Top 25 Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the U.S.

The United States boasts an incredible array of tourist destinations that capture the essence of its rich history, stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and vibrant entertainment. From iconic urban landmarks to majestic national parks and world-class theme parks, America's most popular tourist attractions continue to draw massive crowds. In 2024, the National Park Service reported a record 331.9 million recreation visits across its sites, while urban icons such as Times Square and Central Park continued to draw tens of millions of visitors. Theme parks in Florida and California also experienced strong attendance, with Walt Disney World parks leading the way globally. This ranking of the top 25 most visited attractions is based on the latest available data from 2024, including data from reliable sources to estimate public visitation in these places. These figures highlight a mix of free-access sites, natural wonders, and paid entertainment venues that define American tourism.

1. Times Square—New York:

Times Square remembers and represents the lively atmosphere of New York City. The place is called "The Crossroads of the World" due to its numerous attractions, including neon lights, Broadway theaters, and large crowds of people. The annual visitor count is about 50 million, and it is the number one tourist attraction in the USA, along with possibly being the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world—a place full of life where culture, commerce, and entertainment meet.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

2. Walt Disney World Resort—Orlando, Florida:

Walt Disney World is a magical place that is recognized as one of the most magical places on Earth and a global draw. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom are the four theme parks that it covers; water parks and hotels support these attractions. Thus, it attracts about 58.2 million visitors per year. The Magic Kingdom alone attracts more than 20 million visitors each year and is recognized as one of the most popular single attractions in the country. 

(Source: The Global Statistics)

3. Central Park—New York:

Central Park is a vast urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, spanning 843 acres and attracting nearly 42 million people annually to experience its stunning landscape, lakes, walkways, museums, and famous attractions, including Bethesda Terrace. It's a mix of natural beauty and urban energy that makes Central Park a favorite place forever.

(Source: Forbes)

4. Las Vegas Strip—Las Vegas, Nevada:

The Las Vegas Strip is nothing less than the largest form of entertainment—a whole line of casinos, nightlife, shows, restaurants, and attractions, all in one dazzling place. More than 40 million people visit the Strip each year, and it remains one of the most popular destinations in the U.S., renowned for its dynamic atmosphere and exceptional experiences. 

(Source: WorldAtlas)

5. Union Station—Washington, D.C.:

Union Station is not merely a transportation hub but also a historical landmark and an architectural beauty. It is among the most visited places in the country, with approximately 40 million tourists every year, and opens the door to monumental experiences in Washington, D.C.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

6. Mall of America—Bloomington, Minnesota:

The Mall of America is the ultimate destination for shopping and entertainment, and it attracts approximately 40 million visitors every year. The mall is not only about shopping; children and their parents see it as a destination spot because of the theme park, aquariums, and other attractions that are set up for tourists from the US and across the world.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

7. National Mall—Washington, D.C.:

United States. It is a big park that stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and is home to famous monuments, memorials, and museums. Visitors can embark on an immersive journey through American history, with the park expected to welcome approximately 32 million people each year. 

(Source: Wikipedia and WorldAtlas)

8. Millennium Park—Chicago, Illinois: 

Millennium Park is a cultural centerpiece of Chicago, where visitors can enjoy public art, outdoor concerts, and gardens, as well as the magnificent architecture of Cloud Gate (the "Bean"). With around 25 million visitors annually, it is undoubtedly the most significant urban attraction in the Midwest.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

9. Golden Gate Park—San Francisco, California:

Golden Gate Park is often referred to as San Francisco's "green heart." The park spans over 1,000 acres and features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational areas. The park attracts 24 million visitors annually, who delight in everything from biking to cultural highlights, such as the de Young Museum, one of the leading institutions.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

10. Magic Kingdom—Orlando, Florida:

Magic Kingdom is part of Walt Disney World, the flagship park, and it is one of the most popular and well-known attractions in the world. With over 20 million tourists visiting every year, it is a must-visit spot for every age group.

(Source: The Global Statistics)

11. Lincoln Park—Chicago, Illinois:

Lincoln Park is one of the vibrant public areas in Chicago, situated near Lake Michigan. It is one of the major attractions in the Midwest, welcoming approximately 20 million visitors per year, primarily due to Lincoln Park Zoo, gardens, cultural spots, and beaches.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

12. Disney Land Resort - Boston, Massachusetts:

Faneuil Hall seamlessly blends the past with the present, complemented by its shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as street performers, to offer a lively experience for tourists. With a visitor count of approximately 18 million yearly, it is ranked among the most sought-after cultural hubs in New England.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

13. Faneuil Hall Marketplace—Boston, Massachusetts:

Faneuil Hall seamlessly blends the past with the present, complemented by its shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as street performers, to offer a lively experience for visitors. With a visitor count of approximately 18 million yearly, it is ranked among the most sought-after cultural hubs in New England.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

14. Epcot—Orlando, Florida:

Epcot showcases human achievement through the international and diverse cultural, technological, and gastronomic aspects. The park can be said to be the most advanced Disney attraction, boasting futuristic rides and world pavilions that collectively attract around 12 million guests each year.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

15. Disney's Animal Kingdom—Orlando, Florida:

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a park filled with animals and attractions that are themed accordingly, along with various cultural experiences. The park hosts millions of people every year. It is recognized as one of the most vibrant places in Walt Disney World, particularly for its captivating areas, such as Pandora—The World of Avatar.

(Source: Wikipedia and WorldAtlas)

16. Great Smoky Mountains National Park—Tennessee and North Carolina:

This vast area of untouched nature is the most popular national park in the US, attracting more than 14 million people each year who seek greenery, stunning views, and a diverse array of animals.

(Source: Wikipedia)

17. Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf—San Francisco, California:

The waterfront attractions of San Francisco, such as Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, not only offer a variety of dining and entertainment options but also provide impressive views of the Bay. They attract approximately 10 million visitors per year and thus are ranked among the most popular tourist attractions on the West Coast.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

18. Venice Beach—Los Angeles, California:

Venice Beach embodies the spirit of Southern California—a colorful and varied coastal area with a famous boardwalk, street entertainers, and surf culture. Approximately 10 million visitors are drawn to the place each year for sunbathing, art, and watching people interact.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

19. Pike Place Market—Seattle, Washington:

Since its opening in 1907, Pike Place Market has been the centerpiece of Seattle's cultural identity. With an annual foot traffic of around 10 million, it has become one of the most popular attractions in the Pacific Northwest, offering a diverse range of food, crafts, and historical charm.

(Source: Wikipedia)

20. Golden Gate Bridge—San Francisco, California:

The Golden Gate Bridge is a masterpiece of the century and one of the most photographed structures in the world; hence, it attracts around 10 million tourists every year, making it an eternal symbol of San Francisco and a photographer's paradise.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

21. South Street Seaport—New York City, New York:

Through its rich maritime legacy, the historic waterfront district has evolved into a popular shopping and dining destination. With approximately 2 million visitors drawn each year, it has become a must-visit destination, also contributing to the cultural landscape of Lower Manhattan.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

 22. Mackinac Bridge—Michigan:

The connection of the two peninsulas of Michigan by the Mackinac Bridge is an incredible engineering achievement that attracts around nine million tourists every year. The travelers are mainly from the Midwest and beyond, and they come to witness the scenic beauty and the historical importance of the structure.

(Source: WorldAtlas)

23. Navy Pier—Chicago, Illinois:

Navy Pier is one of Chicago's top attractions, drawing approximately 9 million visitors each year. It features attractions such as roller coasters, restaurants, and stunning views of the lake.

(Source: The Global Statistics)

24. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona:

The Grand Canyon is one of the most enormous and most breathtaking natural wonders, making it extremely challenging to stand out among the most visited places in the US, which receive more than 5 million visitors each year.

(Source: The Global Statistics)

25. South Rim & Other National Sites:

Although the numbers vary from site to site, attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, the Gateway Arch, and Yellowstone National Park attract millions of visitors. They are, therefore, the primary contributors to the U.S. travel culture. For example, Yellowstone attracts over 4.5 million visitors every year, while the Gateway Arch receives around 1.6 million people each year. 

(Source: Wikipedia)

Why These Places Attract Most of the Crowd

From cosmopolitan hubs like Times Square and Millennium Park to the tranquil giant landscapes of Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains, the U.S. offers something for every kind of traveler. These destinations aren’t just busy because they’re popular—they represent the historical, cultural, and natural richness of the country.