Red State Tourists Love Blue State Getaways

There’s a whole lot of complaining about “liberal hellholes” online—but when it’s time for a vacation? The bookings tell a different story. Travel data shows that people from red states are consistently choosing to spend their vacation days—and dollars—in the same blue states they claim to hate.

Whether it’s California’s coast, Oregon’s waterfalls, or Washington’s national parks, these so-called “woke” destinations remain top picks for travelers across the political spectrum. Turns out, people still want legal weed, walkable cities, cleaner air, and wine tastings—even if they vote against those things back home.

Table of Contents

Travel Data Shows Red States Are Feeding Blue State Tourism
They Say “I’d Never Go There”—But GPS Says Otherwise
The Hypocrisy Is Real—And Profitable
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Travel Data Shows Red States Are Feeding Blue State Tourism

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Let’s look at the numbers. According to Visit California’s 2023 Domestic Market report, Texas, Florida, and Arizona—all red or red-leaning—were among the top five out-of-state visitor sources for California. The same trend shows up in Oregon, where Travel Oregon reports consistent out-of-state interest from Idaho, Utah, and Texas.

Washington State’s tourism board also shows steady inbound visits from red and purple states like Nevada and Alaska. So despite the online outrage, red-state travelers are still very much part of the Pacific Northwest’s tourism economy.

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They Say “I’d Never Go There”—But GPS Says Otherwise

You don’t need a public opinion poll when you’ve got location data. A 2022 study by Datafiniti, which analyzed anonymized geolocation pings, found that red-state residents disproportionately traveled to blue states for leisure—especially to urban centers and coastal parks.

Even in politically divisive years, cell data showed a spike in travel to states like California and New York from places like Oklahoma, Alabama, and Missouri. Whether it’s for theme parks, beach rentals, or national parks, the destination decisions are clear—even if social media says otherwise.

The Hypocrisy Is Real—And Profitable

Many of the policies that red-state voters rally against—like environmental regulation, LGBTQ+ rights, cannabis legalization, and public transit funding—are the very things that make vacations in blue states enjoyable. It’s no coincidence that people feel freer, safer, and more entertained in the places they “disagree” with politically.

So next time someone says they’d never step foot in Portland, Seattle, or L.A.—check their Instagram. Chances are, they’ve already been. And they probably loved it.