Many of our RV Lifestyle Fellow Travelers are no doubt making plans for the new year, mapping out exciting trips to see new things and rack up unique experiences.
However, with so many great options out there, plotting out a plan can get overwhelming pretty fast.
Fortunately, there are plenty of lists to help, including the top 10 U.S. tourist attractions as compiled by TripAdvisor.com and published in a story in USA Today.
The list is based on a review of tour and activity bookings at various attractions during 2019.
And while they are in largely populous areas, the tourist attractions are on their way to or from many RV destinations, making them worth a stop, when possible.
Here is the list of the top 10 US tourist attractions:
1. The Statue of Liberty
Originally a gift of friendship from France in the 1880s, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic representation of democracy.
Visit the statue with the purchase of a Statue Cruises ticket, which includes admission to the new Statue of Liberty Museum that opened in May.
It's worth noting TripAdvisor recommends purchasing tickets for a “Small-Group Early-Access Statue of Liberty Tour and Ellis Island.”
2. French Quarter
New Orleans is known for many things, including Mardi Gras (see our video from Mardi Gras below) and its French Quarter is TripAdvisor's No. 2 two most popular U.S. destinations.
Full of nightlife, good eats, and history to boot, the French Quarter has it all.
Among other things, TripAdvisor suggests a small group walking tour that ends at Café du Monde, famous for its beignets.
3. Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower
It's nothing short of an opportunity to see a major city from 103 stories up. It's Willis Tower in Chicago, where tourists can set foot onto ledges that allow them to look down 1,353 feet over the Chicago River and Wacker Drive.
TripAdvisor says that visitors can take a visit to Willis Tower a step further by booking a “Willis Tower Skydeck Dinner,” which allows guests exclusive access to the Skydeck after it closes to the public along with a deep-dish pizza dinner.
4. Golden Gate Bridge
We've told you that June is perfect for a visit to San Francisco, so maybe that's when you check out this attraction: the Golden Gate Bridge.
To visit the 4,200-foot-long bridge, TripAdvisor recommends booking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to 20 of the city's most popular sites. Another cool view can be found from a sunset catamaran cruise through San Francisco Bay.
Several spots within relatively short driving distances from San Francisco have been featured by RVLifestyle, including Vista Point at Golden Gate Bridge and Navarro Beach Campground.
5. The White House
Only one attraction from our nation's capital made it onto TripAdvisor's top 10 list for 2019: the White House.
TripAdvisor recommends two Washington, D.C., tours to see the outside of the president's home and office: one during the day and one at night (the “Moonlight Electric Cart Tour”).
Tours of the White House are a possibility, but you have to submit requests to their member of Congress, according to the National Park Service.
6. Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam, located near Boulder City and previously known as “Boulder Dam,” is a must-see for those traveling to or through Nevada, according to TripAdvisor.
But the travel site recommends seeing it from the sky via the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, which also features views of Lake Mead.
For land lovers, TripAdvisor also recommends the “Hoover Damn Mini Tour.”
7. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Another popular New York destination is the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
According to the destination's website, “The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. Honoring those who were killed in the 2001 and 1993 attacks is at the heart of our mission.”
With a ticket, TripAdvisor says that visitors can take a self-guided tour of the museum, which exhibits the history of 9/11, and honors and remembers the 2,983 people who were killed as well as those who tried to help.
8. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Next up on the New York destination list is the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, according to TripAdvisor.
The Intrepid, a National Historic Landmark, served as an aircraft carrier. Check out the museum, where guests can learn about its history, its service and the science surrounding it by viewing original artifacts and more.
TripAdvisor suggests a guided tour of the museum.
9. Hollywood Walk of Fame
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't know Los Angeles is home to the walkway where stars gain immortality with a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
TripAdvisor suggests seeing the Walk of Fame via a 7.5-hour tour around the city, led by L.A. locals. Those looking for something a little more luxurious might want to consider a “City and Celebrity Homes Tour” that stops at the Walk.
10. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, which recently went through a $165 million renovation, rounds out TripAdvisor's top 10 list.
Visiting has truly become an experience. Visitors make their way up through the building, learning about its place in the city, its history, and its cultural impact through exhibits.
TripAdvisor suggests purchasing a “Day and Night” ticket to see the city from the 86th floor at varying times for one price.
What do you think? Where have you visited that needs to be added to this list? Please add it below in the comments. And thanks for joining me on the short trip, via the blog, exploring the top 10 US tourist attractions.
One Response to “Top 10 US Tourist Attractions”
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December 30, 2019at5:41 pm, Beth Gorton said:
the White House pales in comparison for richness of experience to the Smithsonian, and all it has to offer – no one person will want to see all of it, but I’ve never met someone who wasn’t interested in something there! My personal favorites: National Museum of the American Indian, Air and Space, Hirschorn – all conveniently lined up!