The United States of America comprises 50 states and an exciting number of diverse cities within those states. However, with many such cities, how does one zero in on the most visited city in America? The most visited cities in USA are popular for a variety of reasons. While the culture and vibrant nightlife are a big draw for some, others prefer to marvel at the architectural or natural wonders that abound. Many of the most visited cities in the US also have a diverse mix of cultures, adding to the allure of visiting. You’ll find some of the best places to eat in the world within these cities. And no, they won’t all be Michelin Star restaurants but regular food trucks too! No matter your reason for traveling to one of the most visited cities in America, you’re sure to return with a stash of good memories.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
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The neon lights, billboards, and vibrant nightlife draw international and domestic tourists to Las Vegas in droves. With its A-list entertainers and dazzling stage shows, there is much to discover here. It is no surprise that Vegas is on the list of the most visited cities in the USA.
While Vegas’ biggest draw is its nightlife and casinos, plenty of other attractions cater to the less adventurous. The Strip is not the only fantastic feature of “Sin City.” Stray beyond The Strip and the best hotels in Las Vegas, and you’ll find breathtaking natural vistas. Mountains, canyons, plains, and alpine forests are all waiting to be explored.
Another reason Las Vegas is one of the most visited cities in America is the family-friendly vibe. There are activities for younger and older kids and excellent museums for families. In fact, some of the best family hotels in Las Vegas have everything within the complex for an excellent vacation.
New Orleans, Louisiana
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With the mantra of “eat, drink and be merry” on its cards, New Orleans features high on the list of most visited cities in America. Mardi Gras may be the city’s claim to fame, but New Orleans is much more than fancy costumes and outlandish floats.
The city that has been standing strong for over three centuries wears its history proudly on its sleeve. There is much that will amaze you about New Orleans. To begin with, you can check into one of New Orleans’ historic hotels in the French Quarter and use that as a base to discover the city’s history.
Another big draw for visitors to New Orleans is its music scene. As the hometown of jazz, the city is teeming with music venues waiting to be explored. Apart from the music scene, New Orleans is a foodie haven with some of the best indigenous cuisines in the country.
Boston, Massachusetts
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As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is a study in history. The city boasts of some of the most historic sites in the country. Taking a step back in time is easy as you walk down cobblestone streets or explore The Freedom Trail.
History is not the only reason for Boston being one of the most visited cities in USA. Sports features highly on the city’s list of things to do. From the Boston Marathon to the world’s largest two-day rowing event and some of the most successful sports teams, Boston brings in the fans and players.
Dubbed the Athens of America, art and music thrive in Boston. Museums, libraries, and symphony orchestras established years ago charm visitors to the city even today.
Houston, Texas
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Houston, the largest city in Texas, has everything you expect to find in the Lone Star State. Boasting the highest standard of living in the country, visitors are also here to ogle at all the oil wealth.
Of course, NASA is another big attraction on the city’s outskirts. With its interactive exhibits and a shuttle simulator, the Space Center is a beacon for tourists. Besides exploring this interesting space, Houston’s Theater District, its restaurants, movies, parks, and Bayou Place also bring in the crowds.
You’ll also find plenty of parks and the Houston Zoo to explore. There is more than enough to keep a visitor busy in Houston. For a peek into Houston’s multicultural side, head to Chinatown or the Mahatma Gandhi District. Also, check out our list of things to do while you are in Houston.
San Diego, California
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Often referred to as the “Birthplace of California,” San Diego has much to lure visitors. It may not be the most visited city in America, but the city nevertheless sees a heavy flow of visitors. The reason is its mild-year-round climate and extensive beaches.
“America’s Finest City,” San Diego is also a surfer’s paradise. However, it’s not just the tanned surfer dude that brings the crowds to its beaches. With over 68 miles of coastline, the city has some of the best beaches in California where you can unwind. When you need a break from the sun and sand, there are plenty of other things to do in San Diego.
Families generally head off to San Diego Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world, or SeaWorld San Diego, another famous family attraction. History buffs make a beeline for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Beer lovers also add to the numbers of one of the most visited cities in the USA. With its numerous craft beer breweries, the city also carries the moniker of “America’s Craft Beer Capital.”
Chicago, Illinois
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Most visitors to Chicago stare in awe at the astounding architecture that occupies a huge chunk of the city. The Windy City will sweep you off your feet with its amazing array of buildings and things to do. Though the glass-floored Willis Tower may be one of the city’s most famous landmarks, there is also the stained-glass Robie House and Pritzker Pavilion to marvel at.
Quite like Boston, Chicago is also a sportsperson’s playground. Even if you’re not that big a fan of sports, you can be sure you’ll be swallowed in the excitement of a sporting event. The city embraces sports like no other, featuring a pro team for every season. You will even find a game afoot on the city’s 26 beaches or parks.
It’s not just sport that brings in the crowds, though. Chicago knows how to party, too, with a wide range of festivals between March and September. Music is big here, with the Blues Fest bringing in millions of visitors.
Miami, Florida
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A city that knows how to have a good time is undoubtedly Miami. Miami has sun-kissed beaches, an embracing spirit, and a welcoming vibe, and thousands flock here throughout the year. While it is a renowned party destination, there is much more to the city than its vibrant nightlife.
Take a walk down Ocean Drive, and you’ll be quite floored by the art deco buildings that line the streets. Many of these buildings are beautifully restored 1930s hotels with some of the best hotel pools in Miami. Miami goes one up on most cities when it comes to creativity. Whether it’s art, buildings, or food, you’re sure to be quite taken with the innovative designs before you.
And that’s not all that makes this one of the most visited cities in USA. Venture beyond the concrete, and you’ll be dazzled with Miami’s outdoors. From its tropical gardens to white sandy beaches and walking trails Miami has been blessed by nature.
Phoenix, Arizona
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Proudly wearing the moniker “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix is where many people head to escape the winter chill. That’s why the city ranks high among the most visited cities in America. The city, which settled in 1867 as an agricultural community, has since grown into a thriving desert metropolis.
Phoenix is home to a unique architectural tradition and community and showcases some pretty unconventional building designs. Architects who call Phoenix home have adapted their designs to create interesting studios that embrace the desert climate.
Other attractions in the city include the largest privately owned non-profit zoo, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens right next to it. Culture buffs will not miss out, as the city has its fair share of museums. The city is also a haven for Mexican cuisine, boasting some of the best Mexican food in the country.
Los Angeles, California
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Los Angeles is where dreams come to life – the city of legends, rugged surfers, and stars. The ‘City of Angels’ seduces starry-eyed dreamers, celebrity hunters, and more. With its firm hold on Hollywood, LA is high on many people’s bucket lists. Seeing the huge number of visitors to the city, LA could easily pass off as the most visited city in America.
Whether it’s entertainment, culture, or food you seek, the city has it all. From an other-worldly experience at Universal Studios or a walk down Sunset Boulevard, there is much to keep you busy here. Also, LA may not boast the highest number of Michelin stars, but that does not take away from its amazing food scene.
Although Hollywood is LA’s biggest drawcard, its golden beaches and flower-strewn hillsides combined with spectacular sunsets charm the soul like no other. Add to that some astounding architecture, and you’ll understand why Los Angeles is among the most visited cities in the US.
New York City, New York
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New York City ticks all the right boxes regarding major attractions. There is much that will charm you about the most visited city in America. Whether it’s a stroll through Central Park, gazing up at the Statue of Liberty, or marveling at the exhibits at The Met, MoMA, or Guggenheim, the Big Apple has something for everyone.
Shopaholics head to Fifth Avenue to immerse themselves in a unique shopping experience, while history buffs prefer the cobblestone lanes of Greenwich Village. With over 200 nationalities calling the city home, you will surely find a diverse range of cultures here. From 100-year-old Jewish delis on the Upper West Side to noodle shops in Chinatown and Italian delights in the Bronx, the melting pot of cultures come together to give this city its unique identity.
New York City is divided into five boroughs. Manhattan is one of the most popular boroughs, as you can find many of the city’s major attractions here. This borough accounts for the major tourist population. However, it’s not just the heavy footfall of tourists that makes New York City one of the most visited cities in the USA. As the world’s financial capital, many visitors to the city are also here on business. Besides being one of the most visited cities in America, New York is also one of the most visited cities in the world.
Seattle, Washington
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A trip to Seattle is sure to tantalize those taste buds with experimental chefs willing to put a spin on American cuisine infused with local ingredients. The renowned Pike Place Market, one of the top attractions in USA for tourists, is where you can satiate those hunger pangs. This market, which opened in 1907, attracts a huge footfall of visitors yearly.
Food is not the only attraction here. Nicknamed Emerald City due to the lush green forests that surround it, Seattle is one of the most visited cities in USA, in the Pacific Northwest area. The Seattle International Film Festival and numerous Seafair events throughout the year bring in plenty of visitors to the city.
Other attractions in the city include Pier 57, on which the Seattle Great Wheel stands. Visiting the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, and various museums are some of the top things to do in Seattle.
Cool Facts About The Most Visited Cities In The US
- The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. It took four months to assemble the 350 pieces shipped in 214 crates!
- While the moniker for Los Angeles, “City of Angels,” is well known, not many know of its other nicknames. LA is also called the City of Flowers and Sunshine, the Big Orange, and LA LA Land.
- Due to the millions of lights in the city, Las Vegas is often thought of as the brightest spot on earth.
