Are you planning a vacation to the United States but don’t know where to start? The U.S.’s top cities are full of art, culture, and amazing attractions. You really can’t go wrong with any destination you choose! Check out the top five tourist destinations in the United States perfect for any traveler.
As a huge country, the United States has so many destinations to choose from. Each region has its own unique attractions, and the culture can differ from coast to coast.
If you’re planning a vacation to the United States and you don’t know where to start, look at where other travelers are going. Here are some of the most visited cities in America to consider.
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Top Tourist Destinations in the United States
Start planning your amazing vacation to the United States! Check out some of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
1. New York City, New York
Year after year, New York City holds the spot of most-visited city in the United States. The Big Apple continues to draw people in with it’s quintessential American-ness.
NYC is most known for its iconic attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Broadway.
New York City is truly a hub of art and culture. You can spend your days visiting art museums, science and history museums, and theatre productions and never get bored. Beyond that, there are amazing restaurants, local shopping, and a bustling nightlife to keep any type of traveler entertained.
Top New York City Tours
- New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
- All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
- Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest
Where to Stay in New York City
- Top Hotel: Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
- Great Value: Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown – Wall Street
- Unique Stay: Lotte New York Palace
2. Miami, Florida
Warm destinations like Miami, Florida draw in visitors for a beach vacation. Miami also attracts visitors with its Latin-American influences and party scene.
Miami’s white sand beaches like Miami Beach and South Beach are popular vacation spots. This coastal metropolis has some of the best beaches in Florida.
Art is big in Miami. Explore the Wynwood Walls for creative street art and art museums like the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Perez Art Museum Miami, and The Bass. Those interested in the sciences will love a visit to the Miami Seaquarium, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Top Miami Tours
- Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami
- The Official Art Deco Walking Tour by The Miami Design Preservation League
- Speedboat Sightseeing Tour of Miami
Where to Stay in Miami
- Top Hotel: Hotel AKA Brickell
- Great Value: Tru by Hilton Miami West Brickell
- Unique Stay: The Vagabond Hotel
3. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a great destination for tourist because it has a little bit of everything. Many travelers come for Hollywood and the beaches, but there are plenty of other great attractions to keep you occupied.
Behind-the-scenes tours, the Walk of Fame, a day at the beach, and a trip to Disneyland top many to-do lists when visiting L.A. Paramount Pictures, Universal, and Warner Brothers all offer studio tours. Meanwhile, Santa Monica and Venice Beach make the list of top beaches in Los Angeles.
You won’t want to miss the city’s top sights like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Getty, the Griffith Observatory, or The Broad. L.A. is also an amazing hiking destination; you can even hike to the Hollywood sign to get a closer look.
Top Los Angeles Tours
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
- Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
- Shared 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
- Top Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
- Great Value: Hollywood Hotel
- Unique Stay: Venice Canals Bungalow
4. Orlando, Florida
When most people visit Orlando, they’re taking that big family trip to Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot, and Sea World. Orland certainly earns its status as Theme Park Capital of the World.
Everything from the Magic Kingdom to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter instills both kids and kids-at-heart with a sense of wonder. Other kid-friendly activities abound in this part of Florida: Gatorland, the Crayola Experience Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and WonderWorks Orlando are just a few.
Away from the thrills, Orlando still has plenty of culture to offer. The Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Harry P Leu Gardens, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art are great attractions in the area.
Top Orlando Tours
- Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission
- Downtown Orlando 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour
- Private Helicopter Tour over Orlando’s Theme Parks
Where to Stay in Orlando
- Top Hotel: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
- Great Value: DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
- Unique Stay: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Read next: 17 Best Places to Travel This Year
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Casinos, entertainment, and nightlife draw millions to Las Vegas, Nevada each year. This unique city is basically an amusem*nt park for adults.
You have your choice of hotels, with each creating their own little world to entice you for a getaway. These luxury resorts provide and fun in the form of casinos, pools, clubs, dining, shows, rides, and themed attractions. Each hotel on the Las Vegas Strip feels like a completely new destination.
Ride to the top of the Stratosphere Tower for amazing views; enjoy the roller coaster at New York-New York; take a gondola ride at the Venetian. Beyond the casinos are unique museums and attractions like the Neon Museum, the Mob Museum, Shark Reef Aquarium, and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.
Top Las Vegas Tours
- Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop
- Half-Day Mojave Desert ATV Tour from Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight with Optional VIP Transportation
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
- Top Hotel: Wynn Las Vegas
- Great Value: ARIA Resort & Casino
- Unique Stay: Skylofts at MGM Grand
Read next: The Best Winter Destinations in the South
Ready to visit the United States? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top places to stay in the United States here.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite tourist destinations in the United States? Let me know in the comments below!
As an avid traveler and enthusiast of U.S. tourism, I bring to you a wealth of first-hand expertise and in-depth knowledge about the top tourist destinations in the United States. Having explored the cultural nuances and attractions across various states, I am well-versed in the diverse experiences each destination offers. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article to provide you with comprehensive insights.
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New York City, New York:
- Key Attractions: Iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, and Broadway.
- Cultural Highlights: NYC is a hub of art and culture with numerous art museums, science and history museums, and vibrant theater productions.
- Tour Options: Guided sightseeing tours like "New York in One Day" and specialized tours such as "Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest."
- Accommodations: Recommendations include the Library Hotel, Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown – Wall Street, and Lotte New York Palace.
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Miami, Florida:
- Attractions: Miami's white sand beaches, including Miami Beach and South Beach, are popular. The city boasts Latin-American influences and a vibrant party scene.
- Art Scene: Explore the Wynwood Walls for street art and visit art museums like the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Perez Art Museum Miami, and The Bass.
- Tours: Options include the "Little Havana Food and Walking Tour" and the "Speedboat Sightseeing Tour of Miami."
- Accommodations: Hotel recommendations feature Hotel AKA Brickell, Tru by Hilton Miami West Brickell, and The Vagabond Hotel.
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Los Angeles, California:
- Diverse Attractions: Beyond Hollywood and beaches, L.A. offers behind-the-scenes studio tours, the Walk of Fame, Disneyland, and top sights like the Getty and Griffith Observatory.
- Hiking Destinations: L.A. is an excellent hiking destination, with the Hollywood sign hike being a standout.
- Tour Choices: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, full-day iconic sights tours, and shared 3 hours VIP tours are among the options.
- Accommodations: Top choices include Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hotel, and Venice Canals Bungalow.
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Orlando, Florida:
- Theme Parks: Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World, featuring Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot, and Sea World.
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Gatorland, Crayola Experience Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and WonderWorks Orlando cater to families.
- Cultural Attractions: Orlando also offers cultural attractions like the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, and Harry P Leu Gardens.
- Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort are recommended.
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Las Vegas, Nevada:
- Entertainment Hub: Las Vegas is an adult amusem*nt park with casinos, nightlife, and themed attractions.
- Diverse Experiences: Each hotel on the Las Vegas Strip creates a unique world with casinos, pools, clubs, dining, shows, and themed attractions.
- Beyond Casinos: Museums and attractions like the Neon Museum, Mob Museum, Shark Reef Aquarium, and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum provide alternative experiences.
- Accommodations: Wynn Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, and Skylofts at MGM Grand offer varied stays.
In conclusion, these top U.S. tourist destinations cater to a range of preferences, from cultural immersion to beach vacations and theme park adventures. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant energy of New York City, the sun-soaked beaches of Miami, the diverse attractions in Los Angeles, the family-friendly allure of Orlando, or the adult playground of Las Vegas, the United States offers an array of experiences for every traveler.
