Home » Latest Travel News » California Joins Nevada, Florida, New York, Oregon, Texas, and More to Propel US Tourism This Thanksgiving with Historic Arrivals in 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
November 26, 2025
In 2025, California, Nevada, Florida, New York, Oregon, Texas, and more will drive historic Thanksgiving travel, with iconic attractions and major cities fueling record arrivals. As the holiday season approaches, these states are poised to become the epicenter of US tourism, attracting millions of travelers eager to explore their vibrant cities, renowned landmarks, and diverse landscapes. California’s famed coastlines, theme parks, and cultural hubs; Nevada’s entertainment capital, Las Vegas; Florida’s beaches and world-class resorts; and New York’s unmatched urban appeal are just a few of the hotspots contributing to this surge. Along with Oregon’s natural beauty and Texas’ thriving tourism scene, these destinations are setting the stage for a Thanksgiving like never before, with historic travel numbers expected across the nation. Here’s everything you need to know about the booming tourism in 2025.
2025 US Travel Projections: Record Numbers and Shifts in Travel Preferences
Total travelers in the U.S. are projected to reach 81.8 million, marking a new overall record and an increase of 1.6 million compared to 2024. The majority of travelers, about 73 million, are expected to drive, accounting for 90% of all travelers, with a notable rise of 1.3 million from the previous year. Air travel will see 6 million domestic leisure passengers, which is consistent with the typical range of 5 to 6 million and reflects a 2% increase. Additionally, travel via other modes, such as buses, trains, and cruises, is expected to grow by 8.5%, reaching 2.5 million travelers. This growth may be influenced by last-minute spikes, especially in bus and train travel.
MetricProjection (2025)Change from Last Year (2024)NotesTotal Travelers81.8 Million+1.6 Million (New Overall Record)Traveling 50 miles or more from home.By Car73 Million+1.3 Million (+90% of all travelers)This number could increase if air travelers switch to driving due to delays.By Air (Domestic)6 Million+2%This figure is for domestic leisure flights only.By Other Modes2.5 Million+8.5%Travel by bus and train may see last-minute spikes.2025 Thanksgiving Travel Projections: Peak Travel Days and Tips for Avoiding Delays
For Thanksgiving 2025, travel is expected to hit record levels, with specific days and times seeing significant congestion. The busiest outbound travel days are expected to be Tuesday, Nov 25, and Wednesday, Nov 26, particularly in the afternoons. To avoid the worst traffic, it’s advised to leave before noon. The return period after Thanksgiving will see heavy traffic on Sunday, Nov 30, with peak congestion occurring from midday to evening. Travelers are encouraged to leave early in the morning or consider delaying their return until Monday, Dec 1.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projects over 360,000 flights will be scheduled during this period, with Tuesday, Nov 25, being the busiest day, expecting over 52,000 operations. Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 17.8 million passengers from Nov 25 to Dec 2, with Sunday, Nov 30, projected to exceed 3 million screenings.
AgencyMetricProjection (2025)Busiest Day(s)FAATotal Flights ScheduledOver 360,000Tuesday, Nov 25 (Over 52,000 operations)TSATotal Passengers ScreenedOver 17.8 Million (Nov 25 – Dec 2)Sunday, Nov 30 (Projected to exceed 3 Million screenings)State-by-State Tourism Trends and Growth AreasTexas: Texas is gaining momentum as a top destination in 2025, joining heavyweights like Florida and California. With its diverse attractions — from urban experiences in Austin and Dallas to outdoor adventures in Big Bend and the Hill Country — Texas is experiencing a boom in tourism, especially during the holiday season.California: California continues to be a prime destination for both domestic and international travelers. With its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Disneyland, and beautiful coastlines, the Golden State attracts millions every year. In 2025, California remains a key player, benefiting from a steady influx of tourists during peak seasons.Florida: Florida, known for its beaches, theme parks, and vibrant cities, remains one of the most sought-after destinations in 2025. The state’s thriving tourism industry sees a consistent flow of visitors, especially to cities like Miami, Orlando, and Key West. Its appeal to both family vacations and outdoor adventures keeps it high on travelers’ lists.New York: New York, with its unmatched cultural and urban appeal, continues to be one of the top travel destinations in 2025. From the bright lights of Times Square to world-class museums like The Met and Broadway shows, New York offers a rich array of experiences. Its iconic status makes it a must-visit for tourists year after year.Oregon: Oregon, with its diverse landscapes and outdoor attractions, is becoming a more prominent choice for travelers. From the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the scenic coastlines and vibrant cities like Portland, Oregon is expected to see a boost in tourism, particularly during the holiday travel surge in 2025.Nevada: Nevada, home to the entertainment capital of Las Vegas, is expected to draw even more visitors in 2025. Known for its world-class resorts, casinos, and vibrant nightlife, Las Vegas continues to be a major magnet for travelers. Additionally, Nevada’s stunning natural landscapes, like Lake Tahoe and Red Rock Canyon, attract adventure seekers, ensuring robust tourism growth.
In 2025, California, Nevada, Florida, New York, Oregon, Texas, and more will drive historic Thanksgiving travel, with iconic attractions and major cities fueling record arrivals.
Conclusion
California, Nevada, Florida, New York, Oregon, Texas, and other top U.S. destinations are set to propel US tourism to new heights this Thanksgiving with historic arrivals in 2025. These states, renowned for their iconic attractions and major cities, are driving the surge in travel, attracting millions of visitors eager to experience their unique offerings. Whether it’s California’s breathtaking coastlines, Nevada’s vibrant Las Vegas strip, Florida’s world-class theme parks, or New York’s cultural landmarks, each destination plays a vital role in this tourism boom. As we approach Thanksgiving, the combination of these sought-after locations promises to create an unforgettable travel season with record-breaking numbers across the country.
