A new nationwide analysis from Anidjar & Levine offers one of the most comprehensive looks yet at the risks facing American travelers who choose to vacation within the United States. With 92 percent of Americans opting for domestic travel, the findings carry significant weight. The study evaluates 29 popular destinations using crime exposure, traffic safety, and natural hazard risk, creating a data‑driven ranking that challenges common assumptions about where travelers are most at risk.
The research begins with a look at how Americans travel. According to a 2026 survey of 1,461 adults, domestic vacations remain the overwhelming preference. Beach trips, cabin stays, and cruises dominate the list of preferred trip types. New York City is the most visited destination, while Yellowstone National Park tops the national bucket list. Cost remains a major factor, with nearly half of respondents citing affordability as the reason they stay within the country.
Key data points from the survey include:
- 92 percent of Americans vacation domestically
- 67 percent plan to take or have already taken a staycation in 2026
- Average staycation spending is 928 dollars per person
- 32.6 percent choose beach trips, 31.2 percent choose cabin breaks, and 28.8 percent choose cruises
- 22.8 percent have visited New York City
- 19.5 percent hope to visit Yellowstone National Park
While these preferences paint a picture of where Americans go, the study’s deeper value lies in identifying where they face the greatest danger. The ranking system evaluates each destination using county‑level crime data, traffic fatality rates, and FEMA hazard scores. Each category is normalized on a 0 to 100 scale, and the final risk index weights crime and traffic at 40 percent each, with hazard risk accounting for the remaining 20 percent.
The results reveal that some of the country’s most iconic and heavily visited locations carry significant danger. The Pennsylvania Wilds region ranks as the most dangerous destination overall, driven by a near‑maximum crime score. The area spans 13 counties and includes 29 state parks, eight state forests, and the Allegheny National Forest. Despite its natural beauty, the region has a long history of disappearances, remote terrain, and proximity to urban crime patterns.
Other high‑risk destinations include San Antonio’s Riverwalk, Juneau’s wildlife and whale‑watching areas, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, and Ocean City Beach in Maryland. These locations show elevated crime or traffic risks depending on the category.
Top crime‑risk destinations include:
- Pennsylvania Wilds: Crime score 98
- San Antonio Riverwalk: Crime score 83
- Juneau wildlife attractions: Crime score 62
- Biltmore Estate: Crime score 50
- Ocean City Beach: Crime score 49
On the opposite end of the spectrum, several destinations stand out for exceptionally low crime risk. Legoland New York, Santa Monica State Beach, Oval Beach in Michigan, and Busch Gardens in Tampa all received crime scores of zero. Many of these locations benefit from strong on‑site security and controlled environments.
The study also evaluates traffic danger, which often contradicts crime‑based assumptions. Cannon Beach in Oregon ranks as the most dangerous destination for traffic, with a score of 28. The area’s narrow roads and heavy seasonal congestion contribute to elevated risk. Horseshoe Bend in Arizona and Hilton Head in South Carolina also rank high for traffic danger.
Traffic‑risk highlights include:
- Cannon Beach: Traffic score 28
- Horseshoe Bend: Traffic score 16
- Hilton Head: Traffic score 14
- Redwood National and State Parks: Traffic score 10
- Legoland California: Traffic score 9
Conversely, the Biltmore Estate and San Antonio Riverwalk both received perfect traffic safety scores, showing that a destination can be high‑risk in one category and low‑risk in another.
The hazard‑risk category adds another layer of complexity. Santa Monica State Beach ranks as the most hazardous destination in the country, with a perfect score of 100. Rip currents, high waves, and water quality issues contribute to the elevated risk. Other high‑hazard destinations include San Antonio Riverwalk, Pennsylvania Wilds, Disneyland, Busch Gardens, and La Jolla Cove.
Hazard‑risk highlights include:
- Santa Monica State Beach: Hazard score 100
- San Antonio Riverwalk: Hazard score 99
- Pennsylvania Wilds: Hazard score 99
- Disneyland: Hazard score 98
- Busch Gardens: Hazard score 98
The study emphasizes that national parks, often perceived as safe, can carry substantial risk. Redwood National and State Parks has an overall risk score of 40.4, while Sequoia National Park scores 37.4. Environmental hazards, wildlife, and remote terrain all contribute to these elevated ratings.
The findings underscore a broader truth: danger is not always where travelers expect it. A beach may be safe from crime but hazardous due to water conditions. A theme park may be crowded but statistically safe. A national park may appear serene but carry hidden risks.
With millions of Americans traveling domestically each year, the study provides a valuable tool for understanding the real risks behind popular destinations. By examining crime, traffic, and hazard data together, travelers can make more informed decisions and prepare for the specific dangers associated with each location.
