2025 Summer Travel Trends: The Season of Spontaneous Water Adventures

Last Updated on May 19, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

Key takeaways 

• Americans are embracing transformative experiences close to home, with boating becoming a top choice for meaningful domestic getaways (1). 
• Groups are booking spontaneous water adventures, thanks to ready-to-go boats and trip planning product features like filtering by Amenities and Instant Book (2). 
• Summer events are shaping when and how people get on the water and are influenced by fandom travel, cultural celebrations, and major sports events (3).

Americans are staying local & getting on the water

With the rise of budget-conscious travelers in 2025, U.S. travelers are rediscovering the joy of staying closer to home and local businesses are reaping the benefits (4). Domestic travel is no longer just a money-saving decision; it’s becoming a cultural movement. From road trips to being a tourist in your own city, Americans are seeking more value-packed ways to scratch their travel itch while feeling more connected to the places they call home. And that includes getting on a boat.

In more than half of our key markets, bookings made by locals or domestic travelers make up over 50% of total activity (5). In some cities, that number climbs closer to 70%. Whether it’s an eco-cruise to learn about local wildlife or a hands-on sailing trip with a pro skipper, boating is becoming the preferred choice for those seeking local, guided, and culturally meaningful experiences. 

Top U.S. summer destinations for local escapes

With U.S. travelers leaning into staycations and nearby getaways, these trending destinations prove you don’t have to go far or go international for an unforgettable trip.

• Miami, FL: Explore vibrant city waters with an easy detour to the Palm Beaches
• Fort Lauderdale, FL: Known as the “Venice of America” with miles of scenic boating canals
• Tampa, FL: Cruise the bay for dolphin sightings or go north for the largest Greek village in the U.S.
• Chicago, IL: Lock-in a private boat tour on Chicago Architecture or sail Lake Michigan with a pro-sailor
• Seattle, WA:  Set off on Puget Sound for mountain views, wildlife spotting, and salty breezes
• Mobile, AL: A jumping-off point for the Gulf Shores and Emerald Coast, with boat rentals near Destin
• Los Angeles, CA:  Depart from LA to a Euro summer dupe with Amalfi Coast vibes, or opt for a day trip to San Diego
• Coeur d’Alene, IL: A Lake Geneva lookalike in the Pacific Northwest, this alpine lake town serves up glassy waters and boutique charm
• Atlanta, GA: Escape the city heat with a boat day on nearby Lake Lanier, a local favorite for quick getaways
• Charlotte, NC: Explore the city’s historic waterfront by boat or cast a line for a relaxing day of freshwater fishing

Find boat rentals & on-water experiences near you

Rise of spontaneous travel plans 

Groups are embracing spontaneous travel like never before, whether it’s exploring a destination by boat or locking in a last-minute July 4 outing (6). With 57% of Boatsetter rentals ready in 12 hours or less (most come with essentials like stocked coolers, Bluetooth, and water toys), planning a group trip is as easy as picking the day and showing up (7). The ease and flexibility make it a go-to choice for groups looking to book unique, on-the-water experiences.

Summer events making next waves 

From local festivals to global sports tournaments, U.S. travelers are increasingly planning trips around major cultural moments and looking for unique ways to extend the experience once they arrive (8). That’s where boating comes in.

Boat rental searches have surged 111% around Black Yacht Week in Chicago. Interest around Seattle’s Seafair Air Show has also spiked, with searches up 121% year-to-date (9). We anticipate other surges as during the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Los Angeles boat rental searches jumped 45%. Similarly, we anticipate surges around the FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Miami and for SailGP in New York City this June, where travelers are already looking for on-the-water seats for the action.

Tips & tricks for spontaneous water adventures

With Boatsetter, getting on the water can be just as easy as brunch out with friends. Here’s how to plan your next on-the-water escape with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

Tip #1: Split the cost with the group

A cozy boat with a stocked cooler and Bluetooth for 8 people averages just $100 per person. Round up the crew, split the cost, and luxuriate in the boating lifestyle for less than a fancy dinner out.

Tip #2: Embrace last-minute plans with Instant Book

As we mentioned previously, the majority of boat rentals are ready-to-go in 12 hours or less making weekend getaways or even same-day outings totally doable. Filter for Instant Book to find boats ready to be booked right away. 

Tip #3: Filter by Amenities

Around 70% of boats on Boatsetter come with trip essentials like coolers with ice, and even fun extras like water toys. These little details make it easy to grab a few snacks, pack a bag, and go. No overthinking required. Filter by Amenities to find boats that give you the best value.

Tip #4: Download the app for unique experience drops

This summer, we’re dropping limited-edition water adventures exclusively on the Boatsetter app like $100 yacht days with catered lunch and dining experiences with private Michelin-star chefs you’ll talk about all year. Each one is designed for spontaneous, carefree fun and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Pro tip: Only those with the app and push notifications on will know exactly when the next drop hits. First drop sold out in under 3 minutes.

Footnotes

1. In more than half of Boatsetter’s key markets, over 50% of trips are booked by locals within driving distance. In some cities, local bookings make up closer to 70% of total activity. Internal Boatsetter booking data, 2024–2025.
2. 60% of Boatsetter trips were booked within 10 days or less of the trip date. Internal Boatsetter booking data, 2023–2024.
3. According to Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Travel Trends, travel driven by fandom—whether for athletes, musicians, or celebrities—is expected to shape bookings again this year, echoing 2024 trends where major cultural moments influenced travel decisions.
4. Domestic travel continues to gain momentum as travelers prioritize meaningful, affordable experiences closer to home. According to Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Travel Trends, U.S. guests are increasingly searching for trips within 300 miles of home, while other industry reports note a broader shift toward staycations, local exploration, and value-driven getaways. Source: Airbnb Summer Travel Trends 2025, TicketingHub Domestic Tourism Trends
5. Based on internal Boatsetter data from summer 2024. In more than half of top localities, bookings made by users located in the same Designated Market Area (DMA) as the boat made up over 50% of total activity; in some cases, this figure reached as high as 70%.
6. Spontaneous travel is emerging as a key trend across major industry reports, including those from Airbnb and American Express.
7. Based on internal Boatsetter data from summer 2024, 57% of bookings were made for boats available within 12 hours or less, many of which included amenities like stocked coolers, water toys, and Bluetooth speakers.
8. Travel tied to major cultural moments is driving a growing share of U.S. trips. According to Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Travel Trends, concerts rank as the second most popular event motivating travel after family reunions. American Express’s 2025 Global Travel Trends report shows that 60% of travelers worldwide plan to book trips around entertainment or sporting events this year.
9. According to Boatsetter’s internal data, significant spikes in user interest were recorded around major events, including a 111% increase in searches for Black Yacht Week in Chicago during March, a 45% rise in searches related to the World Surf League event in Los Angeles, and a 121% surge in interest for Seattle’s Seafair Air Show.

Gabriela dos Santos

Gabriela dos Santos is an experienced Editor known for her insightful and engaging writing. Gabriela has been working in editorial writing for 3 years, with a background in writing for magazines and media outlets. In 2022, she joined the Boatsetter Team, bringing her dedication, passion for storytelling and factual accuracy to the Boatsetter Blog. She is always on the lookout for stories of connection and community; to inform, to entertain, to inspire! In her free time, Gabriela loves traveling and spending time by (or on) the water.