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Quick answer: Expedia ranked South Lake Tahoe as the No. 1 trending destination in the world for 2027. The ranking is based on the growth of flight and accommodation searches on Expedia, which rose 195% year over year for South Lake Tahoe. It is not a ranking of the world’s most visited destinations, but it is a good sign that more travelers are thinking about a Tahoe trip.
That ranking is based on searches, not visitor counts. Flight and lodging searches for South Lake Tahoe on Expedia rose 195% compared with the year before.
If you want to see what the fuss is about, plan early and pick your season with care.
Last checked: Oct 19, 2026
What Expedia Actually Said
The list comes from Expedia’s Unpack ’27: The Trends in Travel report, released Oct 14, 2026.
Expedia calls the list its 2027 Destinations of the Year. South Lake Tahoe sits at the top.
The next spot went to Hyogo, Japan, at +95%. So our little corner of the lake more than doubled the runner-up.
Expedia introduced the list this way: “These places might not be dominating mainstream travel content just yet, but they’re gaining attention.”
What “Trending” Means Here
“Trending” measures how fast search interest is growing on Expedia. It does not mean South Lake Tahoe is the most visited place on Earth.
Expedia compared flight and accommodation searches from Sept 1, 2025 to July 27, 2026 against the same stretch a year earlier.
In other words, a lot more people started looking at trips here. Many of them will turn those searches into bookings for 2027.
The Full Top 10 List
- South Lake Tahoe, California (+195%)
- Hyogo, Japan (+95%)
- Punta del Este, Uruguay (+65%)
- Sedona, Arizona (+55%)
- Busan, South Korea (+50%)
- Holbox, Mexico (+45%)
- Perugia, Italy (+35%)
- The Tweed, New South Wales, Australia (+35%)
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (+35%)
- Chichester, United Kingdom (+30%)
Why Is South Lake Tahoe Getting So Much Attention?
Expedia highlighted South Lake Tahoe as a year-round destination. In winter, visitors can ski at Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe. During the warmer months, the lake draws people who want to kayak, paddleboard, swim, hike, bike, or relax on the beach.
That variety is one of Tahoe’s biggest advantages. You can plan a snowy ski weekend, a summer beach trip, a fall getaway, or a spring visit when the crowds are often lighter and the scenery is still beautiful.
Local tourism leaders also believe recent events and marketing may be helping more people discover the area. In an interview with the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, said the ranking was unexpected and reflected years of destination marketing.
She pointed to the American Century Championship, the Caesars Republic outdoor concert series, events at Heavenly and other local partners, and the visitor authority’s Beyond Awestruck docuseries as possible factors.
According to the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Beyond Awestruck received 19 million views and 1.7 million viewing hours across platforms. The series focused on the feelings of awe and connection that Lake Tahoe can inspire.
If the golf tournament is what caught your attention, explore our guide to the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.
What Does This Mean for Planning a 2027 Trip?
More search interest does not guarantee that every hotel will sell out. However, South Lake Tahoe has a limited supply of popular lakeside lodging, vacation rentals, and rooms near Heavenly Village.
For that reason, we recommend planning ahead if you already know your travel dates. Summer weekends, holiday periods, major events, and ski weekends are likely to be the first dates affected by increased demand.
If you are traveling on a budget, start by comparing lodging areas instead of looking only at the lowest nightly price. Our guide to the best cheap hotels in South Lake Tahoe can help you narrow down your options.
You may also want to decide whether South Lake Tahoe or the North Shore better fits your trip. South Lake Tahoe has easy access to Heavenly, beaches, casinos, restaurants, and a lively visitor area.
The North Shore is quieter in many places and puts you closer to resorts and communities such as Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and Incline Village.
Our North Shore versus South Shore guide explains the main differences to help you choose where to stay.
When Is the Best Time to Visit South Lake Tahoe?
The best time depends on what you want to do.
Winter is the season for skiing and snowboarding. If you are planning a ski trip, check our Lake Tahoe ski resort opening dates guide as resorts announce their plans. Snow and weather can change opening dates, so keep your schedule flexible.
If you want to stay close to the Heavenly gondola, take a look at our guide to the best places to stay near Heavenly.
Summer is the busiest season around the lake. The weather is ideal for beaches, boating, paddling, hiking, and outdoor events, but lodging and popular activities can book quickly. Reserve early if you want a specific hotel, lake-view room, boat tour, or beach-area location.
Spring and fall can be good choices if you prefer a quieter visit. Some seasonal businesses and activities may operate on shorter schedules, so check ahead before building your itinerary. For a fall visit, our guide to what to do at Lake Tahoe in November covers seasonal activities and events.
South Lake Tahoe Tours You Shouldn’t Miss
Only Have One Day?
You can still see a lot of South Lake Tahoe in one day if you keep your route simple. Choose a few nearby stops instead of trying to drive all the way around the lake.
Our one-day South Lake Tahoe itinerary takes you from breakfast through sunset and works well for a first visit or a short stop during a larger road trip.
Final Thoughts
Expedia’s ranking confirms what many Tahoe visitors already know: South Lake Tahoe offers something in every season. The lake, mountains, ski resorts, beaches, events, and restaurants make it easy to plan very different kinds of trips here.
The 195% search increase may also bring more competition for popular rooms and activities in 2027. Choose your travel season, compare the North and South Shores, and reserve the parts of your trip that matter most.
Then leave a little room in your schedule to enjoy the lake without rushing from one stop to the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Lake Tahoe really Expedia’s No. 1 trending destination for 2027?
Yes. Expedia placed South Lake Tahoe first on its 2027 Destinations of the Year list, with flight and accommodation search interest up 195% year over year.
What does “trending destination” mean in the Expedia ranking?
It measures the growth of flight and accommodation searches on Expedia. The report compared searches from September 1, 2025, through July 27, 2026, with the same period a year earlier. It does not measure total visitors or completed bookings.
When did Expedia release the 2027 destination list?
Expedia Group released its Unpack ’27: The Trends in Travel report on October 14, 2026.
Which destinations made Expedia’s top 10?
The list includes South Lake Tahoe, Hyogo, Punta del Este, Sedona, Busan, Holbox, Perugia, The Tweed, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Chichester.
Should I book South Lake Tahoe lodging early for 2027?
I would, especially if you want to visit during summer, a ski holiday, or a major event weekend. Booking once your dates are firm gives you more choices for location, price, and lake access.
About the author: Sherry Boyer
Sherry Boyer has lived in the Reno/Tahoe region for seven years, and she and her husband spent decades visiting Lake Tahoe several times a year before they moved here. With extended family around the lake, they spend their free time hiking the trails, boating on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and fishing all over the area. Sherry writes Lake Tahoe Travel Tips to share the places they love with visitors.
