Wildwood named under-the-radar fall destination for Gen Z travelers
Airbnb highlighted the Jersey Shore destination as new data shows younger travelers gravitating toward smaller towns and lesser-known getaways.
More Stories
Wildwood is among the lesser-known destinations attracting younger travelers this fall as more Americans favor shorter weekend getaways, according to new data from Airbnb.
The Jersey Shore destination made Airbnb’s list of 10 small towns and under-the-radar destinations highlighted for Gen Z travelers. The company pointed to Wildwood’s neon signs, retro boardwalk and remaining Doo Wop architecture as part of its appeal.
Airbnb said 90% of Gen Z respondents to a survey conducted for the company said small towns and lesser-known destinations appealed to them for fall travel. About half cited affordability, authentic local culture and unusual attractions as major draws. Nearly half of Gen Z’s trending fall destinations booked for this season are small towns, according to Airbnb’s internal data.
The trend is part of a broader shift toward shorter fall trips. Sixty percent of U.S. adults surveyed said they planned a weekend getaway this fall, while Airbnb said more weekend trips were taken during fall than any other season in 2025. Searches related to fall getaways, foliage, leaf peeping, apple picking and road trips have also increased compared with last year.
The findings combine Airbnb booking and search data with a nationally representative online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted in July. The Gen Z findings were based on 183 respondents.
