10 Most Visited Cities in the United States (2023)

Vacation is the highlight of the year for many people, and millions travel to places far from their homes. However, choosing a destination can be challenging, and it can be helpful to learn about what other people are doing to get a few ideas. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading as we list the most visited cities in the United States and discuss what people go there to see.

The 10 Most Visited Cities in the US

1. New York City

New York City is one of the most visited cities in the United States, and more than 50 million people visit from outside the state each year. It’s the home of Wall Street and has many other attractions, including the Empire State Building, 911 Memorial and Museum, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

2. Miami

Miami, Florida, is the second most visited location by foreigners, with more than 5 million visitors each year, and it’s also hugely popular with Americans. Miami Beach is one of the top attractions, but South Beach is also a must-see. Other popular destinations include the Art Deco Historic District, where you will find many colorful buildings, and the Dolphin Mall, which is quite large.

3. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is another popular destination for Americans and foreigners, with more than 4 million visitors yearly. Anyone looking to get into acting will visit the city, and it’s also a popular destination for musicians. Popular attractions include the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the Sunset Strip.

4. Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is the world’s theme park capital, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited cities in the United States, with more than 4 million foreign visitors each year. You can visit Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and the Kennedy Space Center all in the same city.

5. San Francisco

San Francisco is a city in California with plenty of history, and many people can keep busy just by walking the streets and sightseeing. Other popular attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39. It’s a great location to go sailing, with many tours available. Many hiking and biking trails will help you take in the sights without breaking the budget. More than 3 million foreigners visit the city each year, as well as many Americans.

6. Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, making it a popular tourist destination that almost 3 million foreigners visit yearly. Almost as many Americans also visit, as popular destinations include all the gambling casinos, Red Rock, Hoover Dam, and many ghost towns.

7. Honolulu

Honolulu is an amazing island destination with stunning beaches and warm blue water. It’s also the location of Pearl Harbor, and you can learn about it at the memorial museum. It’s a popular vacation destination, with more than 2.5 million people visiting the Hawaiian island each year.

8. District of Columbia

Washington, D.C., or the District of Columbia, is a great tourist destination for Americans and foreigners, and almost 2 million non-citizens visit each year. It has many attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Capitol Building. Many people also enjoy the annual cherry blossom festival here.

9. Boston

Boston is an old city with plenty to do and see. Fenway Park is one of the biggest attractions, as it’s home to the Boston Red Sox. The field has hosted many great players, including Jackie Robinson, and its unique shape helps it stand apart from other stadiums. You can also learn about the early days of America when visiting the city. There are plenty of gardens to view and trails to follow. It’s also a good spot for boating and walking along the coastline.

10. Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, is a popular city that many people visit from around the world, with almost 1.5 million foreign visitors yearly. They go here for the sporting events and the great food, especially the pizza, but there are plenty of other attractions, like the Willis Tower, Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

What are the most dangerous cities in the United States?

If you are looking for cities to avoid while you vacation, a few of the most dangerous include Alexander City, Alabama; West Memphis, Arkansas; Detroit, Michigan; St Louis, Missouri; Baltimore, Maryland; Memphis, Tennessee; and Opa-locka, Florida. Each of these cities has a high crime rate, so it’s best to choose another location if possible.

What are the most beautiful cities in the United States?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but many people put Chicago on lists of beautiful cities because of its amazing cityscape and tall buildings that provide a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. Honolulu, Hawaii; Telluride Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Portland, Maine; and Seattle, Washington are also frequently on lists of the most beautiful cities.

What are underrated cities that I should visit in the United States?

While all the options on this list offer plenty to do, there are many cities worth visiting that don’t get much attention. Salem, Massachusetts, is one of them. It was the site of the Salem Witch Trials, and you can learn all about this era of history by visiting the city. There are also many attractions, museums, and stores to shop at, making for a fun experience, especially during Halloween. Other great places to visit include Santa Fe, New Mexico; St. Augustine, Florida; Bowling Green, Kentucky; and Flagstaff, Arizona.

Conclusion

There are many great cities to visit in America, with New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles topping the popularity list. New York City is likely the best to visit during the winter holiday season because it has many decorations, a huge Christmas tree, an ice-skating ring, horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show on Broadway. Many of the other cities, like Miami, Orlando, Honolulu, and Los Angeles are best in the summer, when you can enjoy the warm weather and beaches.

Featured Image Credit: Leonhard_Niederwimmer, Pixabay