TOP TRENDING SPOTS SO FAR FOR A SUMMER 2017 VACATION RENTAL STAY

You know the feeling; it’s the beginning of June, and you’re finally sitting down to plan your family’s summer vacation—only to encounter sky-high rates and fully booked flights. We’ve all been there. Trying to line up a budget-friendly getaway at the last minute is enough to make anyone want to throw in the (beach) towel and pitch a tent in the living room…for the third year in a row.

Not this summer! At TripAdvisor Rentals, we’re breaking down the trendiest spots for a summer 2017 vacation rental stay, so you can get ahead of the curve and book your dream home before someone else does. We’ve analyzed the overall vacation rental interest on TripAdvisor Rentals so far in 2017, for a stay taking place in June, July, or August of this year. What’s left are the 12 destinations that are getting the most summer vacation rental attention from travelers in 2017.

From top-notch beaches to tucked-away islands, these popular spots are going fast, so find one you love and leave the staycation tent in storage. You deserve a little Vitamin D this summer—and maybe a king bed instead of a sleeping bag—which is why we’re making it easy to find and book the perfect rental for your family before summer begins.

1. OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

“Ocean City is our favorite vacation spot. I want to keep this rental a secret so I can come back year after year with no competition!” – Traveler Review

As one of the top Travelers’ Choice beaches in the country—and the only destination outside Florida and Hawaii in the top ten—Ocean City is making waves with travelers this summer. The popular resort town is known for its family-friendly activities and an old-timey boardwalk packed with shops and restaurants. Enter your crew in the Family Beach Olympics and compete in relay races, tug-of-war battles, and sand castle contests (held weekly, June 27–August 8).

EAT: Liquid Assets
PLAY: Jolly Roger Amusement Park
SEE: Ocean City Boardwalk
STAY: See all 1,620+ rentals in Ocean City, MD!

2. PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA

“This little house was perfect! An easy stroll to the beach—so close, in fact, that I walked over almost every day at sunrise and sunset.” – Traveler Review

Sandwiched between two beautiful state parks, Panama City is a great getaway spot for fitness fiends and watersports lovers. Bike along 24 miles of trails in Panama City Conservation Park (created to preserve local wetlands), or spend the day learning to kitesurf. If you’re in town between June 15th and August 10th, don’t miss the free Thursday concerts at Aaron Bessant Park.

EAT: Capt. Anderson’s
PLAY: Panhandle Helicopter Tours
SEE: Shell Island
STAY: See all 240+ rentals in Panama City!

3. DESTIN, FLORIDA

“Our condo overlooked the Gulf and beautiful white beach! The kids really enjoyed the pool. We’d stay here again in a heartbeat!” – Traveler Review

White beaches, emerald water, endless fairways—what more could you ask for in a Florida vacation? (Aside from great fishing spots, that is.) Don’t fret; the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village offers an array of deep sea excursions and affordable charters, so you’re well on your way to reeling in the big one. This summer, top local events include the Nashville Songwriters Florida Sunshine Tour and the 7th Annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ & Fireworks Festival.

EAT: Bud & Alley’s Restaurant
PLAY: The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
SEE: Destin Harbor Boardwalk
STAY: See all 3,300+ rentals in Destin!

4. MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

“First family vacation in years, and I couldn’t have been happier with our stay. Easy access to the beach and every other attraction.” – Traveler Review

Given the sheer number of attractions in Myrtle Beach—including 100 golf courses and 60 miles of beachfront—it’s hard to imagine how this sunny spot could get any more exciting. (Spoiler alert: it just did.) Broadway at the Beach, the area’s iconic entertainment complex, is getting a brand new look; construction has started on a sleek boardwalk extension project; and Carolina Country Music Festival will bring artists like Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean to town in June.

EAT: Sea Captain’s House Restaurant
PLAY: Broadway at the Beach 
SEE: Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
STAY: See all 4,160+ rentals in Myrtle Beach!

5. KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

“The villa was spotless and well-serviced, with a pool and hot tub ideal for winding down after long days in the parks.” – Traveler Review

Planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? Book an affordable rental in Kissimmee (20 miles outside Orlando) and enjoy all the thrills and outdoor adventures this central spot has to offer. Go shopping in Old Town, take an airboat tour through the Everglades, or race go-karts at Fun Spot America. Keep an eye out for coming-soon attractions like Island Grove Wine Company, a sustainable winery and microbrewery surrounded by botanical gardens.

EAT: Savion’s Place
PLAY: Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
SEE: Old Town
STAY: See all 6,390+ rentals in Kissimmee!

6. GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

“The view from this condo is the best we’ve ever had in Gulf Shores—or anywhere else in the world. This place is a gem.” – Traveler Review

If a week of watersports, nature trails, and deep-sea fishing sounds like your kind of paradise, then book a beach house and pack your bags for Gulf Shores. Known for its clean sand and clear water, this popular coastal escape balances big adventures with a healthy dose of relaxation. Come for Hangout Music Festival in May (the line-up features Major Lazer and Mumford & Sons), or show off your stand-up savvy during the 3rd Annual Flora-Bama Gulf Coast Paddle Championship in July.

EAT: LuLu’s Gulf Shores
PLAY: Gulf Adventure Center
SEE: Gulf State Park Pier
STAY: See all 3,510+ rentals in Gulf Shores!

7. ORLANDO, FLORIDA

“I loved the luxury of feeling like I was at home while visiting Disney World. The house was immaculate; the beds were comfortable.” – Traveler Review

Everyone knows that Orlando is home to more theme parks than you could possibly pack into one trip. Thanks to new attractions at Universal, Legoland, and Disney—plus a new water park, Volcano Bay—the capital of spinning tea cups and twisty coasters is bigger than ever this year. Buckle up for a wild ride, then go tubing at Kelly Park or tour an orange grove for a nice change of pace.

EAT: Kabooki Sushi
PLAY: Fun Spot America
SEE: Leu Gardens
STAY: See all 16,140+ rentals in Orlando!

8. VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

“We’ve stayed in rentals before, but this house ranks at the top of our list. It was way more fun and economical than renting a hotel.” – Traveler Review

Virginia Beach has all the right ingredients for a memorable family vacation: beach and bayfront rentals, scenic state parks, and a three-mile boardwalk (complete with a separate path for bikes and quadricycles). You’ll want to hit the beach, of course, but don’t miss the chance to browse fine art at the Boardwalk Art Show (June 15–18) or take a kayak tour in First Landing State Park.

EAT: Eat, An American Bistro
PLAY: Virginia Beach Boardwalk
SEE: Neptune’s Park
STAY: See all 290+ rentals in Virginia Beach!

9. CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

“This was our second year renting a beautiful Cape May Victorian. The location is perfect—close enough to walk to town.” – Traveler Review

As the oldest resort destination in the country, Cape May is a classic summer spot with a whole lot of history (and gorgeous Victorian rentals). Beyond the beach, summer pastimes include winery tours, Cape May Stage productions, and the ever-popular People’s Choice Chowder Contest. Find a handcrafted souvenir at the Boardwalk Craft Show (June 10–11) on the Cape May Promenade.

EAT: The Mad Batter
PLAY: Cape May Brewing Company
SEE: Historic Cold Spring Village
STAY: See all 740+ rentals in Cape May!

10. HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA

“Our time in Hilton Head was simply amazing. This gorgeous, remodeled vacation home made a great trip even better!” – Traveler Review

From sailing and biking to horseback riding and historic tours, Hilton Head has a myriad of classic summer activities—and then some. Tee off at a top-rated public golf course, show off your backhand at a swanky tennis club, or unfurl your beach towel and claim a stretch of sand at Coligny Beach. HarbourFest, the island’s signature summer event, features food, fireworks, and live entertainment at Shelter Cove Harbour. This year, the weekly family event kicks off on June 13th.

EAT: Skull Creek Boathouse
PLAY: H20 Sports
SEE: Daufuskie Island with Tour Daufuskie
STAY: See all 3,700+ rentals in Hilton Head!

11. OCEAN CITY, NEW JERSEY

“The house was right down the street from the heart of the boardwalk, which was awesome! I would recommend this rental to anyone.” – Traveler Review

Safe, clean, and kid-friendly, OCNJ is a longtime tradition for many East Coast families thanks to a revitalized boardwalk and eight miles of ocean and bay beaches. During the summer, every Thursday is family night—think special activities and entertainment at venues all over town—and events like the annual boat parade are particularly great if you’ve got little ones in tow.

EAT: Hula Restaurant and Sauce Company
PLAY: Gillian’s Wonderland Pier
SEE: Ocean City Boardwalk
STAY: See all 1,790+ rentals in Ocean City, NJ!

12. COROLLA, NORTH CAROLINA

“This was the perfect getaway home for my family. With the beach a block and a half away, we were able to walk there every day.” – Traveler Review

Taking a “less-is-more” approach to vacation this summer? We’re right there with you. Book a roomy rental in Corolla, home to funky shops, small-town restaurants, and miles of undeveloped beaches. Forget vendors, crowds, and noise; this little piece of paradise is blissfully free of the traffic you might find at other destinations during peak season.