Top 10 staycation destinations in the U.S.
The 2023 US Staycation Index
With travel costs rising as demand returns to pre-pandemic levels, many travelers will opt for a convenient staycation at some point in 2023. That could mean staying put in a major city or making a short trip from the nearby suburbs. The experts at Travel Lens recently analyzed 40 of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., looking at factors such as safety, affordability, food, entertainment and climate to determine the best overall locations for a staycation in 2023.
Destinations’ overall scores were based on the average cost of accommodations for a weekend night, the number of restaurants and attractions per 10,000 people, the average annual temperature and the total number of violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2021 (within the state). This year’s top 10 includes a few surprises as well as perennial staycation favorites.
10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Receiving a staycation score of 6.26 out of 10, Cape Cod rounds out Travel Lens’ top 10 list this year, edging out premier tourist destinations such as Kauai, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and even Sedona. In addition to affordable accommodations ($131), this summertime favorite features a healthy amount of restaurants (60 per 10,000 people) and attractions (85 per 10,000 people) to choose from.
9. Stanley, Idaho
Undoubtedly a surprise at number nine, Stanley, Idaho—roughly three hours northeast of Boise—earns a staycation score of 6.31 out of 10 on the strength of its unrivaled nature, which includes adventure in the nearby Sawtooth Mountains and along the Salmon River. The town’s tiny population of just over 100 also gives it a lift as it boasts 418 restaurants per 10,000 people and a ridiculous 1,065 activities and attractions per 10,000 people.
8. Charleston, South Carolina
The Southeast U.S. dominates the list of the top staycation destinations this year and Charleston is just one example. The charming coastal city is rich in culture, history and nature and is a hit with foodies, especially those in search of fresh seafood. Accommodations here won’t break the bank ($207) and the climate is ideal for getting outside to explore with an average temperature above 66 degrees.
7. Miami, Florida
Miami is one of four Florida cities to make the top 10 for 2023. Despite its pricey accommodations ($331), the Magic City offers a plethora of exciting things to see, do and eat as it’s convenient to some of the country’s best beaches. Miami also benefits from ideal year-round temperatures (76.2 degrees) and Florida’s low violent crime rate of just two per 100,000 people.
6. Tampa, Florida
On the other side of the Sunshine State, Tampa’s staycation score (6.97 out of 10) is just 0.05 better than Miami’s. In addition to weather (72.5 degrees), the two cities share a lot in common but Tampa is aided by more affordable places to stay with the average weekend night costing staycationers about $230.
5. Moab, Utah
Moab is arguably the nation’s top staycation destination for adventure seekers, offering a whopping 479 attractions per 10,000 people, a respectable 115 restaurants per 10,000 people and some of the cheapest accommodations among the destinations analyzed with an average weekend night coming in at just $116. Nearby Arches National Park is one of the nation’s most popular and spectacular.
4. Page, Arizona
In northern Arizona, Page is the staycation spot with the cheapest weekend accommodations with hotels available for as little as $74 a night on the weekend. Located on the southern shores of Lake Powell, this small town is within close proximity to some of the top landmarks in the Southwest, including the picturesque Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
3. Key West, Florida
With an average temperature of 77.3 degrees, Key West takes the title of hottest staycation location among those analyzed. What’s more, the southernmost point of the continental U.S. isn’t short on attractions, offering 336 per 10,000 people to be exact. Staycationers can lounge on the beach, take a jet ski tour, go fishing, snorkeling and even explore Key West’s fascinating history.
2. Orlando, Florida
Elsewhere in Florida, Orlando narrowly edges out Key West with a staycation score of 7.74 out of 10. The family-friendly destination is propelled by its 32 theme parks—including beloved attrations like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort—but also ranks highly for its beach-friendly weather (71.8 degrees) and safety.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Earning a nation-best staycation score of 8.15 out of 10, Myrtle Beach can’t be beaten when it comes to safe and affordable fun, food and relaxation all in one place, boasting some 60 miles of gorgeous beaches, more than 90 unique golf courses and 194 restaurants per 10,000 people, which is second-best among the destinations analyzed.