Rolling mountains, expansive coastlines and vibrant cities with towering skyscrapers – it’s little wonder that America, with all its diversity, is home to some of the top tourist destinations in the world. Each state has something unique to offer but which of these attractions do visitors love the most?
The Active Times set out to establish the most popular American tourist destinations by comparing data from government agencies with existing rankings. We look at 15 of those most popular tourist attractions in the U.S:
- 9/11 Memorial. Lives of the 2,977 people who were killed in the tragic terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, will forever be remembered at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City, which has all their names inscribed in bronze panels.
- Acadia National Park. With 47,000 acres of mountainous wooded areas and rocky beaches, it is easy to see why the Acadia National Park lures millions of people each year to enjoy the range of activities on offer.
- Alcatraz Island. The abandoned federal prison spanning over a 22-acre island is popular among tourists and residents alike. It helps that Alcatraz was the backdrop for several Hollywood blockbusters.
- Balboa Park. Steeped in historical significance, Balboa Park offers visitors museums, theaters, various shops and restaurants as well as the San Diego Zoo.
- Brooklyn Bridge. Who doesn't know this iconic bridge that connects Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan? As one of the oldest roadway bridges in the U.S., this is a structure that stands out against the New York skyline.
- Canyonlands National Park. Located in Utah’s high desert, this vast expanse of canyons, rivers, rapids and towering rock pinnacles promises its visitors the adventure of a lifetime.
- Central Park. Romanticized by the beloved 90s sitcom "Friends," New York’s Central Park is a must-see spot on many bucket-lists. Nearly 39 million people flock to the green space each year to walk the lush, green walkways, visit the iconic zoo and see the sights.
- Disney World. It is inevitable that Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. features in a list of the most popular tourist destinations. Roughly 52 million people visit each year to be thrilled.
- Everglades National Park. Millions of visitors come to the Everglades National Park, regarded as the third largest park in America, to hike, camp, bike and fish.
- Fisherman’s Wharf. Once the main hub where Chinese and Italian fishermen came to sell fresh produce during the 1800s, the San Francisco wharf has now become an iconic hub of restaurants and family activities.
- Gateway Arch. Made from 43,000-tons of concrete and stainless steel, this impressive arch stands at 630 feet and is said to be the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.
- Graceland. No trip to Memphis, Tenn. is complete without a trip to Graceland
- 8-acre estate that once belonged to Elvis Presley and is now an iconic museum.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame. People from across the world come to California's Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the 2,600 embedded stars spanning 15 blocks, giving tribute to legends of the entertainment industry.
- Joshua Tree National Park. The inspiration behind U2's fifth studio album, the Joshua Tree National Park is home to the Colorado Desert as well as parts of the San Bernardino Mountains, making it the ideal spot for hiking, mountain biking, camping and photography.
- Pike Place Market. Situated in the heart of Seattle, the Pike Place Market is the holy grail of farmers markets. As the oldest in America, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. From the original Starbucks to tangles of stalls selling everything from comics to fresh produce- the market is the epitome of community spirit.