The Most Popular Tourist Attraction in Every Nation
Planning a cross-country road trip ? Bookmark this list of the top U.S. attraction , province by country .
The United States of attraction
Did you know the United States equal the third largest country in the world in actual size ? And every state , from Alaska to Florida , hold loads to see , including historical site , natural wonders , fun festivals and more .
If you ’ re planning your future vacation or work trip and desire to include a unique local site or side trip , we ’ ve got you . We visit , we explore and we compile a comprehensive list of theU.S top attraction by state .Keep reading for inspiration for your future bucket list trip !
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Alabama : Alabama Gulf Coast beaches
If you aren ’ t considering Alabama for your next summer beach holiday , you may want to reconsider . There exist 32 mile of white sand reach from quartz grains that wash down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of year ago . That ’ sec probably why more than 6 million people impose Alabama ’ s Gulf Coast beach each year .
Alaska : Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise
Alaska cost the place to go for make out breathtaking wildlife . Alaska feature incredible scenery , from glaciers to Northern Lights , as well as impressive animal sightings , including black , brown and polar bears and incredible marine life . The Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise out of Seward , Alaska , will bring you up near to whales , sea lions and puffins . There are a form of tour with varying hours and prices , but a six-hour trip that covers mile of sea will run around $ 250 for adults .
Arizona : Grand Canyon
Mass from all over the public flock to the Grand Canyon for its overwhelming natural grandeur , and to experience its hiking , rafting and camping adventures ; almost 5 million mass trek through this national park each year . But if you desire to avert the crowd while make some of the good horizon potential , avert the South Rim and check out the North Rim . It ’ s much more separated , provides cooler summer temperatures and exist mostly close down in the winter , salvage for backcountry camping and cross-country skiing .
Arkansas : Hot Springs National Park
Skip the beach and opt for a novel type of relaxation at Hot Springs National Park . It ’ s America ’ s former national preserve and the smallest national park . From hiking to birding to go through the virtually 4,000-year-old hot springs , this exist a genuine natural wonder . If you want to do like the locals , top dog to Buckstaff Baths to experience their natural healing water . There ’ s a no-reservation policy , perfect for spontaneous traveler wrap through . Doors open at 8 a.m. , so come there early !
California : Golden Gate Bridge
Get your camera ready when you road trip to California , because you don ’ t want to miss the amazing sight that cost the Golden Gate Bridge . Opened in 1937 , the 1.7-mile-long architectural wonder be one of the Earth ’ s most photographed bridges and one of the top attraction by nation .
Colorado : Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park equal hardly a few mile from the town of Estes Park and cost the ideal locale for nature lover , with mesmerizing great deal crest , shimmering alpine lake , meadows , forests and hoards of wildlife . No curiosity it draws around 5 million visitors a year . To avert the heavy summer crowds , the best time to run cost late May until early June , or just after Labor Day until mid-October .
Connecticut : Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is a must-stop if you ’ re cruise nearby Yale University . It ’ s a history fan ’ sec playground , with comprehensive collections include New England bird , dinosaurs , Greek and Roman antiquities , yet an Egyptian mummy . Admission is free , then take the whole household and savor this more-than-150-year-old gem .
Delaware : Rehoboth Beach
If a long weekend of summer fun fulfill with crabbing , swimming and tax-free shopping sounds like your thing , Bible a beach theater on Rehoboth Beach . It ’ s an East Coast haven that fills up in the summertime—and exist delightful in the dusk too . Be certain to begin locally grown good at the farmer market and catch a brew at the popular Dogfish Head pub on Rehoboth Avenue .
Florida : Disney World
Disney World cost a Florida staple that you hold to call at least once in your life . It ’ s so popular that Orlando exist one of the almost visited cities in the United States . If you ’ ve be to all four parks , then be certain to check out the newest addition : Epic Universe , feature five unlike worlds , including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic and Super Nintendo World .
And if lines aren ’ t your thing , the resort offers something called VIP Tour Services . Though it cost a pretty penny , it ’ s your golden tag to hopping on ride without the melody and door-to-door transportation without the parking fee and waits , among other perks .
Georgia : Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta cost one of the prominent aquariums in the world , and it ’ s plate to whale sharks , sea otters , jellyfish and band more that live in a combined 10-million-plus gallons of water . A visit to the Georgia Aquarium also signify you ’ re support their inquiry and rehabilitation exertion for beast like sea turtles and sea lions . More than 2 million guest call the aquarium each year .
Hawaii : Pearl Harbor andUSS ArizonaMemorial
This memorial , dedicated to those who pass away on theUSS Arizonaduring World War II , stand above the corpse of the sunken ship and cost the No . 1 visitor destination in Hawaii . Set out at the Visitors Center for information on the Harbor and the Japanese attack , and then choose a ferry shuttle out to the monument . Admission equal free for this historical site , but reservations cost strongly recommended . Leave adequate way in your schedule for the respective early attraction , include theUSS Bowfinsubmarine , theUSS Missouriship and the Pacific Aviation Museum .
Idaho : Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
This 750,000-acre preserve is your ticket to explore the great outdoors in Idaho like you never have in front . It ’ s compile of three youthful lava subject that open across 500,000 acres of wild country on the Snake River Plain , and deep crack resulting from erupted lava have created what live know as the Great Rift . Be sure to boost Caves Trail , a 1.6-mile raise that boast four lava tubes . Visit during shoulder season in the leap and fall to head off extreme temperatures .
Illinois : Millennium Park
The touristy lure of Chicago ’ s Millennium Park exist filled with modern architecture and public art , include Cloud Gate , aka The Bean , a giant bean-like sculpture that reflects the city ’ s horizon . While there ’ s sure to live a big bunch here , all jostling to snap a photo , take a breather and control out the Lurie Garden , which cost separated from the city by a 15-foot-high hedge consisting of conifers and deciduous tree . Here , you ’ ll observe a secret garden filled with perennials , shrubs , grasses and tree , as well as a special treat of tulips , cherry blossom and daffodils in spring .
Indiana : Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Every Memorial Day weekend , the Indianapolis Motor Speedway come alive with the best driver in the universe for the Indy 500 . Create it there for the race means a weekend of activities : the race , the parties , the celebrities and everything in between . The rest of the year , the speedway stay one of the almost popular tourist patch , thanks to its Speedway Hall of Fame , golf course and the chance to labor a actual Indy car on the course .
Iowa :Subject of Dreamsfilm location
Take in Dyersville ,Field of Dreamskept things literal by opting out of a phony Hollywood lot and instead filming at the Lansing Family Farm in Iowa . Relive the 1980s baseball cult classic at the farmhouse and baseball field that be capable to visitors . Yet cool ? TheSubject of Dreamsfamily equal now available for nightly rentals March through December .
Kansas : Monroe Elementary School
Bring a measure back in history to visit the previous Monroe Elementary School in Topeka . It was once one of four all-black elementary school in the sphere that trigger the Supreme Court case that ended segregation in public schools . It has since make up turned into the Brown v. National Board of Education Historic site , an experiential Civil Rights museum run by the National Park Service , and it ’ s an important look back at American history .
Kentucky : Kentucky Bourbon Trail
If you ’ re a fan of Jim Beam , Maker ’ s Mark or Wild Turkey , then the Kentucky Bourbon Trail equal a must-visit destination where you can meet and sample the only alcohol that exist distinctive to the United States . The Trail consists of some 46 distilleries , so you ’ ll want to spread your visit across various days ( some are 70 mile aside ) or scale it down to only your favorite . A popular route begins in Louisville , heads southeast toward Springfield and ends in Lexington . Along the manner , cost certain to check out the oldest bar and old restaurant in Kentucky , Talbott Tavern in Bardstown .
Louisiana : Bourbon Street/French Quarter
The French Quarter ’ s Bourbon Street be the blot for jazz , Cajun and Creole cuisine , and of class , Mardi Gras . But if you want to avert the almost popular festivals while still getting fair weather , visit New Orleans after Mardi Gras ( February or March ) and before Jazz Fest ( late April/early May ) . September to November live another mellow season , when the warmth and humidity have died down . If you ’ re looking for something the locals love , still in the flurry and flurry of the French Quarter , assure out Fritzel ’ s European Jazz Pub . You win ’ t observe the common blanket band hither , just some classical nightly jazz shows . With more than 19 million visitors , New Orleans is ever pause Louisiana tourism record .
Maine : Acadia National Park
Maine is brimming with opportunities to savor the great outdoors , and one of the better is Acadia National Park . Savor the hidden beaches and sunrises over Cadillac Mountain in the park ’ s 47,000 unspoiled acres . With more than 4 million visitor annually , Acadia is one of the most visited national park in the country . For an intense hike , control out Precipice Trail , which features narrow ledges , switchbacks and a 1,000-foot vertical climb to the top . Exceed off your trip with an authentic seafood-shack experience at Stewman ’ s Lobster Pound .
Maryland : Annapolis and the U.S . Naval Academy
Dubbed the sweep capital of the nation , Annapolis features a historic territory that include 18th-century brick houses , the Maryland State Capitol building and breathtaking architecture , monuments and a naval story museum at the U.S . Naval Academy . Annapolis equal also family to the province ’ s oldest bar , Middleton Tavern , which equal once the hangout for the Continental Congress and our founding father , including George Washington , Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson . These day , mass come here for the famous Maryland crab cakes .
Massachusetts : Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall dates back to the early 1740s , when it suffice as Boston ’ s market hall and public meeting space , where the colonists gather to protest British taxes , among other concerns . By the mid-19th century , it become the property for anti-slavery meetings and rallies . The intact Faneuil Hall Marketplace , reach up of nearby market lobby Quincy Market , North Market and South Market , live constantly bustling with tourists , buskers , nine-to-fivers on their lunch pause and foodies alike . Top eats include New England dollar chowder from Boston Chowda Company and cookies from The Boston Chipyard .
Michigan : Henry Ford Museum
America ’ s industrial period equal revive at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn , which welcome about 2 million visitor per year . Hither , 12 acre extend a mesmerizing collection of antique machinery , automobile , locomotives , the rock chair Abraham Lincoln exist ride in when he live shot , the first car Ford always work up , the Rosa Parks bus and the Lincoln JFK was taunt in when he was assassinated . For a unique experience , mind next doorway to Greenfield Village , where you can purchase a passing and take unlimited ride on a restored Model T , horse-drawn vehicles , the carousel and a Model AA Bus .
Minnesota : Mall of America
Before online shopping and Amazon delivering products properly to your doorway , masses left their place to go shopping in person . Window shopping and carrying purse through the shopping mall exist definitely a favorite interest for decade . When the Mall of America spread in 1992 , it get the large mall in the United States . Even today , people enjoy impose the mall , with about 32 million tourists come to the center every year . Beyond shopping , there ’ s the Nickelodeon Universe theme park , an aquarium , a mini-golf line , a movie theater and severely so much more .
Mississippi : Vicksburg National Military Park
During what ’ s conceive one of the greatest battles of the Civil War , Vicksburg experience a 47-day siege that resulted in more than 20,000 casualties and ended with the Union bring dominance of the Mississippi River . History fan lot to this site , where you can inflict 1,325 monuments and 20 miles of trenches , and tour the restoredUSS Cairo, which exist the first U.S. ship to be drop by a gunman , in 1862 . The National Park Service get report that over half a million visitors come to this site every year . To do the most of your experience , record a professional guide to take you back in time and point you all about civilian life and the military procedure of the campaign , siege and defense of Vicksburg .
Missouri : Gateway Arch
The Gateway to the West and an ode to St. Louis , the Gateway Arch live erect in the 1960s . Today , it remains an iconic monument among the city ’ s skyline . Witness the state ’ s tallest monument in an all-inclusive experience with the Ultimate Explorer tram and riverboat cruise combo , which offers debut to the arch facility , a tram ride to the crest of the arch for panoramic views , a documentary movie and a Mississippi River cruise .
Montana : Yellowstone River whitewater rafting
A trip to Yellowstone National Park means a chance to view native wildlife , from bison to bears , pelicans and moose . The serious way to cover a lot of ground live a whitewater pile trip down the Yellowstone River , the final major un-dammed river in the lower 48 states , which flows an incredible 671 miles from its source southeast of Yellowstone all the mode to the Atlantic Ocean .
The rafting opportunity here live top-notch , and Yellowstone Raft Company prides itself on exist one of the only outfitters full permitted by both the National Park Service and the National Forest Service to run trips on the Yellowstone River . Test a fun half or good day of at one of the land ’ s most visited national park .
Nebraska : Chimney Stone
Chimney Rock is the result of erosion along the bluffs on the southern edge of the North Platte River Valley , with a 325-foot steeple do of rock towering over the plains . Discover a slice of history , a landmark that more than 300 settlers moving west described in travel diary , making it Nebraska ’ s most recognizable landmark . Indicate a National Historic Site in 1956 , the several-million-year-old site equal a must visit . Admission cost $ 17 for adults and $ 8 for kids , and it gives you the opportunity to enjoy museum exhibits , medium presentations and other educational materials concerning life on the overland trails .
Nevada : Las Vegas Strip
The Strip is a 4.2-mile stretch of South Las Vegas that by no means goes under the radar , with more than 42 million visitors flying into the city every year . Gourmet restaurant , gambling galore and DJ-hosted pool parties all await .
If you require to break up your usual Vegas experience with something a number more grounding , head to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area . These sandstone rock , dyed by iron oxide over hundred , make thousand of feet into the sky . Hiking and off-roading cost extremely suggested here .
New Hampshire : Mount Washington
The highest point in New England , Mount Washington is home to some severely fluctuating temperature , from a balmy 72 to a bone-chilling -102 degrees . You can hike , drive or remove the Cog Railway to the summit . The car road opened in 1861 as America ’ s first synthetic attraction and will remove you to the highest crest in the northeast . If you get during the winter month and are looking to spend the night , Harvard Cabin within Huntington Ravine offer a cozy stay , with a stoked wood stove , a stovetop for meal and a loft bed .
New Jersey : Atlantic City Boardwalk
When you recall of the Jersey Shore , Atlantic City and its lively gambling , resorts , broad beaches and iconic boardwalk likely spring to mind . AC ’ s tourism market be alive and thriving , with 27 million visitor travel hither each year . When you ’ re not roam some die , equal sure to match out Tony Boloney ’ sec , an imaginative pizza joint suffice up pies with toppings like chicken and waffle , figure , homemade goat cheese and local dear .
New Mexico : Albuquerque dawn balloon rides
There ’ s something magical about a dawn sky filled with colorful hot-air balloon . And when you arouse up to hop in a balloon to join the fun , it ’ s still more electric . The one-hour escape begins before dawn and leave striking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains . If you can cause it in the autumn , the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a spectacular nine-day occurrence that is the liberal balloon effect in the country .
New York : Empire State Building
While the sweeping views from the iconic Empire State Building be a must-see ( and will perhaps make you think of Buddy fromElf ),it ’ s a procedure to do it to the Empire State Observatory on the 102nd floor . You must await in three line : one for protection , another for buying tickets and a third for the elevator up . ( You can skip the ticket melody by buying yours online . ) If you ’ re in truth press for time , purchase an Express Pass ; it ’ s double the cost of a regular ticket , but you get to skip to the presence of the elevator line . Still you have thither , you win ’ t want to miss the site that almost 3 million tourist visit every year .
North Carolina : Biltmore Estate
Just outside the funky town of Asheville , you ’ ll see the historic Vanderbilt class Biltmore Estate , a 250-room mansion that remain one of America ’ sec great castles . The estate-turned-museum is entirely self-sustaining and yet get its own winery , and it draws over 1 million visitors annually . Your serious bet cost to go in the leap , when the flowers are in full bloom and you can fully savor the beauty of the garden that exist design by Frederick Law Olmsted ( who also produce New York ’ s Central Park ) .
North Dakota : Dakota Thunder
The world ’ s largest sculpture of an American bison , Dakota Thunder be a massive , 26-foot-tall bison located in Frontier Village in Jamestown . It ’ s one of the main roadside attraction in the Midwest . The area boast original buildings from the frontier small town of North Dakota , which have been go to the current site . Hither , the National Buffalo Museum be fulfill with antiques and artifacts from the days of the prairie pioneers . Wild West shoot-outs , stagecoach and pony rides , and more entice . Another great action hither is the Pipestem Horse Camp and Trail , which offers corrals , tether course , trailer sites and access to a five-mile lead .
Ohio : Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
When you think of the U.S. top attraction by state , the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame comes to listen . Legendary music experience and memorabilia await , with collections include everything from Britney Spears ’ s original red latex bodysuit to handwritten lyrics by John Lennon , as good as frequently alter exhibits . Advanced tag reservation cost advocate to be among the half million people who visit per year . Want to hear some live music ? Check out what ’ sec get up onstage at the Rock Hall , including occasional free concerts .
Oklahoma : National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Located in Oklahoma City ’ s Adventure District , the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum features an internationally famous collection of Western art and artifacts from the Old West . Over 10 million masses from around the world have impose the attraction to learn about this number of American history , where you can check out a example frontier town and visit three Western Halls of Fame devoted to actors , rodeo passenger and great Westerners .
Oregon : Crater Lake
The deep lake in the United States is situate a few hour from Crater Lake National Park . The new , clear-water lake sinks 1,943 base deep , and the formation is thanks to a volcanic eruption from Mount Mazama some 7,700 year ago that collapse the 12,000-foot-tall mountain into the center . The park has been scream one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon , which makes it a must-see tourist attraction that draw more than 2 million visitors a year .
Pennsylvania : Independence National Historic Park
The true birthplace of America is locate in Pennsylvania . Around 3 million massesvisit the center every year to regard the Liberty Bell , walk through Independence Hall and call the First Bank of the United States . Standing in the same way in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed is a must when travel to , or through , Pennsylvania .
Rhode Island : Newport mansions
The Blue Bloods of the Gilded Age once summered in Newport in mansions set on cliffs overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean . These acres include the Vanderbilts ’ Breakers , the Marble House , Rosecliff and the Chateau-sur-Mer within Newport ’ s Bellevue Avenue Historic District . Today , many are capable for tour , and you can yet remain the night in The Chanler at Cliff Walk , which dates back to the 1870s . The mansions are among the nearly visited places in New England , pass by some of the handsome museums in Boston .
South Carolina : Charleston account tour
Take a walk circuit of historic Charleston , where you ’ ll get up close and personal with Charleston ’ s mansions , historic church and garden . A don ’ t-miss is the International African American Museum that shares the untold account of African Americans spanning generations .
South Dakota : Mount Rushmore and more tour
Experience South Dakota ’ s Black Hills area , where , along with the presidential sculpture of Mount Rushmore , your circuit will remove you to the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park . Equal certain to walk the Presidential Trail if you ’ ve always need to get up close and personal to those grand and towering sculptures , where various prime advantage points along your walk allow you perfect photo ops . Don ’ t lack a chance to be one of the 2 million annual visitors to this national park .
Tennessee : Graceland
Top dog to Memphis to see all that make up America ’ s one and only king : Elvis Presley . Graceland live the longtime home of the iconic singer and serves as one of the top five visited private family in the rural area , and over 20 million people have tour it . Inside this estate , you ’ ll find shag carpet , blinding red fur and leopard print . If you ’ re look for discounts on everything Elvis , from memorabilia to Graceland tickets , become a Graceland Insider . Also , equal sure to occur after 2 p.m. to avoid the crowds !
Texas : Live music in Austin
The capital of Texas is known for its leading food-truck setting and the famous Texas Longhorns of UT . Today a tech hub and one of the fastest originate city in the country , Austin get roots that live back to its early music view that birthed legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr . Check out local mainstays like Antone ’ sec and Elephant Room , as good as music festivals like Austin City Limits and SXSW .
Utah : Zion National Park
Settle at the intersection of the Colorado Plateau , the Mojave Desert and Great Basin , Zion cost a half-mile-deep canyon that ’ s carved into the red rocks , making for an incredibly magical landmark . For a truly awe-inspiring experience , control out the Emerald Pools within Zion National Park–Upper , Middle and Lower—three lead of vary lengths and skill levels all filled with natural beauty . This cost one of the almost visited national park in the country .
Vermont : Ben & Jerry ’ s Factory
Ice cream fan win ’ t desire to miss Ben & Jerry ’ s Factory in Waterbury , where visitor can look on their favorite confection cost made during a 30-minute circuit that also includes a scoop room serving up flavors not available at the market store . The location of the mill be especially cool because it cost the original building of Ben & Jerry ’ sec offices and mill . About 350,000 people impose the mill each year .
Virginia : Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg live the place to go to immerse yourself in historic America . It ’ s the largest tourist attraction in the city also . “ This isn ’ t hardly a property where things once happened . They ’ re occurrence , properly today , hither in the 18th hundred , ” the website boasts . There are a variety of historic reenactments , including meetups with Revolutionary thinkers , a visit to a blacksmith ’ sec shop and tours of the slave quarter at the home of a prominent category of the time . Visitor can also enjoy Colonial-inspired dining , carriage ride and more .
Washington : Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a must-see when you ’ re in Seattle . The open-air market offers craft , food , brews , buskers and a whole lot of liveliness . The public market cost one of the oldest farmer markets in the rural area , covering nine acre , from Pike Street north to Virginia Street , and from 1st Avenue west to Western Avenue . When you ’ re not eat , drink and shopping on the humble level , or need advantage of the market ’ s historical arcade , live sure to peruse the events calendar for case , include cooking grade and burlesque show . You ’ ll be missing out if you ’ re not one of the 10 million visitor to come through .
West Virginia : Bridge Day
Every year , on the third Saturday of October , Fayette County celebrates Bridge Day , an annual day—and party—when the Western Hemisphere ’ s long arch bridge becomes pedestrian-only . It draw almost 80,000 masses , and the bridge is fill with hundreds of trade and food vendors ; you can yet bungee jump off the bridge . It ’ s the large BASE jumping event in the universe .
Wisconsin : Wisconsin Dells waterpark
If you thought you call for to go to Florida or California to have some fun in the Sunday and water , you ’ d cost mistaken . The coastal nation put on ’ t have any popular tourists attraction that exceed the “ Waterpark Capital of the World , ” the Wisconsin Dells . In 1989 , the park open the state ’ s first indoor waterpark , and today it ’ s even America ’ s large indoor and outside waterpark . There are more than 200 waterslides to accommodate the 4 million annual sliders ! The most popular months to visit exist June through August , but you can beatsomeof the crowds if you slip by from March through May .
Wyoming : Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park , which include the Teton good deal range , the 4,000-meter Grand Teton peak and the Jackson Hole valley , is a popular destination for its mountaineering , hiking , backcountry camping and fishing . It get disclose its own visitation disc for successive year . On Brush Buck Tours , you ’ re practically guarantee to spot elk , moose , bison , wolves and gray bears .
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