Dining is Leading America’s Summer Travel

Key Findings: 

• 98 percent of domestic summer travelers plan to visit a restaurant during their trip, making dining the #1 vacation activity ahead of shopping, sightseeing, and the beach.
• $3 of every $10 spent at U.S. restaurants comes from travelers and visitors.

Washington, D.C. – As travelers take to America’s roads, skies, and rails this summer, new data from the National Restaurant Association shows that restaurants are their favorite vacation activity.

Most Americans will travel this summer – and make restaurants part of their trip 

The 2026 Summer Travel and Dining report, based on a May 2026 survey of more than 1,000 consumers, finds that 55 percent of consumers plan to take at least one overnight domestic trip this summer. For most of these travelers, visiting a restaurant ranks as their most popular activity – beating shopping and sightseeing.  

The survey found that 98 percent of these summer travelers plan to use a restaurant during their upcoming travel plans, showing that dining isn’t just part of the vacation; it is the vacation. In keeping with their home life, most travelers say they plan to vary their restaurant usage while on the road: 

• 93 percent of travelers plan to dine-in at a restaurant 
• 90 percent of travelers plan to use takeout, delivery, or drive-thru options 
• 84 percent of travelers plan to stop at a coffee shop or snack spot 

Restaurants are a powerful driver of travel spending, part of their $3.7T national economic footprint

Travel dining is part of restaurants’ economic influence, which totals more than $3.7 trillion in direct and indirect impact overall. In a typical year, $3 out of every $10 spent in U.S. restaurants comes from these travelers and visitors. While this spending varies significantly by segment and region, nearly all restaurants pull in revenue from out-of-town visitors.

“Summer travel is one of the restaurant industry's biggest demand drivers, and the data is clear: when consumers hit the road, restaurants are central to the trip,” said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist at the National Restaurant Association. “This confirms what we know about restaurants as a powerhouse for America’s economy.”  

Local cuisine leads travel dining choices  

For many travelers, new experiences and testing out local cuisines inspire their restaurant meal choices. Among domestic travelers: 

• 79 percent want to experience local cuisine and plan to seek out restaurants known for the foods and flavors of their destination 
• 88 percent plan to visit a restaurant they have never tried before 
• 87 percent say they rely on recommendations from family and friends when choosing an unfamiliar restaurant 

“Restaurants are more than a place to eat; they're a gateway to local culture,” said Moutray. “Whether it's a coastal seafood shack or a neighborhood taqueria, dining is how travelers connect with the places they visit and make memories that last long after the trip ends.” 

Affordability matters, even on vacation

Value continues to be an important factor for most consumers when selecting a restaurant, and this remains true when they are vacationing. An overwhelming majority (90 percent) of respondents cited convenient location and affordability as important factors when choosing a restaurant while on vacation. Seventy percent said they look for restaurants offering daily specials, discounts, or value promotions.  

Read the full Summer Travel and Dining report here.