10 Most Loved Tourist Attractions In The United States
There is no shortage of most-loved tourist attractions in the United States, making the country the third-most-popular travel destination worldwide. An estimated 66.5 million international tourists visit the US annually to see the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the majestic Niagara Falls, the historic Statue of Liberty, the sprawling beauty of Yellowstone National Park, and everywhere in between. Visitors flock to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where monuments and museums pay tribute to US history. Nature lovers explore places like the rugged peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the iconic sites in New York’s Central Park.
These destinations, whether natural wonders or cultural landmarks, showcase the diversity and richness of America’s landscapes and heritage, making it a country of endless exploration and inspiration. Picking a favorite is like choosing a favorite child—everyone has one, but no one wants to admit it. Here are the contenders for the 10 most-loved tourist attractions in the United States.
Grand Canyon
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the iconic Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views, world-class hiking, and a bucket-list experience. Part of the Colorado River basin, the canyon was carved over millions of years as the river rushed through the Colorado Plateau, eroding rock layers to create the 277-mile-long, 18-mile-wide, 6,000-feet-deep canyon. For nature enthusiasts, the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip with many ways to enjoy the park’s natural beauty, from rim-to-rim hiking to classic donkey rides, whitewater rafting, museum visits, and much more. In 2024, the Grand Canyon welcomed 4.9 million people to its majestic wilderness, according to Smithsonian Magazine, cementing it as one of the most popular and most loved national parks in the US
Statue of Liberty
A symbol of freedom and democracy, this iconic statue is on a 12.7-acre island in the Upper Bay of New York Harbor called Liberty Island. On Oct. 28, 1886, the “Liberty Enlightening the World” statue was officially opened. Nearby Ellis Island is one of the most significant landmarks in US. immigration history, with more than 12 million immigrants passing through the island from Jan. 1, 1892, to Nov. 12, 1954. After its closure, the island fell into disrepair but reopened as a tourist destination in 1990 as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. In 2023, almost 3.75 million visitors hopped on the ferry from Battery Park in lower Manhattan to visit Lady Liberty, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and the State of Liberty Museum.
Golden Gate Bridge
The stunning suspension bridge known as the Golden Gate Bridge is both a marvel of engineering and a symbol of all things California and West Coast cool. Its distinctive “International Orange” color inspired by the red primer used on the bridge and Art Deco design makes it an architectural icon recognized around the globe. One suggestion from the US Navy was that the original color scheme should be striped black and yellow for navigational purposes. While most of the over 17 million visitors to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area assume the bridge’s name comes from its color, it comes from the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge can see the original 12-foot stainless steel “test tower” used in 1933 during the bridge’s design and other exhibits on the bridge’s fascinating history, then experience the real thing by driving, walking, biking, or taking a tour across the structure.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a stunning natural wonder that straddles the border between New York and Ontario, Canada. Comprised of three awe-inspiring waterfalls — Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls —¸ the unofficial “8th Natural Wonder of the World” attracts around 12 million visitors annually. There are many ways to enjoy Niagara Falls from either side of the border. On the Canadian side, outdoor enthusiasts interested in history can follow the 56-kilometer Niagara River Recreational Trail from historic Fort Erie past the spectacular Horseshoe Falls to Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake. On the American side, a visit to the Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the US, is a must, as is a boat tour on the iconic Maid of the Mist.
Yellowstone National Park
The first national park in the US, Yellowstone National Park is known for its geysers, fantastic hiking trails, Old Faithful, hot springs, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. There were almost 4.75 million visits to the park in 2024, solidifying its reputation as one of the largest and most popular in the US. Located primarily in Wyoming, Yellowstone spans almost 3,500 miles, extending into parts of Montana and Idaho. It sits atop a dormant volcano, making the park home to more geysers and hot springs than any other place in the world. The park is the location of the world’s tallest geyser, Steamboat Geyser, whose eruptions last anywhere from 3 to 40 minutes, shooting water more than 300 feet in the air. Another big draw to Yellowstone is the abundance of diverse wildlife, with over 300 species of birds and 67 species of mammals, like grizzly bears, black blacks, gray wolves, wolverines, lynx, and more.
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort
First opened in 1971, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is one of North America's most popular amusement parks, attracting around 50,000 tourists per day. The Magic Kingdom is home to the iconic Cinderella Castle, the hub of the wheel-shaped theme park. Extending out from the hub are six wheels or lands in Disney-speak: Main Street, USA., is a recreated early 20th-century small town; Adventureland, home of the Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise attractions; Frontierland; Liberty Square celebrating America’s colonial heritage; Fantasyland, which is full of fairy tale magic; and Tomorrowland. The Magic Kingdom is a dream destination for families with children.
Las Vegas Strip
Famous for its bright lights, gaming casinos, and world-class entertainment and food, Las Vegas hosted almost 40 million tourists in 2024. There is no shortage of things to do in the Entertainment Capital of the World, from seeing iconic landmarks like the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign to the Fountains of Bellagio. For first-timers, wandering down the strip in a good pair of trainers can’t be beaten with stops at the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Gardens at Bellagio’s Conservatory, the four-acre gardens in the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, the Lake of Dreams attraction at Wynn’s, or the Cirque de Soleil and Big Apple Coaster at New York, New York. Foodies should plan a stop at the famous Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace.
National Mall and Memorial Parks
Called “America’s Front Yard,” the National Mall and Memorial Parks is a hub of history and culture and home to landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums, many of which are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Visitors to the National Mall do not need to make reservations for several major attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Approximately 25 million people annually visit the 1,000+ acre green space in downtown Washington, D.C.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US, loved for its misty mountains, diverse wildlife, and 800-plus miles of hiking trails. In 2024, almost 12.2 million outdoor lovers spent time in the park, according to the National Park Service. For first-time visitors, the 5.5-mile-long Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an excellent introduction to the Smokies, where travelers can take their time on the winding, narrow road whose name comes from the rushing mountain streams along the roadway. For hikers, a 4.6-mile roundtrip on the Alum Cave Trail to Alum Cave Bluffs is a not-to-be-missed opportunity that passes by landmarks like Arch Rock and Inspiration Point. The popular, challenging 13-mile roundtrip hike along Rainbow Falls Trail leads to the summit of Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, behind Kuwohi (previously known as Clingmans Dome) and Mount Guyot.
Central Park
According to Travel + Leisure, Central Park is the “No. 1 Tourist Attraction in the US.” New York City welcomed nearly 65 million visitors in 2024, the second-highest number in the Big Apple’s history. While it’s hard to break down actual visits to Central Park, it is a definite must-see urban park where visitors should be prepared to expect the unexpected, from spectacular views of the park and New York City from Belvedere Castle, a hidden castle atop Vista Rock, the second-highest point in the park. Strawberry Fields is another popular stop, with its memorial Imagine mosaic and International Garden of Peace, dedicated to John Lennon, who lived in the Dakota Building across the street. Other landmarks in the park include the large plaza known as Bethesda Terrace, the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, and the Obelisk, also called Cleopatra’s Needle.
Why These 10 Spots Are the Most-Loved
The 10 most-loved tourist attractions draw millions of visitors because they capture the diversity, history, and natural beauty of the United States. Iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Statue of Liberty evoke a sense of national pride and identity. At the same time, natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Yellowstone National Park showcase the country’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Cultural attractions like Central Park, Las Vegas, and the Golden Gate Bridge offer experiences that inspire learning and wonder. These destinations captivate travelers with their unique ability to tell stories, spark awe, and create unforgettable memories.
