Time for a vacation? This NC destination ranks among the nation’s trendiest for summer

Simone Jasper
·2 min read
16

North Carolina is home to one of the nation’s trendiest places to visit this summer, a new report finds.

North Topsail Beach ranks No. 10 on a list of destinations that potential travelers are interested in checking out when the days get warmer, according to results published May 3.

To create the list of travel hot spots, the short-term rental website Airbnb said it studied searches that people conducted earlier this year. It focused on those who were curious about booking U.S. vacations from June through August and compared the figures to data from 2022 to see year-over-year trends.

North Topsail Beach was the only place in the state to land a top spot in the rankings. That might not come as a surprise, as Airbnb said the most-booked summer trip destinations include coastal spots.

North Topsail Beach, located about 40 miles northeast of Wilmington, is on Topsail Island. Other towns on the island — pronounced “Tops’l” rather than “Top-sail” — include Topsail Beach and Surf City.

“Each town is unique in its own way, with North Topsail Beach being known for being laid back and peaceful with an abundance of natural treasures. Wildlife, such as dolphins, sea turtles and shorebirds are regulars to the town and you might even catch a glimpse of more elusive creatures such as bald eagles, and an occasional alligator in the backwaters,” the town wrote on its website, adding that the area also boasts water activities.

The results come after nearby Topsail Beach recently was named the No. 1 “most sought-after” summer destination for U.S. tourists to visit, McClatchy News reported.

On the more recent list, Airbnb said the vacation spot that grew the most in popularity was Louisville, Kentucky. Rounding out the top five:

  • Laconia, New Hampshire

  • Lexington, Kentucky

  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Panama City, Florida

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