Travel

Put-in-Bay Named One of the Top Trending Memorial Day Destinations in the U.S.

A new travel report by vacation rental giant HomeToGo ranks Put-in-Bay as the #6 most trending destination in the country for Memorial Day 2025. The island saw an 84% increase in search interest compared to last year, placing it among the top small-town and rural getaways Americans are turning to this summer.

The annual report, released May 12, highlights the most in-demand spots for Memorial Day weekend based on nationwide travel data. It notes a significant shift in consumer preference toward “escapes near nature,” with 83% of top searches focused on small towns, islands, and lakeside destinations.

Put-in-Bay’s growing appeal places it ahead of Traverse City, Michigan; Grayton Beach, Florida; and even Port Clinton, Ohio, which came in at #10 with a 30% increase in search interest.

“This year, we’re seeing vacationers gravitate toward locations offering space, scenery, and a slower pace,” said Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo spokesperson. “From lakeside gems in the Ozarks to scenic cities in wine country — these are the places people are choosing to unwind.”

HomeToGo describes trending destinations like Put-in-Bay as offering “distance and downtime,” noting the average traveler is venturing over 700 miles from home to get away for the long weekend.

Put-in-Bay’s ranking puts it in the same company as:

  • Bull Shoals, AR (#1, +420%)

  • Hatteras Island, NC (#2, +201%)

  • Temecula, CA (#5, +94%)

The full report includes an interactive map, traveler data, and methodology:
Read the full 2025 Memorial Day Travel Report