These are the most-searched spring break destinations, according to a new Google report

Luxury travelers may be chasing new frontiers, but when it comes to spring break 2026, Google search data shows Americans are still obsessed with a mix of under-the-radar nature escapes and classic sun-and-fun beach cities. Is it any wonder that Hawaii is leading the charge?

According to new Google Flights search data shared with Travel + Leisure, Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island is the No. 1 trending U.S. spring break destination for 2026, seeing the biggest year-over-year increase in searches. The town’s appeal comes from offering waterfalls, rainforest hikes and access to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, all without the crowds of more famous Hawaiian hotspots. 

The rest of the list paints a picture of what travelers want right now: nature, smaller cities and, unsurprisingly, Florida beaches. Classics are classic for a reason, after all. Asheville, North Carolina, ranks No. 2 thanks to its Blue Ridge Mountain scenery and the Biltmore Estate, while Sarasota, Florida, lands at No. 3 thanks to its long stretch of Gulf Coast shoreline and barrier islands. 

In total, Florida dominates the list, with five destinations making the top 10: Sarasota, Panama City, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and Tampa. That lines up with broader spring break search trends showing travelers continuing to prioritize easy-to-reach domestic beach trips with reliable weather and strong tourism infrastructure, plus you can never underestimate the familiarity of a classic spring break town. 

RECOMMENDED: South Florida is officially the most searched spring break destination in the U.S.

California shows up twice, with Long Beach (No. 4) and Santa Ana (No. 7) both seeing spikes in search interest. Vail, Colorado, rounds out the list at No. 10, proving there’s still an appetite for spring ski trips paired with late-season hiking and outdoor adventure.

Here’s the full list of the top trending U.S. spring break destinations for 2026, according to Google Flights:

1. Hilo, Hawaii
2. Asheville, North Carolina
3. Sarasota, Florida
4. Long Beach, California
5. Panama City, Florida
6. Punta Gorda, Florida
7. Santa Ana, California
8. Fort Myers, Florida
9. Tampa, Florida
10. Vail, Colorado