Go Here Now: the Hottest Destinations for 2015
Wildwood, N.J., was deemed the most up-and-coming destination in the U.S. (Photo: TripAdvisor)
With a boardwalk, “doo-wop” era hotels from the 1950s and ‘60s, and arcades, Wildwood, N.J., may be a retro place to visit. But it’s also becoming increasingly trendy.
The Jersey Shore town is No. 1 in TripAdvisor’s Destinations on the Rise list for the U.S., released today. The national and international rankings are compiled with an algorithm that mainly measured which destinations received the biggest year-over-year improvement in lodgings, restaurants, and attractions.
DaNang, Vietnam, whose top-rated attractions include the Lady Buddha statue, Non Nuoc Beach, and the Marble Mountains, was named the world’s top destination on the rise. With an average nightly hotel rate of $51 according to TripAdvisor, it’s also one of the biggest bargains.
Wildwood is a popular family destination whose biggest draws include the Wildwood Boardwalk, which is a big hit among bikers, roller skaters, and skateboarders. It boasts the tallest Ferris wheel on the East Coast, and one of the country’s oldest roller coasters.
Who else made the cut? Among U.S. choices, here are the top 10 destinations with some of their most popular attractions:
Nags Head, N.C. (Photo: TripAdvisor)
2. Nags Head, North Carolina: An Outer Banks favorite with 11 miles of beach, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and historic cottages.
3. Prescott, Arizona: An Old West town that boasts 450 miles of hiking trails, kayaking on Watson Lake, and historical museums.
Telluride, Colo. (Photo: TripAdvisor)
4. Telluride, Colorado: Telluride Ski Resort is a favorite among powder lovers in the winter, but in others seasons you can go mountain biking or trout fishing in this former Gold Rush town.
Related: Hidden-Gem Ski Resorts with Great Powder, Shorter Lines
5. Pompano Beach, Florida: With average December temperatures of 77 degrees, now is an especially good time to visit. Located between Palm Beach and Miami, this Gold Coast city has lots to do on the water, from boating to fishing to scuba-diving. The 1,000-foot-long Pompano Municipal Pier is another top attraction.
6. Traverse City, Michigan: This destination in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula has all kinds of outdoor adventure. There’s kiteboarding and sailing by the beach, but if you’d rather take it easy you can stroll along Front Street with its array of restaurants, cafes, and shops, check out the weekly “Friday Night Live” outdoor musical shows. And book July 4-11, 2015, on your schedule: that’s when the National Cherry Festival packs them in.
Related: 10 Reasons Why Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is the Perfect Summer Getaway
7: Avalon, California: For a quiet, romantic, getaway, this small city on Catalina Island (population 3,728) will do nicely. Descanso Beach is a perfect place to relax, and if you want to take in some history, have a night out at the art deco Catalina Island Casino, which opened in 1929 and features a spectacular movie theater.
8: Waikoloa, Hawaii: You can step into a time warp with an authentic luau on this Big Island resort town with modern amenities. Historic touches include ancient petroglyphs carved into stone throughout the area. A top-rated restaurant is Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club, Hawaii, which serves fresh seafood and coconut cake.
World’s Fair Park and the Sunsphere tower. (Photo: TripAdvisor)
9: Knoxville, Tennessee: Overshadowed by its in-state neighbor Nashville, Knoxville offers plenty of its own Southern charm. Market Square is a hotspot for restaurants and shops, Tennessee Theatre is a big hit for shows, and for a one-of-a-kind photo op, stop at the World’s Fair Park with its Sunsphere, famous for starring in an episode of “The Simpsons.”
10. Gulf Shores, Alabama: Just as Wildwood attracts beachgoing families to the North, so does Gulf Shores in the South. Dolphins also love visiting the white beaches here, and you can see them up close. If history is your thing, tour Fort Morgan, which was built to protect shipping in Mobile Bay after the War of 1812.
Here are the top 10 international Destinations on the Rise:
1. Da Nang, Vietnam
2. Sihanoukville, Cambodia
3. Limassol, Cyprus
4. Ao Nang, Thailand
5. Bodrum City, Turkey
6. Naha, Japan
7. Hurghada, Egypt
8. Kazan, Russia
9. Manaus, Brazil
10. Eilat, Israel
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