Top 10 U.S. attractions according to TripAdvisor

July 04, 2007 | Online Travel

TripAdvisor announced the top 10 attractions in the U.S. according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors. And as a bonus, provides the same list for Europe.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, today announced the top 10 attractions in the U.S. according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors.

1. Magical Mecca: Orlando, Florida
Orlando combines such an incredible wealth of great attractions that the entire city made number one on our list. Between Universal Studios, Sea World, Discovery Cove and the home of a particularly famous mouse, Orlando is the Mecca of attractions. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “Orlando is the best vacation destination for anyone. There is no place like it and it is so magical!”

2. Circus Atmosphere: Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas, Nevada
A contemporary and hip circus, sans animals, Cirque du Soleil combines highly skilled contortionists, acrobats and trapeze artists to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Hailed by some as the modern circus, new shows are frequently added on the Strip, bringing the crowds back for more. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “Cirque has its share of bizarre costumes, worldly music and fantastic and daring acts of contortion.”

3. Hawaii 6-0: Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
A 60-mile stretch connecting Hana to Maui, Hana Highway stuns with its spectacular views and natural adornments, including magnificent waterfalls, beaches and the “Seven Sacred Pools” - just make sure to keep your eyes on the road. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, “We went with an open mind and were blown away by the scenery. It is truly paradise.”

4. Grand Plans: Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
One of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World,” the Grand Canyon is perhaps the most famous hiking destination in the U.S., with outstanding hiking trails to the base of the canyon. Theodore Roosevelt summed it up, declaring the Grand Canyon the “one site every American should see.” One TripAdvisor traveler said, “The Grand Canyon has to be seen to be believed. No explanation, pictures or video can possibly do it justice.”

5. Park Place: Central Park, New York City, New York
One of the nation’s first landscaped public parks, Central Park covers 843 acres or six percent of Manhattan. Central Park has several interesting attractions and activities, including a zoo, carousel, reservoir, and boathouse, not to mention some of the best people watching in the world. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “How can you not love Central Park? It has everything; ice skating, romantic carriage rides, a science center, and even free concerts!”

6. Rock Show: Alcatraz, San Francisco, California
Notorious for housing some of the country’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, until it was closed in 1963, Alcatraz Island or “The Rock” now exists as an attraction in the middle of San Francisco Bay. For an eerie visit, take the night tour and listen to the sounds of disgruntled inmates banging their cups against cells. “The sounds of the prison are brought to life with the audio tour and complete the Alcatraz experience,” one TripAdvisor traveler said.

7. Perch Above the Peacock: Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York, New York
One of the Big Apple’s newest and coolest attractions, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck in Rockefeller Center offers phenomenal views of New York City. With glass partitions, the observation deck offers unobstructed panoramic views, and an amazing vantage point for gazing at the Empire State Building. According to a TripAdvisor traveler, “It knocks spots off the Empire State Building. They have glass panels instead of wire mesh so you get amazing views.”

8. Seaing is Believing: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Bay, California
The largest marine sanctuary in America, Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in a former brewery and sardine cannery. View stunning California Giant Kelp that reside in the first tank in the world to simulate tidal currents on a large scale. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “This aquarium is fantastic - the jellyfish tank was unbelievable - we could have sat and watched them all day.”

9. Water-ful: Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada
For a peaceful attraction on the Strip, head to the Bellagio Fountains and appreciate the synchronization of the music and the water as it changes color to familiar tunes from musicals and movies. With a vibrant display every 15-30 minutes, the Bellagio Fountains are the most affordable show in Las Vegas. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, “The fountains are unbelievably high and who knew that water could really dance?”

10. Animal Kingdom: San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California
Featuring more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals, the San Diego Zoo has the largest collection of Grant Pandas outside of mainland China. To explore the zoo, take a guided bus tour or ride on the overhead gondola, providing an aerial view of the natural and cage-free settings. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, “I was amazed at how close I was to the rhinos, elephants, and giraffes.”

“Although Orlando’s attractions top the list again in 2007, there are some newcomers to the top ten this year, including Central Park, Alcatraz and the Bellagio Fountains,” said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor’s Top 10 European Attractions

1. British Airways London Eye, London, United Kingdom
2. Tower of London, London, United Kingdom
3. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
4. Musee du Louvre, Paris, France
5. Colosseum, Rome, Italy
6. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
7. Musee d’Orsay, Paris, France
8. State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia
9. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
10. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain