We each have our preferred holiday spots – the locations we often daydream about and frequently include in our travel plans.
For those residing in the US, accessing many of the nation’s most popular cities is quite convenient due to the regular flights and various iconic American road trips. From the dynamic atmosphere of New York City to the glamour of Las Vegas, the charm of the United States lies in its diverse urban hubs, each boasting its own distinctive character and cultural appeal. Travelers flock to these cities to immerse themselves in city life, whether basking under the sun or surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
To discover the most frequented destinations, we analyzed data from the International Trade Administration on overseas visitors last year (2023 data is on the way) to pinpoint the most visited cities in America. Here are the top nine most popular cities in the US and the reasons behind their popularity, as Conde Nast Traveler put it together.
1. New York City Annual overseas visitation: 6.99 million
New York City, famously known as the city that never sleeps, is continually evolving. Recent years have witnessed the addition of new attractions such as The Edge, Summit One Vanderbilt, the Museum of Broadway, and the Gansevoort Peninsula, alongside the city’s iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. Even long-standing attractions have been revamped, with the American Museum of Natural History unveiling a new $465 million wing and Top of the Rock introducing The Beam experience. The city’s allure is further enhanced by new hotels like The Fifth Avenue Hotel, The Warren Street Hotel, and The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel. The beginning of the year is an ideal time to visit, with NYC Hotel Week, Broadway Week, and Restaurant Week offering discounts.
2. Miami Annual overseas visitation: 4.09 million
Miami’s allure goes beyond its famous beaches and lively nightlife. The Wynwood neighborhood, once a garment district, has evolved into a center for graffiti art and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore attractions like the Museum of Graffiti, Nader Art Museum Latin America, and Bakehouse Arts Complex, and savor dining experiences at establishments like Spanglish Craft Cocktail Bar + Kitchen and Zak the Baker. Miami is continuously growing with projects such as the 10-mile-long urban park The Underline and the city’s tallest building, the 1,049-foot-tall Waldorf Astoria Residences.
3. Orlando Annual overseas visitation: 2.92 million
Orlando remains a top choice for families throughout the year with its renowned theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Legoland Florida Resort. The upcoming Universal Epic Universe, scheduled to open in 2025, promises the addition of a Super Nintendo World. Orlando also offers nature-based activities like birdwatching at Gatorland Bird Rookery, kayaking with Epic Paddle Adventures, and zip-lining at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden. The eco-conscious Brightline rail service, linking Miami, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach, and the opening of Evermore Resort in January 2024, further enhance the city’s appeal.
4. Los Angeles Annual international visitation: 2.75 million
Los Angeles is constantly changing with trendy neighborhoods such as Silver Lake and West Hollywood, as well as revitalized areas like the Arts District in Downtown and Culver City. The city boasts a stunning 75 miles of coastline and is famous for its glamorous film and television industry. Visitors have the opportunity to tour iconic studios like Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Paramount, and Universal. New cultural attractions like Destination Crenshaw and expanded museums like the Natural History Museum and LACMA contribute to the city’s appeal. Unique boutique hotels like The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, The Hoxton, The Shay, and Alsace LA Hotel perfectly capture the essence of LA.
5. San Francisco Annual international visitation: 1.74 million
San Francisco offers a wide range of activities, from riding cable cars to exploring Chinatown and visiting Golden Gate Park and The Presidio Tunnel Tops. The city also features cultural gems like The Exploratorium and the Asian Art Museum. The hospitality scene in the city has been elevated with new hotels like The Jay, Hotel Julian, and SoMa House.
6. Las Vegas Annual international visitation: 1.66 million
Las Vegas is renowned for its lively entertainment offerings and continues to attract visitors with events like U2 concerts at The Sphere and the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The city is also gearing up to host the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII. Exciting new dining options from celebrity chefs like Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, The Bedford by Martha Stewart, and Ole Red by Blake Shelton have added to the culinary landscape. The new Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with its expansive 150,000-square-foot casino, has also contributed to the city’s hotel scene.
7. Washington, D.C. Annual international visitation: 1.17 million
Washington, D.C., offers a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions centered around The Mall, which includes landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, White House, Jefferson Memorial, and the Smithsonian museums. New additions like Planet Word and renovated spaces like the National Museum of Women in the Arts enhance the city’s historic core. The Wharf district has seen growth with new hotels like Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf and the Westin Washington, DC Downtown.
8. Chicago Annual international visitation: 1.06 million
Chicago combines impressive architecture, world-class museums, and a diverse dining scene. Visitors can explore Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and catch a game at Wrigley Field while indulging in deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. The city’s hospitality offerings have been enhanced with new hotels like the Neighborhood Hotel and The St. Regis Chicago.
9. Boston Annual international visitation: 738,000
Boston beckons visitors to explore its various trails like the Freedom Trail, Innovation Trail, and Walking City Trail. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the excitement of the Boston Marathon, dine at the elegant Contessa in The Newbury Boston, and take in waterfront views from the Boston Seaport. Comfortable accommodations are provided by new hotels like Raffles Boston and The Envoy Hotel.
These urban areas provide a variety of experiences that appeal to a broad spectrum of interests, making them popular choices for tourists worldwide.
