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Celebrity Vacation Spots: The Most Star-Studded Destinations in the United States Revealed

Rachel  profile pictureRachel Mar 25, 2025

From luxurious beachfront Malibu mansions to stylish Miami penthouses, A-listers know how to travel in style. But which US destinations have the celebrity factor?

We analyzed the top celebrity getaway spots in the US to reveal the ultimate celebrity vacation spots.

Are you dreaming of vacationing like a star? We’ve also highlighted the best Wander properties to experience luxury living without a VIP pass.

The Top Ten Celebrity Vacation Spots

Our analysis reveals the ultimate ranking of America's top celebrity vacation destinations based on extensive media mentions, public search interest, and the luxury accommodations available. Taking all of these factors into consideration, here are the top ten overall.

RankDestinationStateCelebrity sightings impact score /10Google searches for celebrity sightingsNumber of Wander luxury rentalsCelebrity vacation score /10
1MiamiFlorida6.74841,860119.52
2Los AngelesCalifornia6.22141,10088.10
3AustinTexas4.9059,510177.14
4Palm SpringsCalifornia4.6668,22086.43
5MalibuCalifornia4.4279,67086.19
6Lake TahoeCalifornia4.491,040235.48
7GatlinburgTennessee3.1662,06075.24
8The HamptonsNew York4.902,47054.52
9KauaiHawaii6.2219,58004.05
9MauiHawaii5.3426,20004.05

Miami Takes the Crown as The Ultimate Celebrity Getaway

1. Miami, Florida - Celebrity Vacation Score: 9.52/10

Miami is the ultimate celebrity vacation spot, where dreamy white-sand beaches meet nonstop nightlife. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar in Coconut Grove, jet skiing past Star Island’s mega-mansions, or dancing until sunrise at E11EVEN, Miami is built for luxury escapes.

The ‘Magic City’ has a celebrity sightings impact score of 6.74/10, with frequent visits from stars like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Bad Bunny. To vacation like an A-lister, book a large group vacation rental in Miami, where you can soak up the sun by a private pool or browse designer boutiques in the Miami Design District.

At night, dine like the elite at Elcielo - the first Colombian restaurant in the US to receive a Michelin star. The upscale spot serves an 18-course tasting menu, giving you the complete experience of modern Colombian cuisine.

Stay at:

Wander West Miami - In the heart of the city, Wander West Miami offers a luxurious retreat where relaxation meets fun. This unique property features an outdoor pool, a serene hot tub, a private basketball court, and a mini golf course, ensuring endless entertainment for guests. It's the perfect haven for those seeking comfort and a good time.

Wander Miami Shores Bay - This nearly 6,000-square-foot property boasts an outdoor pool and a spacious patio with a dining area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. This rental home offers a serene escape with contemporary interior design throughout.

Wander Design Oasis - Situated in the hustle and bustle of Miami, this rental has an outdoor pool, perfect for relaxing. The barbecue area is ideal for alfresco dining, while the large balcony offers a quiet spot to enjoy the unmatched views.

2. Los Angeles, California - Celebrity Vacation Score: 8.10/10

Los Angeles is the ultimate celebrity escape, known worldwide for its iconic spots like the Hollywood Hills and Rodeo Drive. When you think of retreats for the rich and famous, Los Angeles is likely one of the first places that comes to mind. It’s no surprise that celebrity sightings in the city were searched for 141,100 times last year.

A day in Los Angeles starts with a visit to the Griffith Observatory for unforgettable sunrise views, followed by brunch at the celebrity-favorite Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Afternoons in LA are all about enjoying the city’s laid-back culture with a visit to Gloria Molina Grand Park. As the sun sets, a table at Nobu Los Angeles offers the ultimate celebrity dining experience - you might even spot a star at the next table.

Stay at:

Wander Laurel Canyon - The ultimate luxury hideaway, Wander Laurel Canyon is an over 2,000-square-foot getaway with a private jacuzzi, in-ground hot tub, and modern gym. In the heart of West Hollywood, nothing says a celebrity getaway like this stunning rental.

Wander Los Angeles Views - If ocean and skyline views are what you seek, Wander Los Angeles Views is the ideal place to stay. The three-bedroom property has plenty of room for six guests, and the spa-inspired bathroom and cozy fireplace make it the ultimate base for groups looking to relax.

3. Austin, Texas - Celebrity Vacation Score: 7.14/10

Austin is known for its vibrant live music, scenic hikes, and quirkier vibe than Dallas. The city has become a celebrity magnet in recent years, with stars like Dua Lipa and Emma Stone visiting Austin.

The perfect day in the city starts with breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural before you hit one of the city’s many hiking trails. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers 7.8 miles of idyllic natural views, and you can even spot deer, snakes, and lizards.

No Austin night is complete without live music. The Continental Club is a go-to venue for rock, country, and jazz performances. For craft cocktails, you could also visit a speakeasy like Midnight Cowboy.

Stay at:

Wander Austin Downtown - Right in the heart of Austin, Wander Austin Downtown is an urban luxury retreat with local charm. The sleek, sophisticated interiors are complemented by a vibrant mural by local artist Avery Orendorf, adding a personal feel to this city stay.

Wander Austin Falling Leaves - A home straight out of Architectural Digest, Wander Austin Downtown offers an urban luxury retreat. Set on 10 acres of land, this retreat blends smart home technology with tranquil surroundings, providing a unique experience. Warm Texas nights can be spent outdoors, watching the stars by the firepit.

Wander Austin Oasis - This home is a modern retreat with high ceilings and an open floor plan. Wander Austin Oasis has a private outdoor pool and a landscaped yard, combining style, comfort, and proximity to Austin’s best attractions.

4. Palm Springs, California - Celebrity Vacation Score: 6.43/10

Once the Rat Pack’s favorite getaway, Palm Springs remains a top-tier retreat for celebrities seeking desert serenity. Desert hiking trails, poolside lounging, and a thriving arts scene make this one of the ultimate spots to vacation like a celebrity.

Days in Palm Springs are best spent basking by the pool of your luxury rental, unwinding with a spa day at The Parker, featuring honey cocoon wraps and rejuvenating facials, or visiting the Coachella Valley.

When it’s time to dine, The Front Porch serves oysters and cocktails. Palm Springs has long been a celebrity favorite. Once a retreat for Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Grace Kelly, it now attracts stars like the Kardashians and Sia.

Stay at:

Wander Palm Springs - This three-bedroom home designed by architect Walter S. White seamlessly blends tranquillity and sophistication. A private hot tub and backyard guesthouse give this property the ultimate exclusive feel. You can even see panoramic views of the Coachella Valley from the balcony.

Wander Indian Canyon - This gorgeous property is perfect for those seeking a wellness retreat in Palm Springs. With a private gym, yoga studio, and access to a spa, this three-bedroom home offers the perfect mindful getaway.

Wander Palm Springs Mesa - Situated in South Palm Springs, this home provides the ideal stay for an unforgettable trip to the desert city. With a firepit, outdoor pool, ping pong table, and pool table, Wander Palm Springs Mesa offers the perfect balance of relaxation and entertainment.

5. Malibu, California - Celebrity Vacation Score: 6.19/10

Malibu is the ultimate retreat for those craving privacy, ocean views, and laid-back luxury. Just west of Los Angeles, this beachside paradise is where flocks of A-listers retreat to soak up the California sunshine. Despite the recent wildfires, restoration efforts over the past months mean the area is now able to accommodate tourism.

If you love the outdoors, Malibu has plenty of picturesque trails that are perfect for starting your day, like the Solstice Canyon Loop. In this 4.8-kilometer rocky circular, you can see corn woodpeckers and alligator lizards.

Start your day with breakfast at Malibu Farm on the pier, then unwind at the exclusive Little Beach House - if you can get in - for oceanfront views and fresh seafood like crab claws and caviar.

Stay at:

Wander Malibu Shores - This over 4,000-square-foot property is an oceanfront oasis with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The interior design encompasses glam and luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach.

Wander Malibu Broad Beach - This unique home sits atop oceanfront rocks overlooking the Pacific. The balcony pool and sunloungers let you enjoy the Malibu shores without leaving the property. The stylish interiors feature a TV room, fireplace, and four bedrooms.

Wander Malibu Vista - Wander Malibu Vista is the epitome of a luxury retreat, spanning over 8,000 square feet and housing up to 10 guests. Perfect for dining in the California sun, the outdoor area has a pizza oven, barbecue area, and fireplace.

Methodology

Celebrity vacation destinations were sourced from BOAT International, Marie Claire, US Magazine, Yahoo, and Production Best.

Sightings of celebrities in each destination were sourced using Cosmopolitan, Sparkly Maid Miami, and OutEast, among other articles.

Google Ads Keyword Planner was used to track global searches for each celebrity between February 2024 and January 2025. Based on search volume, celebrities were categorized into A-list (10 million + searches), B-list (two million - 10 million), C-list (500,000 - two million), D-list (100,000 - 500,000), and E-list (fewer than 100,000). Celebrities without search data were excluded.

Each destination received a normalized ‘Celebrity Sightings Impact Score’ out of 10. The following weightings were applied: A-list (10), B-list (5), C-list (3), D-list (2), and E-list (1).

This was used along with the following factors, giving each factor equal weighting, to calculate each location’s ‘Celebrity Vacation Score’ out of 10.

The number of Google searches in the same period for celebrity sightings in each destination, using the search terms “Celebrities in (Destination)”, “Celebrity sightings (Destination)”, and “(Celebrity) (Destination)”.

The number of Wander luxury rentals in each location on February 21, 2025, including properties that are ‘coming soon’.

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