America has long been a favored destination for millions of tourists across the world. And it’s not all about the vast natural landscapes with stunning mountain ranges, lakes, and sprawling national parks. Urban tourism has been just as popular in the U.S., attracting visitors to large-scale cities with a range of cultural activities, entertainment options, culinary experiences, vibrant festivals, iconic landmarks, year-round shopping, and more.
The fact is, the U.S. has something for everyone, no matter their age. It is little wonder that its travel market remains one of the most powerful in the world, bringing in $2.36 trillion annually to the country’s economy.
But which cities attract the most visitors? According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, these cities top the charts.
1. New York
In 2023, New York welcomed 8.89 million tourists. That’s more than one-fourth of the total visitors to the U.S. during the year! Although the city’s market share has dropped slightly YoY (by around 0.9%), visitor numbers have grown by a large margin—nearly 30% compared to the previous year.
New York’s got everything you could possibly want for that perfect urban vacation. So it is hardly a surprise that so many travelers choose it as their number one destination.
From the Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial & Museum to the Grand Central Terminal and Empire State Building, the Big Apple has plenty of monumental landmarks for tourists to explore.
Then, there are the much-loved NY experiences first-time travelers don’t want to miss—like catching a Broadway show, walking down the Brooklyn Bridge, picnicking in Central Park, or admiring the exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History.
Whether you visit in summer or winter, New York is one city that will not disappoint you!
2. Miami
With 4.36 million visitors, Miami is the second most popular U.S. destination for travelers. It currently holds 13.9% of the total travel market (a 3.2% drop from the previous year), showing a YoY growth in footfall by 279,000 people.
Miami’s urban metropolis is a haven for anyone looking for a tropical getaway without skipping the skyline (incidentally, it has more than 300 high rises and claims the third-largest skyline in America).
This city will treat you to sunny, warm weather, even during winter. Its coastline is simply breathtaking and is perfect for sunbathing and all sorts of water recreation—from snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing to jet skiing and speed boating. Miami’s cultural diversity is another important highlight that has made the city a hotspot for culinary adventures, historic landmarks, exciting festivals, neighborhood tours, and a nightlife like no other.
If you are visiting with family, there are enough things to keep kids occupied, too. The Everglades National Park, Coral Castle Museum, Bayside Marketplace, and Tidal Cove Water Park are some of the favorites among family vacationers.
3. Los Angeles
A whopping 3.6 million visitors flocked into Los Angeles in 2023. That’s 11.5% of the total travelers to America. The city has marked one of the biggest YoY jumps in footfall, with an increase of 853,000 tourists from the previous year. It has also managed to protect its market share, clinching the third spot among the most visited U.S. cities.
Los Angeles is known for its highly diverse culture. But what it’s famous for worldwide is its leading role as an entertainment capital.
L.A. has been synonymous with Hollywood since the rise of the American film and television industry. So, the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame are on the top of the must-see lists of any visitor to the city.
But Los Angeles has got a lot more to offer than the glitz and glamor of American cinema. The Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, LA Fashion District, Getty Center, and the like also attract millions of tourists each year.
4. Orlando
Closely behind Los Angeles in the ranking of the most-visited places is another Florida city—Orlando. It attracts nearly 3.52 million people per year, which translates to around 11.2% of the total market.
But what makes Orlando a preferred travel hub? After all, it is a landlocked city in Florida with no beaches. Well, Orlando compensates for this with some amazing attractions for an unforgettable vacation.
This city is home to 32 theme parks, including Walt Disney World and LEGOLAND, earning it the title “the theme park capital of the world”. Lake Eola Park, Gatorland, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and The Orlando Eye are also popular among kids and adults alike.
If you want to check out the nightlife, International Drive and CityWalk Orlando are the places to be. They are great for indulging in Orlando’s food culture, too.
And the city’s central location in Florida makes other tourist hotspots, like beaches, easily accessible within a short drive.
5. San Francisco
With just over 2.28 million visitors, San Francisco is the fifth-most visited city in America. It has secured 7.3% of the total footfall and shows a healthy half-a-million growth in total visitor numbers YoY.
San Francisco has got numerous attractions that appeal to tourists, making it one of the most desirable destinations year-round.
If you are visiting the city for the first time, taking a selfie on the Golden Gate Bridge, going on a guided tour of Alcatraz Island, taking a cable car ride over the hilly terrain, strolling down Lombard Street, and wine tasting at a Napa winery are some of the things to plan.
Don’t forget to include Fisherman’s Wharf in your itinerary. It’s a well-known destination among tourists for a range of activities, like watching sea lions at Pier 39, exploring marine life at the Aquarium of the Bay, buying souvenirs, and enjoying street performances.
To Conclude
Tourism has long been a major industry in the U.S., generating trillions of dollars for the economy each year. New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Francisco dominate this space as the top favorite destinations for travelers. Together, these five cities have welcomed over 22.65 million visitors in 2023 (72.2% of the total numbers)—an impressive feat by any measure.
They provide diverse experiences to suit every person, regardless of age and preferences. The sunny beaches, delightful cuisine, awe-inspiring monuments, theme parks, entertainment venues, and vibrant events that these cities host promise a truly memorable vacation, whichever season you choose to visit.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
