Yosemite Tops Californians’ Staycation Wish List, New Search Data Shows
If Google searches are any indication, Yosemite remains the destination Californians dream about most when planning a vacation close to home.
A new analysis by The Resorts Collection found that Yosemite was the most-searched domestic vacation destination among California residents over the past year, averaging 1,826 searches per month.
The luxury travel advisory company analyzed Google Keyword Planner search data from the past 12 months, comparing search interest for 100 popular vacation destinations across the United States. According to the study, Yosemite finished well ahead of every other destination on the list.
Maui ranked second with an average of 1,168 monthly searches from California, followed by Laguna Beach (616), Las Vegas (586), and Palm Springs (504).
The study also found that Californians divide their vacation planning almost evenly between destinations within the United States and international travel, with approximately 50 percent of searches focused on domestic destinations.
Among California locations alone, Yosemite led the rankings, followed by Laguna Beach, Palm Springs, San Diego and Napa Valley.
California’s Most-Searched Domestic Vacation Destinations
- Yosemite, California – 1,826 average monthly searches
- Maui, Hawaii – 1,168
- Laguna Beach, California – 616
- Las Vegas, Nevada – 586
- Palm Springs, California – 504
- Outer Banks, North Carolina – 460
- Key West, Florida – 444
- Orlando, Florida – 308
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – 268
- San Diego, California – 214
Florian Pauly, co-founder of The Resorts Collection, said Yosemite’s position at the top of the rankings reflects growing interest in outdoor destinations where visitors can disconnect from everyday life.
“Interest in Yosemite reflects a real change in how people in California think about a break,” Pauly said. “Time off is no longer only about a hotel and a pool, it is about open space and a genuine change of scenery.”
He also encouraged travelers planning a Yosemite trip to reserve campsites and obtain any required permits well in advance, noting that many of the park’s most popular reservations are claimed months before the travel season.
While the study measures online search interest rather than actual visitation, the findings reinforce Yosemite’s enduring popularity as one of California’s most recognizable destinations. The park consistently attracts millions of visitors each year from around the world and remains a major driver of tourism for the mountain communities surrounding Yosemite National Park.
According to the researchers, the rankings were compiled using Google Keyword Planner search volume data collected over the past 12 months and analyzed across a list of 100 popular U.S. vacation destinations. Additional details about the methodology and complete rankings are available from The Resorts Collection.
Source: Google Keyword Planner data analyzed by The Resorts Collection.