
Top 10 Tourist Destinations in America
There are many places in the United States that have become tourist attractions over time. Every year, people flock to these areas for entertainment, education, and just plain fun. Listed below are the top 10 tourist destinations in the United States, as of 2010.
1. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the oldest tourist attractions in America. It was originally declared a park by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, and it has been drawing millions of visitors each year ever since. Visitors to the canyon can walk its trails, take mule rides down into the canyon, view one of the many museums that surround it, or just take in the breathtaking views of its colorful rock formations.
2. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and was a gift from France. The statue stands tall in the water of the harbor in New York City’s Staten Island and can be seen by people living or visiting much of the east coast. Over 4 million tourists visit the statue each year to get an amazing view of the New York skyline.
3. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in America because it is 1,280 feet long and towers over San Francisco Bay at 220 ft tall. This beautiful steel bridge was built in 1937 and has brought millions to beautiful Northern California ever since then. Visitors can take a tour, walk or bike across the bridge, or even take a tour of the bridge through a submarine.
4. Niagara Falls
Located between New York and Canada, Niagara Falls is one of America’s oldest tourist attractions. More than 12 million people visit this spectacular site each year to see its beauty and power. Visitors can stand on bridges that run over the water or go behind the falls on a boat tour.
5. White House
The White House is a very popular tourist site in America simply because it has been the home of every President since the 1700’s. It is located in Washington D.C. and tours are given daily by both private citizens and government employee guides. The surrounding grounds have beautiful gardens that have been kept up for over 200 years, making it a memorable sight to see.
6. Walt Disney World Resort
Opened in 1971 by Walt Disney, the popular resort is one of America’s most visited sites. It comprises four theme parks and more than two dozen hotels that together draw over 52 million visitors each year. The Magic Kingdom has seven themed areas with its biggest attraction being Cinderella Castle. Other popular attractions include Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.
7. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is a popular tourist attraction because it is one of the few beaches in the United States that faces directly to the ocean. It has been home to many famous people from Elvis Presley to Barack Obama, and its white sand beach and turquoise water make for a great sight. Tourists can stay at high-rise hotels to watch the sunset or grab a bite to eat at one of its popular restaurants.
8. Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas is known worldwide as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ and its strip of hotels, casinos, and restaurants draws millions each year. The city has grown from a small railroad stop in 1905 to one that caters to people’s love for gambling, fine dining, and entertainment. Nearly 39 million visitors come to Vegas every year!
9. Times Square
Times Square is located in the heart of New York City and is one of America’s biggest tourist attractions. It gets its name from ‘The Crossroads of the World’ and is home to some of the country’s most visited attractions such as Broadway theaters, MTV studios, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! museum, and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Millions of people visit this tourist hotspot each year to take photos and get a taste of Broadway!
10. Great Smokey Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited sites in America by tourists and its popularity has increased over the years. It is home to beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife like black bears. Over 10 million people visit each year to enjoy its great beauty and natural resources.
America is a beautiful country with many amazing destinations to visit. Whether you’re into beaches, theme parks, or natural wonders, there are plenty of places for every type of tourist in America. If you’ve never visited before and want some ideas about where to go first, check out this list of the top 10 most popular tourist attractions in America!
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