A New Survey Reveals the No. 1 City Americans Want to Visit Just for Food

Nostalgia, comfort, and curiosity are fueling America’s newest travel trend. Whether it’s a cheesesteak in Philly, pizza in New York, or barbecue in Central Texas, iconic dishes are turning their hometowns into coveted destinations. For many, the menu is the itinerary, with entire trips now planned around what to eat.

A new survey of 2,000 Americans, commissioned by Visit Anaheim and conducted by Talker Research, revealed that one in five respondents — 21% — has taken a trip solely for food. The survey also found that, on average, individuals spent $910 on their most recent “foodcation” and said they’d be willing to spend around $1,929 if a trip included the chance to eat something they’d really been wanting to try, like sushi in Tokyo.

This means that tourists are willing to double their travel budget, all because of a dream meal. The food isn’t just part of the trip; it has become the center of it.

Philly cheesesteaks and New York City pizza top the wish list

The new data reveals a near-tie between two major American cities and their classic dishes when it comes to food-centric travel. The most-desired “foodcation” is a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for an authentic Philly cheesesteak, with 27% of respondents naming the cheesy, sliced beef sandwich as their ultimate domestic food trip. 

That was followed very closely by people who are dying to head to New York City for a slice of New York-style pizza (27%). The other top five contenders are a tour of iconic American comfort foods: Kansas City barbecue (26%), deep-dish pizza in Chicago (25%), and Central Texas for Texas-style barbecue (24%).

The list reads like a hall of fame for regional dishes, indicating that even as global travel rebounds, Americans continue to chase flavors tied to their own country’s identity.

Younger generations are driving the trend of traveling for food

While 21% of Americans have taken a food-focused trip, that number increases sharply for younger generations. The survey found a massive generational split in travel habits, with 44% of Gen Zers and 31% of millennials reporting that they’ve taken a “foodcation,” compared to just 21% of Gen Xers and 11% of baby boomers.

Younger travelers are also switching up the way they learn about regional foods, culinary hot spots, and what to eat while traveling. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have turned restaurants — and often specific dishes at those restaurants — into their own destinations and allow viewers to curate their itinerary through a visual feed instead of a more traditional travel guide.

Travelers put hours of research into planning their meals

For most Americans, a great food vacation doesn’t happen by accident. Three-quarters of respondents say they research places to eat before they even pack their bags, spending an average of two-and-a-half hours on the hunt for the perfect bite. During that research, they’ll read an average of three articles, watch about seven videos, reach out to three friends, and visit four different websites.

Together, the data points to an overarching conclusion: Americans are using food as a map. Whether it’s crossing the country for Kansas City barbecue or a Chicago deep-dish pizza, travelers are chasing flavors that help them understand cities, states, and regions just a little bit better. 

These food experiences create strong memories because they combine sensory novelty, emotion, social connection, and a new sense of place, all in one moment. For many jet-setters, those layers are what make a trip unforgettable.