When it comes to the United States, how well-traveled are you?
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It’s not just a game of counting cities, states, and parks off a checklist. It’s also about the quality of the time spent in each of those places. As in, you may have seen New York City or Houston, but did you really get to experience them?
After all, you might not feel like you’ve actually seen a city until you’ve visited its most iconic landmarks and attractions. For example, a trip to Saint Louis, Missouri, would be incomplete without a visit to the iconic Arch. If you take the elevator up to the top of the Arch, even better.
Now, close your eyes and try to picture the country’s top landmarks—from art installations to architecture to natural wonders. What comes to mind?
According to TripAdvisor, these are the most popular attractions in the United States. The rankings are based on ratings, reviews, and page views. In other words, the rankings don’t reflect the number of votes or ratings, but also user intent. In short, which pages get the most attention? And how often?
Here are the results, along with the most popular tours for each attraction.
Most popular attractions in the United States, according to TripAdvisor
#1: Central Park, New York City (134k ratings)
Central Park is the most famous urban park in the country—but it’s a lot more vast than many think. Inside Central Park, you can actually find meadows, woods, and lakes. You might even spot a celebrity or two.
These are the most popular ways to experience Central Park:
#2: The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, New York City (99k ratings)
Explore one of the most solemn memorials in the country, which includes two reflecting pools set where the original Twin Towers stood. You can also explore the museum, which is located underground amid the original foundations.
These are the most popular ways to experience the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum:
- All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
- New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
#3: Fenway Park, Boston (17k ratings)
Built back in 1912, Fenway Park is the country’s oldest active ballpark in the MLB. Whether you want to sing Sweet Caroline with the crowds during a live game or just see the iconic stadium, you might want to go on a guided tour, which is offered year-round.
These are the most popular ways to experience Fenway Park:
#4: Empire State Building, New York City (97k ratings)
In 2026, the Empire State Building took the top spot for TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for the top attraction in the world. What makes the skyscraper so impressive? It’s an Art Deco masterpiece, it puts on nightly light shows, and the views from the 102nd floor are unmatched.
These are the most popular ways to experience the Empire State Building:
- NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket
- NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing
- Go Up The Empire State Building & 3h Manhattan Walking Tour
#5: Top of the Rock, New York City (81k ratings)
Close behind the Empire State Building is Rockefeller Center’s observation deck, called Top of the Rock. What makes Top of the Rock stand out is that it’s designed to make those larger-than-life photoshoots a little easier. The views are sweeping, and there are additional activities available, from a death-defying lunch experience to a glass platform that rises above the observation deck.
These are the most popular ways to experience Top of the Rock:
- VIP Top of the Rock Pass: Guided Tour, The Beam, SKYLIFT and more
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket
#6: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City (55k ratings)
Known as the Met, this isn’t just an art museum—it’s a time capsule that has over two thousand works of art spanning five thousand years of human history. It’s so vast and comprehensive that many fine art fans plan to uncover it exhibit by exhibit over multiple days.
These are the most popular ways to experience the Met:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
- 2-hour Metropolitan Museum Guided Tour
- Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Tour
#7: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco (56k ratings)
Once the United States’ most secure and notorious prison until its closure in 1963, Alcatraz Island offers a blend of history, true crime intrigue, and great views. Take the ferry from San Francisco’s famous Pier 33 toward the island for a day trip of a lifetime. You can take a guided tour with a park ranger or check out the site yourself.
These are the most popular ways to experience Alcatraz:
- Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay Cruise
- Alcatraz Inside Access Ferry and Audio Tour with Night Option
#8: The High Line, New York City (63k ratings)
The High Line was once an above-ground rail line on the West Village that has since become one of the coolest parks in New York City. It’s a long boardwalk-style park that runs from 14th to 34th street, including tons of lush greenery tucked between high-rise buildings.
These are the most popular ways to experience The High Line:
- Chelsea Market and High Line Guided Food Tour
- High Line, Chelsea and Hudson Yards Tour with Edge Entry Option
- High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour
#9: Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas (92k ratings)
You’ve likely seen the Fountains of Bellagio on TV—but do you know how insane the operation is? The Fountains of Bellagio rely on over 1,000 jets and a whopping 5,000 lights to create the menagerie you know and love. Best of all, it’s free to the public with daily and nightly shows.
These are the most popular ways to experience the Fountains of Bellagio:
- Las Vegas City Tour with Hotel Pick Up
- Las Vegas Helicopter Night Strip Flight Tour with Optional Dinner
#10: Times Square, New York City (57k ratings)
Times Square is a block of massive screens with a dizzying range of colorful ads dancing across them. It’s home to the world-famous NYE ball drop, along with dozens of other permanent and traveling exhibitions. It’s the center of the city—and possibly the world.
These are the most popular ways to experience Times Square:
