Summer is the most popular travel season, when people across the country plan trips to new places. Tourism booms during the warm months, boosting the economies of many cities.
The vacation rental platform Airbnb has become a staple for many travelers, choosing to forego the traditional hotel for something a little more flexible or homey.
The platform released data on the top destinations, both within the U.S. and worldwide, for travelers across summer 2024. Many were experience- or event-based bookings, like hosts of the America’s Soccer Tournament, Glendale, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada.
The No. 1 trending destination for travelers booking on Airbnb this summer was Quincy, Washington. The small city is near the center of the Evergreen State, with a population of 7,543, and it beat out destinations like Las Vegas and beaches in Florida.
While there are a handful of reasons to visit the city, its major attraction for tourists is The Gorge Amphitheatre.
About The Gorge Amphitheatre
The Gorge is a massive outdoor concert venue with nearby campgrounds just miles outside of Quincy.
According to the venue details, it can hold 27,000 and has hosted iconic bands over the years.
Every Labor Day weekend, the Dave Matthews Band hosts “Labor Dave,” with several days of concerts. Several bands have recorded live versions of their music while performing at The Gorge, like Phish and Pearl Jam.
It’s also home to several popular festivals, like Watershed and Bass Canyon.
Currently managed by Live Nation, the entire property covers everything one needs for an unforgettable experience. You can buy camping passes to stay on-site, just a short walk from the concert venue entrance. There’s multiple food options, a general store, outdoor sink stations, pay-by-use showers and more.
But even with the popularity of the campgrounds, events at The Gorge bring many guests to other lodging in the Quincy area.
The concert venue has many concessions options as well, lining the path to the stage. With room for thousands, everyone has the opportunity to find the space that suits them best. Terraces sit along the hill, where concertgoers lay down blankets and set up a spot. No matter whether you’re up close or at the top of the terraces, everyone has a gorgeous view at The Gorge.
The massive stage is equipped with sound, lighting and visual effects that can be enjoyed from across the venue. And the backdrop to the stage is the stunning Columbia River and canyon, often around sunset.
Summer 2024 at The Gorge
This summer had a stacked lineup at The Gorge, likely contributing to Quincy’s success on Airbnb. The city reports each concert brings an estimated 3,000 to 20,000 per concert, making tourism a massive contributor to the Quincy economy.
Some of the year’s trending artists took the stage including Noah Kahan on tour and HARDY and Riley Green at Watershed, increasing the shows’ impacts.
Here’s who performed:
- June 22-23: Beyond Wonderland
- June 29: Noah Kahan
- July 4-6: Odesza
- July 14: Blink-182 and Pierce the Veil
- July 26: Neil Young and Crazy Horse
- August 2-4: Watershed
- August 10: Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp
- August 16-18: Bass Canyon
- August 23: Tyler Childers
- August 30-September 1: Dave Matthews Band
- September 6: Hozier
- September 7: Glass Animals
The rest of the year will bring even more names, including:
- September 13: Everything Always
- September 14: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
- September 20: Sturgill Simpson
- September 28: Imagine Dragons
- October 4-5: Luke Combs
Other reasons to visit Quincy, WA
But there are other reasons to visit Quincy, not just concerts at The Gorge. Less than 10 miles from town are the Columbia River and the Crescent Bar Resort, as well as the Quincy Lakes, another popular recreation area.
The recreation options are abundant in this area, with several rock climbing spots, areas for off-road vehicles like the Beverly Dunes, plus numerous hikes and fishing opportunities.
Within the city, there is a museum, an aquatic center, and many businesses to support, especially wineries and local produce.
It’s also a great place to stay in order to soak up the region. You can take several day trips to nearby cities while staying in Quincy, like Wenatchee and Leavenworth.
Airbnbs in Quincy, WA
Simply searching for destinations around Quincy on Airbnb yields over 1,000 results.
Most cost at least $100 a night, though there are options for many price ranges. Larger homes will likely run you closer to $200 or $300 a night.
You can find properties with lakeside access, with stellar views, walking distance from concerts, or near wineries. Many of the listed homes are luxurious, offering updated amenities and perks like hot tubs, outdoor fire pits, home bars and entertainment centers.
One popular, highly-rated home, “The Tellee House,” is among the top 1% of homes based on ratings, reviews and reliability, according to Airbnb. The luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom home can sleep six for $255 per night.
The kitchen is fully stocked in the kitchen. The bathrooms are stocked with soaps and bathrobes for guests. The bedrooms come with premier Sealy Hybrid mattresses, and the sofa bed has a memory foam mattress, and ear plugs are offered for each guest to ensure a good night’s sleep.
The pet-friendly home also has a 65” LED TV, games and puzzles, a Bluetooth sound system, a fire pit and outdoor recreation area and electric vehicle charging.
