There are many awe-inspiring wonders and incredible attractions across the United States, from lesser-known national parks with crystal clear lakes and epic sunsets that are postcard-worthy to urban metropolises with world-renowned museums and historical landmarks.
Each state has a most-visited hotspot that deserves to be on every explorer’s bucket list, and I have compiled the perfect list for those interested in soothing their case of wanderlust.
1. Alabama: U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Suit up for a mission and tour Huntsville, Alabama’s US Space and Rocket Center! Since its inception in 1970, this Alabama hotspot has welcomed over 17 million visitors, making it the state’s most visited attraction. With no shortage of things to do, like the G-Force Accelerator and Cocktails and Cosmos, guests of all ages will indeed have a blast.
The US Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) inspires young astronauts and scientists yearly with its popular Space Camp Program, including the Aviation Challenge Camp and Robotics Camp. It boasts the largest spaceflight museum in the world and the largest collection of rocket and space hardware, valued at over 10 million dollars. Many graduates of this program have even gone on to work for NASA and the ESA (European Space Agency).
2. Alaska: Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is one of Alaska’s most beautiful havens for wildlife and outdoor lovers, providing solitude and tranquility. With its sprawling six million acres, this national park is home to America’s highest and most dangerous mountain peak, placing third highest in the ranking of the Seven Summits across the continents.
More than 600,000 visitors annually experience exceptional hiking, rock climbing, camping, and fishing. And if your budget allows it, guided flight tours are also available to take in the park’s majesty from the sky. To gain entrance, all guests must have a pass, starting at $15 for a standard entrance and up to $45 for an annual park entrance pass.
3. Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona has many beautiful places to visit, but none quite so wondrous as the Grand Canyon. Receiving close to five million annual visitors makes it the state’s most popular tourist attraction. A fun fact about the visitors is that the Spaniards were the first Europeans to experience the Grand Canyon 473 years ago.
Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this national park offers excellent hiking, camping, and breathtaking views. Visitors can experience several activities like touring the Grand Canyon Village, exploring the Desert View Watchtower, or hiking the Rim Trail. With 217 miles, there is plenty of ground to explore with an entry pass of $20 per person or $35 for a private vehicle holding up to 15 people.
4. Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park
Just an hour’s drive southwest of the state capital, Hot Springs National Park has been the most visited Arkansas destination since the early 1900s due to the claim of its healing thermal waters that would miraculously cure whatever ails you. Roughly two million people visit this Ozark oasis a year, basking in the Buckstaff Bathhouse, which has been in operation since 1912, taking day hikes in the Ouachita Mountains, and enjoying healthy meals.
The national park is free to enter, so if you’re looking for vacations within a specific budget, add Hot Springs to your bucket list and enjoy the 47 natural springs that date back nearly four thousand years.
5. California: Alcatraz Island
The Golden Gate National Park, which includes Alcatraz Island, welcomes approximately 1.5 million visitors a year, making it California’s most visited tour attraction. Visitors come from all over the world to explore the now shut-down prison that once jailed famous inmates like Al Capone and George Barnes, aka Machine Gun Kelly.
With the tour packages offered, visitors can experience the night tour, discover the cell house, or explore the island behind the scenes. Ferry and tour passes start at $45 and go up to $100 per person, depending on the selected tour.
6. Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park
Throw me in the ranks of the 4.5 million people who visit Rocky Mountain National Park annually. As a child, my family often trekked from Texas out west through Colorado, and we always stopped at this national park to experience the absolute beauty and wonder it beholds.
Offering some of the most incredible views, superb hiking, and excellent rock climbing, there is no shortage of activities guests of this most visited national park can experience. One of my favorite memories is taking in the gorgeous sunset overlooking Bear Lake after completing a half-mile gentle hike.
7. Connecticut: Mystic Seaport Museum
Maritime lovers unite! Located in what some would call the prettiest coastal town in Connecticut, the Mystic Seaport Museum receives roughly a quarter million visitors a year. Founded in 1939, the museum’s main attractions include a recreated traditional New England coastal village.
After visiting the village, don’t forget to explore the Wendell Gallery, which showcases the breadth of the museum’s carving collections, including ship figureheads and 19th-century ship carvings. Mystic Seaport Museum houses more than 500 historic watercraft, including America’s oldest existing whaleship, dubbed the Charles W. Morgan, dating back to 1841.
8. Delaware: Rehoboth Beach and Boardwalk
Delaware’s population is just over one million people, but Rehoboth Beach and Boardwalk hosted up to 10 million visitors a year pre-pandemic. During the summer months, the neighboring resort town and Rehoboth Beach and mile-long Boardwalk draw crowds from all over to enjoy tax-free shopping, fresh seafood, lively bars, and carnival rides at Funland.
The boardwalk, built in 1873 and one of the oldest in the country, is no longer a one-season destination. The city hosts a myriad of events, such as festivals and fitness competitions, all year round.
9. Florida: Walt Disney World
Naturally, Florida’s number one tourist attraction is Walt Disney World. The world-renowned “happiest place on earth” sees an average of 58 million visitors annually to its four world-class theme parks and two unforgettable water parks.
When the park gates first opened in 1971, the entry fee was only $3.50 per person. Although the entry price is much more substantial these days, that doesn’t stop visitors from all over the world from going to Orlando to get a picture with their favorite Disney characters, ride incredible park rollercoasters, and relive their childhoods with or without their own children.
10. Georgia: Georgia Aquarium
The number one tourist attraction in Georgia is the Atlanta-based Aquarium, which attracts nearly 3 million guests a year. The aquarium is home to 100,000 sea creatures in tanks holding over 11 million gallons of water, and experts and volunteers educate visitors about the importance of conservation and protecting our ocean’s marine life.
Within the same area as the aquarium, tourists to Atlanta’s Centennial Park District can also check out other family-friendly attractions, such as The World of Coca-Cola and the College Football Hall of Fame.
11. Hawaii: Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, HI, are dedicated to the individuals who tragically lost their lives when Japanese forces attacked the island on December 7, 1941. The memorial is built on top of the sunken ships’ remains and attracts nearly two million worldwide visitors who come to pay their respects.
It is operated by the National Parks Service and offers audio tours in seven different languages. Because it is the most visited attraction in Hawaii, guests are highly encouraged to reserve their spot beforehand, or they risk not being able to enter due to capacity issues.
12. Idaho: Shoshone Falls
Coined the “Niagra of the West,” Shoshone Falls receives more than 1.5 million tourists annually, making it the most visited destination in Idaho. Named after the Indigenous people who call that part of the US home, the falls are located on the Snake River as it carves its way through a basalt canyon to the Columbia River.
Shoshone Falls is one of the highest natural waterfalls in the United States, surpassing Niagra Falls by 45 feet. Since the early 1900s, citizens have called for the location to be made a national park, but Congress has never approved the proposal. The vehicle fee for the park is $5.00 per car.
13. Illinois: Millennium Park
Attracting an estimated 25 million tourists annually and home to the Cloud Gate sculpture, also lovingly known as “The Bean,” Chicago’s Millennium Park is the most visited attraction in Illinois. The city’s most iconic structure reflects the people strolling about the park, the lights of Michigan Avenue, and the surrounding skyline. It has also been the backdrop of many marriage proposals.
If you’re planning to visit Chicago in the near future, beware that the plaza surrounding the sculpture is currently undergoing renovations to enhance the visitor experience and will not open to the public until later this spring.
14. Indiana: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Home to the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway draws big crowds even when it’s not race day. The track brings in about 800,000 NASCAR and speed fanatics, while the adjoining museum welcomes an average of 140,000 visitors a year. Visitors can also check out the Speedway Hall of Fame if they aren’t there to catch a race.
This past October, the Indiana University Public Policy Institute shared a comprehensive analysis of how the speedway brings in about 1 billion dollars annually, generated by events and operations, to boost Indiana’s economy. So one can easily say they’re off to the races, or is it gentlemen, start your engine?
15. Iowa: Field of Dreams Movie Site
I don’t know about you, but Field of Dreams was one of my favorite movies as a child. Knowing that the movie site is Iowa’s number one tourist attraction warms my Gen X heart. The baseball field and farmhouse depicted in the film are located on the Lansing Family Farm and attract approximately 100,000 visitors annually.
During the summer, the site hosts “Ghost Saturdays,” where the ghost players entertain guests from around the world with their diamond shenanigans and family-friendly messages, all at no cost. Remember, folks, if you build it, they will come.
16. Kansas: Sedgwick County Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, welcomes roughly 600,000 visitors to its grounds yearly. With 3,000 animals representing 400 different species, this award-winning wildlife park is fun for all ages. In addition to the animal exhibits, guests can also feed the giraffes and take a boat ride to check out sleeping gorillas and mighty elephants.
Zoo officials highly recommend purchasing your tickets beforehand online at a discounted rate, starting at $18. If you’re a frequent visitor, memberships can be purchased at $180 a year per family.
17. Kentucky: Churchill Downs
America has a long history of horse racing dating back to 1665, and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs played a significant role in that history. With the first swing of the gates of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in 1875, this famous landmark welcomes up to 150,000 spectators, donning their best hats, of course, on race day. In addition to the Derby, Churchill hosts 70 horse races yearly.
Additionally, horse enthusiasts can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn more about the majestic Thoroughbreds and the race, or they can pop into one of the many Louisville bars to sip some of the best bourbons the Bluegrass state offers.
18. Louisiana: French Quarter
One of the oldest residential communities in the United States, New Orleans’s French Quarter welcomes about 15 million tourists annually. Visitors from all over the world flock to the Big Easy to enjoy delicious Southern and Cajun cuisine, absorb the sounds of jazz that flood the streets and hopefully catch a glimpse of a ghost or two on one of the city’s Haunted Tours.
The streets of the French Quarter are lined with colorful historic homes sporting cast-iron balconies where tens of thousands of people will line up to watch the wildly decorated Mardis Gras floats roll by. The grand St. Louis Cathedral and the iconic beignet shop Cafe du Monde, which serves nearly 30,000 delectable treats daily, are must-visit stops while exploring the city.
19. Maine: Acadia National Park
Considered the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” Acadia National Park welcomes more than 4 million visitors a year to its 47,000 acres of beautiful grounds. Guests can check out Cadillac Mountain, which just so happens to be the highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard or challenge themselves to a hike on the Precipice Trail.
The Maine National Park has a variety of wildlife to be spotted, but the most notable is the Peregrine Falcon. Spring is their nesting season, so the park often closes specific trails and campgrounds to ensure the safety of these once-endangered birds of prey. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly and expect to pay an entrance fee of $20 per person or $35 per vehicle.
20. Maryland: National Aquarium
Welcoming 1 million visitors a year, Baltimore’s National Aquarium is the most visited attraction in Maryland. The aquarium opened its doors in 1981 and has been delighting marine life lovers ever since. Guests stop by to check out dolphins, penguins, sharks, and so much more.
Additionally, the aquarium offers visitors several different tours and learning opportunities, such as an Animal Care and Rescue tour, shark dives, and even aquarium sleepovers. Youth and senior citizen tickets start at $39.95, and regular adult tickets are $49.95. Memberships are also available.
21. Massachusetts: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
This historic Boston landmark originally served as a meeting place during the American Revolution, but it is now home to 40 push-cart and name-brand shops and various eateries. Guests can enjoy diverse types of cuisine at the restaurants in the Quincy Market Colonnade, supposedly the first food hall in the United States, according to their website.
It also hosts world-renowned musicians and street performers. About 20 million tourists pass through the Faneuil Hall Marketplace halls yearly, making it Massachusetts’s top attraction. Located in downtown Boston, steps from the waterfront, the marketplace was built in 1742 by one of the city’s wealthiest merchants, Peter Faneuil, who gifted the hall to the city.
22. Michigan: Mackinac Island
One of the most visited destinations in the Midwest, Michigan’s Mackinac Island welcomes 1 million visitors annually. With numerous inns and bed and breakfasts, tourists have no shortage of places to stay at night.
Island officials recommend that visitors rent bicycles to explore the idyllic island and its two historical parks, Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island State Park. This charming location, nestled in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower peninsulas, offers multiple attractions and museums and even provides a guided tour of Mackinac’s haunted places.
23. Minnesota: Mall of America
More than just a shopping mall, Minnesota’s Mall of America in Bloomington offers a wide assortment of activities for its 40 million visitors a year, giving new meaning to “shop til you drop!” Attractions such as the Crayola Experience, where kids can name and wrap their own crayon, star in a coloring page, and bring their art to life, are just some of the fantastic options offered in the massive complex.
It’s not just for kids, either. Adults can participate in the Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course or experience the Flyover America amusement park, which features flight stimulation over scenic landscapes. But wait, there’s even more! The Mall of America is also home to Nickelodeon Universe- the nation’s largest indoor amusement park.
24. Mississippi: Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg National Military Park is Mississippi’s number one attraction. Roughly 400,000 people walk the grounds of the famous Civil War battle annually to pay their respects and learn more about this pivotal piece of combat history. The park has become such a popular tourist destination that the Mississippi Legislature appropriated millions of dollars to upgrade this cultural site.
The park contributes $36.5 million to the local economy, and reports indicate that visitor spending supports 403 jobs in nearby communities, making it not just a site of historical significance but of continued prosperity for Mississippi.
25. Missouri: Gateway Arch
St. Louis’s Gateway Arch, nicknamed the “Gateway to the West,” is the tallest and most iconic landmark in the United States. At 630 feet tall, this human-made monument welcomes approximately 1.6 million tourists annually.
Visitors can take the tram to the top to experience breathtaking views and overlook the city and far beyond the horizon. After soaring to new heights, they can visit the free-to-public Museum at the Arch and learn about Native Americans, early westward explorers, and pioneers who made the harrowing trek across the plains.
26. Montana: Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana might be one of my favorite places in the United States, and I’m not alone in this belief. Every year, three million people visit the picture-perfect national park, basking in its rugged mountain landscapes and natural beauty. Over 700 trails are available to amateur and experienced hikers, most passing through wildflower-dotted meadows and along crystal-clear lakes.
I highly recommend taking the Going to the Sun drive, one of America’s most scenic drives. Before entering the park, an admission fee of $20 per person or $35 per vehicle is required.
27. Nebraska: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium entertains 1 million visitors annually, making it Nebraska’s top attraction. Visitors to this beloved destination can explore and experience a variety of animal and wildlife exhibits, such as a butterfly and insect pavilion, an orangutan and gorilla forest, a sea lion center, and, of course, the notable desert dome on the grounds.
With 15 certified teachers and informal science educators on staff, 60 part-time staff, and 450 adult and youth volunteers, Henry Doorly provides exemplary education on wildlife conservation through its on-site programs and camps.
28. Nevada: Las Vegas Strip
“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” or at least I’ve been told. So how do almost 40 million people who visit the strip annually keep all those secrets? With a plethora of casinos, excellent shopping, copious musical performances, Cirque du Soleil shows, and other events, there is no limit to the fun visitors can experience.
NASA has reported that the Las Vegas strip is the brightest spot on Earth due to the dense concentration of light from the hotels and casinos. The Sphere, no doubt, is also contributing to that brightness, hosting musical greats like Irish rock band U2, who have been performing iconic shows that light up the desert city’s horizon as far as the eye can see.
29. New Hampshire: Kancamagus Highway
Autumn leaf-peepers from all over come to New Hampshire to drive the scenic 34.5 miles of the Kancamgus Highway during the fall months. The state calculates that approximately 750,000 cars cruise along the gold, red, and orange-canopied road through the White Mountain National Forest yearly.
Popular stops along the way include the Hancock, Sugar Hill, and Pemi overlooks, where nature enthusiasts can take in the awe-inspiring views of the recognized National Scenic Byway that offers travelers natural beauty.
30. New Jersey: Atlantic City and Boardwalk
Considered the Las Vegas of the Eastern Seaboard, Atlantic City is home to multiple casinos, resorts, and beaches and attracts about 30 million visitors per year. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States and definitely the most popular in New Jersey.
Built in 1870, the country’s first boardwalk was created to prevent sand from being tracked into hotel lobbies. Originally just a mile long, it now extends 4.2 miles along the Atlantic City shoreline. Although it is free to stroll the old pine planks, be sure to have some extra cash on hand to purchase some of the famous saltwater taffy sold up and down the walk.
31. New Mexico: Santa Fe Plaza
Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, was settled by the Spanish conquistador Don Pedro de Peralta in 1610 and has continued to be a cultural destination since. It is filled with a rich history, stunning architecture, and eclectic shops. The city’s downtown plaza attracts nearly 1.5 million tourists who come to explore the nation’s oldest church, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and multiple art galleries.
Be sure to check out the New Mexico Museum of Art, which opened in 1917. It is the state’s first building dedicated solely to art. Guests can marvel at the Pueblo-Revival style and wander the many curated exhibitions.
32. New York: Times Square
Right at a major commercial intersection and a neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, the most populated US city, sits the bustling and very noisy Times Square. This popular spot attracts 50 million tourists annually, with an average of 450,000 people passing through daily.
Known for its extra-tall skyscrapers and enormous jumbo-sized screens displaying advertisements with everything from jewelry to luxury vehicles, this tourism hotspot will leave you buzzing with energy. It was originally named Longacre Square but received its new name only after the New York Times moved into 1 Times Square at 1475 Broadway.
33. North Carolina: Great Smoky Mountain National Park
There are some stunning historical locations in the Tar Heel state. From the Biltmore in Asheville to the wild mustangs running free on the Outer Banks, none attracts more visitors than the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Since 2012, the park has averaged about 11.5 million visits every year, making it the number one attraction in the state.
Tourists can take a long scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, camping along the way, or participate in a self-guided Appalachian Mural Trail exhibit that features over 60 murals in the state and leads into Virginia.
34. North Dakota: Teddy Roosevelt National Park
Teddy Roosevelt National Park is the most visited attraction in North Dakota, receiving nearly 600,000 yearly visitors. The Badlands Overlook offers a panoramic view of the rolling and broken scenery in the national park below, where wildlife lovers can spot elk or bison grazing and wandering through the buttes.
Visitors can enjoy horseback riding in the backcountry, snowshoeing in the winter months, or try their luck at cross-country skiing, but don’t forget that it is illegal to remove any natural resource from the park; you must leave every flower, stone, or any other object where you found it for future guests to enjoy. A standard entrance pass per person costs $15, while vehicle passes cost $30. Both are valid for seven days.
35. Ohio: Cedar Point Amusement Park
Opened in 1870 and selling tickets to approximately 3.2 million visitors annually, Cedar Point Amusement Park is Ohio’s premier state attraction. It is ranked North America’s 15th most popular amusement park and the second-oldest theme park.
With 70 rollercoasters for thrill-seekers to ride, this Sandusky hotspot has been making people scream with exhilaration for 155 years. More recently, the park owner, Cedar Fair, has invested in its resorts, hotels, and food and beverage programs. The current price for a day ticket at the park is $49.99 when purchased online.
36. Oklahoma: Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
The OKC National Memorial and Museum were built to honor the 168 individuals who lost their lives that fateful April day, and 350,000 people come annually to pay their respects and learn more about the history of Oklahoma and the tragic events that occurred.
Throughout the many experiences and exhibits the museum offers, visitors learn about the lost souls and the people who rushed to help that day and in the following weeks. They hear stories about the first responders from across the states digging through the wreckage and rescuing survivors. This somber destination might not be for everyone, but it is an essential piece of American history.
37. Oregon: Multnomah Falls
More than 2 million nature lovers “do go chasing” waterfalls when visiting Oregon’s 620-foot Multnomah Falls each year, making it the most visited natural recreational site in the Pacific Northwest. Upon trekking the gentle hike to the location, which is also pet-friendly, visitors can get up close and personal with the falls on the Benson Bridge.
Before starting the trek upward, visitors can pop into the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, speak with one of the many knowledgeable volunteer staff or US Forest Service members, and gather simple trail maps and brochures in several languages. The visitor center also offers a snack bar, clean restrooms, and a gift shop.
38. Pennsylvania: Independence National Historical Park
The City of Brotherly Love sees roughly 5 million tourists walk through the doors of Independence Hall each year. Located in Philadelphia’s National Historical Park, guests stroll the halls where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated, adopted, and signed.
Visitors can also tour the Christ Church Burial Ground within the park grounds, where Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were laid to rest, and see the Liberty Bell. Although the park is free to enter, officials recommend booking your tour of Independence Hall in advance.
39. Rhode Island: The Breakers
There are multiple exquisite mansions along Rhode Island’s coast, but none quite as opulent and grand as The Breakers. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895, Rhode Island’s most visited attraction receives 450,000 tourists annually. The Preservation Society of Rhode Island has retained ownership of the iconic home since 1972.
Visitors can tour this gilded-age national historic landmark and its grounds on most days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with tickets starting at $10 for children and $20 for adults. Group and audio tours are also available.
40. South Carolina: Charleston Historic District
There are many favorite locations in South Carolina to visit, from Broadway at the Beach along the coastline to the Charleston City Market. However, nothing is as charming or well-visited as Charleston’s Historic District. Approximately 7 million tourists a year enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides along the city’s cobblestone roads.
Founded in 1670, Charleston is South Carolina’s oldest and largest city. It boasts grand antebellum architecture and multiple Civil War sites where visitors can join haunted ghost tours.
41. South Dakota: Mount Rushmore National Monument
Naturally, South Dakota’s top-visited attraction is Mount Rushmore, with more than 2 million people visiting it yearly. The monument, featuring the likeness of presidents Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Theodore Roosevelt, was started in 1927 and remains unfinished to this day. However, this does not stop visitors from taking in its substantial size and wonder in the Black Hills near Keystone, SD.
When planning your visit, consider going during May, September, or October, as they are less busy than June, July, and August. To avoid even more crowds, officials say visiting before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. is ideal. No passes or fees are required to enter the park.
42. Tennessee: Dollywood
Dolly Parton is a national treasure, and you will never convince me otherwise! This country-western legend is a whirlwind of delight, from her humanitarian work and literacy programs to her timeless music and captivating style. The singer-songwriter opened Dollywood in 1986, and it receives approximately 3 million tourists annually.
The amusement park has multiple attractions, including several kid-friendly rollercoasters and the Rockin’ Roadway, where visitors can drive a mini version of a Cadillac, Corvette, or Thunderbird. Tourists can also explore a replica of Dolly’s Tennessee childhood home.
43. Texas: The San Antonio Riverwalk
The San Antonio Riverwalk welcomes 11.5 million tourists each year, making it the number 1 most-visited spot in the Lone Star State. Situated in the city’s heart, visitors can explore the artificial river from the banks or by boat. I can personally attest that it is beautiful at Christmas when it is lit up and festively decorated.
Just a quick two-minute walk from the Riverwalk is another significant Texas tourist attraction. The Alamo, welcoming 1.6 million visitors annually, offers self-guided tours starting at $18 for children (12 and under) and $20 for adults.
44. Utah: Zion National Park
Every year, more than 5 million outdoor enthusiasts visit Zion National Park in southwestern Utah. This national treasure is one of the most beautiful locations in the United States and has countless sights and wildlife to explore and behold. Most notable is Angel’s Landing, aptly named by Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher, who allegedly stated, “Only an angel can land here” after his 1916 visit to the park.
Zion offers camping, stargazing, and countless trails for both amateur and experienced hikers. Visitors should plan accordingly and double-check that certain passes, overlooks, and trails are open. Admission is $20 per person or $35 per vehicle.
45. Vermont: Church Street Marketplace
The Church Street Marketplace in Burlington welcomes 1.5 million visitors annually, making it Vermont’s top attraction. This four-block pedestrian square houses countless unique shops, restaurants, and other small businesses local to the city.
Although it has only existed since 1981, one would think that it has been around for ages, considering its popularity and the amount of foot traffic it receives. Burlington’s city center is always buzzing with activity, home to multiple events, such as Earth Day on the Marketplace in April and the Jazz Festival every June.
46. Virginia: Arlington National Cemetery
More than 3 million visitors come to Arlington National Cemetery to pay their respects to the ones laid to rest there, including former presidents John F. Kennedy and William H. Taft and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Arlington is an active cemetery, and officials ask that visitors always act appropriately by speaking quietly, showing respect, and leaving their pets at home. Tram tours are offered daily between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., leaving every 20 minutes. General Admission tickets start at $19.50 per person.
47. Washington: Pike’s Place
Watching fishermen throw fresh catches of the day in Pike’s Place is still one of my favorite things to witness as a tourist. It’s a silly good time and will put a smile on your face. With 10 million annual visitors to this Seattle main attraction, I’m sure others will agree with me.
Pike’s Place opened in 1907 and offers Seattle residents fresh seafood, delicious home-grown vegetables and fruits, and various artisanal goods and wares. Visitors can always participate in one of the market’s tours, such as the Tasting or Romance packages, or they can spend half a day exploring the market and surrounding area on their own.
48. West Virginia: Harper’s Ferry National Park
Nestled near the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet in West Virginia, Harper’s Ferry National Park welcomes more than 300,000 guests annually. Located on the lands that the Tuscarora and Shawnee people once called home, visitors can learn more about John Brown’s raid against slavery and explore miles of Blue Ridge trails and Civil War battlefields.
Standard entrance passes start at $10 per person or $20 per vehicle. Park officials recommend purchasing your pass online before coming to the park and having a plan beforehand. Parking at Harper’s Lower Town is limited, so visitors are asked to park at the main entrance and hike to their location.
49. Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dells
Often referred to as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” Wisconsin Dells is home to an impressive collection of indoor and outdoor water parks. The area is the number one attraction for families and visitors looking for a splash-filled adventure, and more than four million visitors visit every year.
It’s a popular summer destination with rides ranging from thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers. Mount Olympus Water and Theme Park is the most popular water park, attracting roughly 1.5 million annual visitors.
50. Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
When I was eight, my family went camping in Yellowstone National Park. One morning, I sleepily left the campground bathroom and came face to face with a huge bison. I calmly, yet scaredly, backed up, and the majestic beast casually strolled away. I often wonder how many of the national park’s 3 million annual visitors have stories like these to share.
Founded in 1872, the park is renowned for its geothermal features, especially the Old Faithful geyser. It is also a haven for wildlife, including bears, wolves, and bison (that may or may not still haunt my dreams). General admission fees to enter the park cost $20 per person and $35 per vehicle. These passes are valid for seven consecutive days.