: What travelers are doing this July 4th

Key Takeaways

  • Staycations are on the rise this July 4th weekend, with an approximately 32% increase in short-distance travel within 300 miles of home.
  • From strolling through a farmer’s market with a chef to having your July 4th party catered, there’s no shortage of experiences and services to make holiday weekend trips special.
  • Florida cities are leading the way as the top family destinations with endless outdoor experiences for the entire family.
Two people getting in the back of an open air jeep by the water

Key Takeaways

  • Staycations are on the rise this July 4th weekend, with an approximately 32% increase in short-distance travel within 300 miles of home.
  • From strolling through a farmer’s market with a chef to having your July 4th party catered, there’s no shortage of experiences and services to make holiday weekend trips special.
  • Florida cities are leading the way as the top family destinations with endless outdoor experiences for the entire family.

Searches in the US have jumped by 20 percent compared to last year this July 4th weekend, with guests taking advantage of the extended holiday weekend.1 With staycations and road trips on the rise, many travelers are eager to enhance their trips  by booking unique experiences and services along the way.2 Here are firework-worthy ways for travelers to make the most out of their long weekend.

Travelers are hitting the highways and seeking adventure close by

This July 4th weekend, travelers are eagerly embracing staycations, with an approximately 32 percent increase in short-distance travel within 300 miles of home.3 With the recent launch of  Airbnb Experiences and Services, guests have the perfect opportunity to make the most of their long weekend road trips by crafting their own adventure-packed itineraries right in their own backyard. No matter the routes travelers choose, here are some exciting experiences and services available during the holiday weekend across the US:

Northwest

Southwest

Northeast

Southeast

Midwest

  • Private Chef Experiences (Chicago, IL): Enjoy private Italian, Japanese, Mexican, French, Spanish, Indian, or Chinese 4-course meals, crafted by Chef Andy who specialized in luxury dining and culinary journeys for over a decade.
  • Local Bourbon Tasting (Deadwood, SD): Sample artisanal spirits and learn about West River Whiskey Co., a local distillery, and its distilling process and ingredients.
  • Stroll Findlay Market and Have Brunch with Laura (Cincinnati, OH): Indulge in nine mouthwatering tastings from local small businesses and learn about Cincinnati’s culinary culture.
  • Street Art Workshop (Chicago, IL): Unleash your inner creativity with local artists using lettering, stencils, and cap techniques.
  • Walk Oak Park’s Historic Architecture District (Oak Park, IL): Explore Oak Park’s history, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and Hemingway district.

This rise of staycations highlights a desire for nearby adventures that are easier to plan, and easier on the wallet. A recent Panterra consumer poll reveals that vacations are the last thing to be cut from people’s budgets, with many willing to sacrifice going out to eat, shopping, and even spending on necessities like toilet paper, before altering their travel plans.4 With the average cost of an experience at just $66 and many services priced below $50, there’s something available at a range of prices.

Florida emerges as the top choice for family travelers

Family trip searches are up nearly 30 percent this July 4th weekend, with Florida driving demand with its sun-soaked beaches, serene lakes, and ‘epic’ theme park.Families can now create unforgettable memories together at a variety of price points with experiences. From a private boat ride on turquoise waters to kayaking through mangrove islands, it’s never been easier for families to plan a trip on Airbnb.

Here are the top family destinations and unforgettable things to do on Airbnb this July 4th weekend6:

  • Greater Orlando Area (Orlando + Kissimmee), FL: The Greater Orlando area is the ultimate destination for family fun and features an ‘epic’ new theme park. Families can embark on a culinary adventure and taste their way through Orlando’s local food scene.
  • Clearwater, FL: In this picturesque coastal city, families can embark on a private pontoon boat ride, complete with a BBQ on the water. This experience offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, creating unforgettable family moments in Clearwater.
  • Sarasota, FL: In this coastal city known for its beaches and rich culture, families can explore the beauty of Sarasota by kayaking through mangrove islands. This unique adventure allows families to bond while experiencing the natural beauty of the area.
  • Miramar Beach, FL: Known for its kid-friendly atmosphere and stunning scenery, Miramar Beach offers the perfect backdrop for exploration. Families can take a boat trip to Crab Island for a day filled with adventure and water activities.

Wherever our community is traveling over the holiday weekend, Airbnb is on hand to support great stays, including through 24/7 Customer Support, AirCover for guests, and our quality standards.

1Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made in Q1 2025 forJuly 3-6, 2025, compared with searches made in Q1 2024 for July 4-7, 2024

2Based on a nationally representative online survey commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by Focaldata between March 5th and 14th 2025 of 27,198 adults across 29 markets. 

3Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made in Q1 2025 for trips within 300 miles of guest origin forJuly 3-6, 2025, compared with searches made in Q1 2024 for July 4-7, 2024

4Based on external data results from an online survey conducted by Panterra Research of adults in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Brazil, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. The survey was fielded from April 6 to April 22, 2025. The margin of error for these sample sizes is ±2.5, ±3.1, and ±3.3 percentage points (for n=1,500, n=1,000, and n=900, respectively) at the 95% confidence level, and is larger for smaller subgroups or lower sample sizes

5Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made in Q1 2025 forJuly 3-6, 2025, compared with searches made in Q1 2024 for July 4-7, 2024 by family travelers (searches that involve one or more baby/child)

6Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made in Q1 2025 by family travelers (searches that involve one or more baby/child) for July 3-6, 2025

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