Americans planning a winter escape keep circling back to one state, whether they want warm weather or a holiday trip with the whole family. Florida’s beach cities are part of that pull, but the places climbing fastest there aren’t Miami or Key West.
Tripadvisor, which says it’s the world’s largest travel guidance platform, released early results from its Winter Travel Index on Oct. 30. The index ranks trending winter destinations for U.S. travelers, and its domestic list mixes cities with big holiday draws, like New York and Las Vegas, with warm spots in Florida and Hawaii.
Florida Takes 3 Top 10 Spots
Key West ranks No. 3 among the top 10 U.S. destinations in Tripadvisor’s Winter Travel Index. Further down, you’ll find Fort Lauderdale at No. 5 and Miami at No. 8.
New York City takes the top spot, with Las Vegas right behind it. New York’s holiday happenings are a big part of that draw, according to Tripadvisor.
The 3 Fastest Risers Are All in Florida
Florida also claims the top three spots for year-over-year search growth among U.S. destinations. Lake Buena Vista leads that growth list, and you’ll find Bay Lake and Sanibel Island right behind it.
Kapolei, Hawaii, and Carlsbad, California, round out the top five. The company describes the Florida and California picks as extended family vacation hubs.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Rank Differently
Orlando doesn’t crack the overall top 10, but it’s No. 3 on Tripadvisor’s trending list for Thanksgiving and No. 2 for Christmas through New Year’s. If you’re planning a Christmas trip, you’ll see Key West at No. 4 for that window, while New York City leads both holiday lists.
Tripadvisor’s data shows trips bunching up around Christmas and New Year’s. The company also flags shoulder season weeks around those peaks as good value for travelers on a budget.
Key West Picks From Tripadvisor’s Top Categories
Aarushi Kumar, associate director of research and insights at Tripadvisor Group, said American travelers want something to do once they get there. “Cultural tours, day trips and outdoor adventures are leading experience bookings on Tripadvisor, while craft classes and spa days are the fastest-growing newcomers.”
Here’s what Tripadvisor highlights in Key West if you want to fill a day in those top categories:
- History: The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is on the cultural tours list.
- Food: A walking tour pairs Key West food with local culture.
- Day trip: A catamaran trip heads to Dry Tortugas National Park, which sits almost 70 miles west of Key West, according to the National Park Service.
- On the water: A mangrove kayak eco tour also makes the day trip list.
Plan Around the Busiest Weeks
Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 26 this year, so you still have a few weeks to compare the holiday lists before you book anything. Once you’ve picked a spot, look past the beach for an afternoon. Museums and city walking tours both made Tripadvisor’s list of emerging experience types this winter.