Top 20 Most Visited Tourist Places in the US
 |
| 20 Most Visited Tourist Places in the US - Photo KnowInsiders.com |
It's difficult to gauge what the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S are, as tourism data can vary from state to state and some national surveys leave out major attractions. All figures are approximate and from before the COVID-19 pandemic, when tourism was at normal rates.
1. Times Square, New York
 |
| Photo NY Habitat |
Times Square in New York is the most visited destination in the US as well as in the whole world. The iconic Times Square is on the itinerary of virtually everyone who visits the Big Apple. There's shopping, there's entertainment, there's food—and lots of it.
Top tip: Visit on New Year's Eve to see the famous ball drop.
Visitors per year: 50 million
2. Central Park
 |
| Photo Central Park NY |
Another attraction for tourists visiting New York is Central Park, which at 832 acres is larger than the principality of Monaco. There are seven man made lakes and over 9000 benches alone, not to mention attractions like the Naumburg Bandshell, and a gorgeous statue of Alice in Wonderland.
Visitors per year: 42 million
3. The Las Vegas Strip
It would take you a lifetime to see everything the infamous strip Las Vegas Strip has to offer. Every year, people from every corner of the globe descend upon Sin City to gamble, drink, and, of course, enjoy the world class entertainment.
Visitors per year: 42 million
4. Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
It's hard to believe that William Hammond Hall, the civil engineer who designed Golden Gate Park, was just 25 when he did so. At 1,017 acres there's a lot of beauty to see. Be sure you at least check out some of the flower arrangements.
Visitors per year: 24 million
5. Grand Central Terminal, New York City
Between tourists and regular New Yorkers, approximately 750,000 people passed through Grand Central Terminal on an average pre-pandemic day. Commuters walk side by side with visitors to New York, who flock here year on year to get a taste of real Manhattan.
Visitors per year: 21.6 million
6. Disneyland Resort, California
 |
| Photo KTLA |
Disneyland has grown a lot since it first opened its doors back in 1955, with just 18 attractions available at the time.
These days the park is over 500 acres in size, attracting visitors from every corner of the world. As far as rides go, few things will ever beat the infamous Space Mountain.
Visitors per year: 18.76 million
7. Balboa Park
Named after Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, who was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean, not the fictional Italian-American pugilist.
Balboa Park is even bigger than Central Park, at a vast 842 acres, so there's plenty of space to accommodate its millions of annual visitors. It isn't bad to look at, either. Certainly worth spending a day walking around.
Visitors per year: 15 million
8. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando Florida
There are hundreds of animals on display in Disney's Animal Kingdom, which opened in back in 1998. Some people don't know that real scientists work in the park, studying its residents. This is one of few areas of Disneyland where firework displays are not allowed, so that the animals won't be frightened.
Visitors per year: 13.89 million
9. EPCOT, Disney World, Florida
EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is, you've guessed it, a futuristic theme park. If you get there later this year, be sure to check Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, which is due to officially open in October.
Visitors per year: 12.44 million
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There's plenty of stiff competition, but Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be the most beautiful park on our list, with acres and acres of lush green trees.
It's also home to over 1,500 bears, so don't go too far off the trail, tempting as it might be to do so.
Visitors per year: 12.1 million
11. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Florida
 |
| Photo Visit Florida |
Walt Disney sure did know how to build a tourist attraction. Yet another Disney creation joins our list, this time Orlando's Hollywood Studios, whose highlights include Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and Toy Story Land.
Visitors per year: 11.48 million
12. Venice Beach, California
Surf, sand, and shopping. California's Venice Beach is known the world over, and has featured in countless TV shows and movies.
Most famous of all is the boardwalk, which is over two miles long, and home to myriad performers and merchants.
Visitors per year: 10 million
13. Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington
Here's something you might not know about Pike Place Market, Seattle: It's the oldest continuously running farmers market in the United States. Established in 1907, its hundreds of stalls have been satisfying food lovers for well over 100 years.
Visitors per year: 10 million
14. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Almost two miles in length, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of engineering, and must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.
Visitors per year: 10 million
15. South Street Seaport, New York City
South Street Seaport is perhaps best known for three M's: Museums, music, and markets. Naturally, this is a great place to get seafood, so your best bet is to eat some fresh fish while listening to local sounds. Nine million tourists a year can't be wrong.
Visitors per year: 9 million
16. Mackinac Bridge, Michigan
Almost five miles in length, Michigan's Mackinac bridge puts San Francisco's Golden Gate to shame. You'll need to rent a car to get over it, but the views alone are worth the price, and more.
Visitors per year: 9 million
17. Navy Pier, Chicago
The 3,300 foot Navy Pier has a lot to offer anyone lucky enough to pop by for a visit. There's plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and of course, a huge ferris wheel that offers an areal view of the whole area, which looks beautiful when lit up at night.
Visitors per year: 9 million
18. Grand Canyon, Arizona
 |
| Photo Grand Canyon |
It's not certain how long Arizona's Grand Canyon is, but some studies indicate that it could be up to 70 million years old. The area's stunning rock formations are best seen from the inside of a helicopter.
Tours are available from local companies. Be warned: the weather often changes in the Grand Canyon, so be sure to bring a coat.
Visitors per year: 5 million
19. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Just like Arizona's most famous landmark, Bryce Canyon is best known for its striking rock formations. For best results, hop in a helicopter.
Visitors per year: 5 million
20. Statue of Liberty, New York
 |
| Photo GrayLine NY |
Originally a gift from the French, Lady Liberty has made New York her home since 1886, attracting visitors to the city. Millions hop on a ferry to see her up close each year.
Fun fact: the statue weighs an incredible 250,000 pounds, or 125 tons.
Visitors per year: 4 million
 Top 5 Amazing Tourist Places in UK The UK is well-known for a lot of fascinating travel destinations that you must visit at least once. See the top 5 amazing tourist stops ... |
 ONLY in ALASKA: 9 things tourists should never do When coming to Alaska, a U.S. state on the northwest extremity of the country's West Coast, there's something that tourists should pay attention to. |
 Top 5-rated Pituresque Tourist Attractions In Hawaii You Will Not Forget The beautiful state of Hawaii offers numerous experiences throughout its most-visited tourist attractions that may blog your jaw. This is why I wanted to show ... |
