Our beaches are only part of the allure for lux travelers.
Credit: Jesse Scott
Fort Lauderdale is having a luxury moment, y’all. According to new data from Travel Guard, the city has been named the No. 3 luxury vacation hotspot in the United States for 2026, landing behind only Las Vegas at No. 1 and Washington, D.C. at No. 2.
Travel Guard analyzed two years of Google search data to see where Americans are increasingly searching for luxury travel inspiration. Fort Lauderdale saw a 102 percent year over year increase in searches for luxury trips, signaling a major shift in how travelers view the city. Once thought of primarily as solely a spring break or boating hub, Fort Lauderdale is now being searched alongside destinations known for high end hotels, yacht culture and upscale dining.
Las Vegas topped the domestic list with a 207 percent surge in luxury travel searches while Washington, D.C. followed with a 114 percent jump as travelers eye boutique hotels, rooftop bars and Michelin recognized dining. Fort Lauderdale’s rise puts it ahead of destinations like Palm Beach, Aspen, Chicago and New York City.
Globally, luxury travel interest is surging as well. Travel Guard data shows Abu Dhabi leading worldwide luxury searches with a staggering 421 percent increase, followed by Acapulco and Punta del Este.
With nearly half of Americans planning to travel more in 2026, Fort Lauderdale’s No. 3 ranking signals that the city is long beyond flying under the luxury radar.
