Why These 10 U.S. Cities Made Tripadvisor’s 2026 Top Destinations List
Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” rankings are built on millions of traveler reviews and ratings over the past year. That means this list reflects not just popularity, but satisfaction.
These are places where travelers felt their time and money were well spent.
The 2026 Top 10 U.S. destinations are:
New York City
Las Vegas
O‘ahu
Nashville
New Orleans
Chicago
Charleston
Key West
Washington, D.C.
Boston
Some of these cities dominate in raw visitor volume. Others outperform because of experience density, hospitality quality, or cultural distinctiveness.
Here’s what sets each apart — and what the most recent 2025 data tells us.
Read more: Top 15 Destinations Where Americans Can Stay 6 Months or Longer Without a Visa
New York City (#1): Scale, Variety, and Resilience
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| New York City |
New York remains the most visited U.S. city. The latest full-year official data (2024) reported 64.5 million visitors, nearing full recovery to pre-pandemic levels. While final 2025 totals are pending, city tourism officials have projected continued growth driven by international demand and major events.
Why it ranks #1 isn’t mysterious. Few cities offer this concentration of cultural institutions, Broadway, global cuisine, public transit access, and neighborhood diversity. Whether a traveler has two days or two weeks, the itinerary writes itself. High repeat visitation also strengthens review sentiment.
Las Vegas (#2): Reinvention at Industrial Scale
Las Vegas is one of the few destinations with confirmed 2025 totals available. The city welcomed approximately 38.5 million visitors in 2025, a slight decline year over year but still among the highest volumes nationally.
What keeps Vegas near the top isn’t just casinos. It’s the continuous reinvention cycle: new residencies, chef-driven restaurants, refreshed resorts, and major sporting events. Even when visitation dips modestly, traveler satisfaction remains high because the entertainment density is unmatched.
O‘ahu (#3): Infrastructure Meets Island Escape
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| O‘ahu consistently leads Hawai‘i visitor counts |
O‘ahu consistently leads Hawai‘i visitor counts thanks to Waikīkī’s hotel capacity, airlift access, and year-round appeal. While final 2025 island breakdowns are still consolidating, state tourism data indicate stable demand and strong domestic recovery trends.
O‘ahu balances accessibility with natural beauty. Travelers get beaches, surf culture, Pearl Harbor history, and high-end dining — all without sacrificing infrastructure. That combination drives strong reviews.
Nashville (#4): Tourism Momentum Still Climbing
Nashville’s most recent confirmed annual total (2024) showed 16.9 million visitors, with industry projections pointing to continued 2025 growth fueled by conventions, music tourism, and bachelor/bachelorette travel.
The city wins because it feels participatory. Live music is everywhere, not confined to a few venues. Add a rapidly expanding restaurant scene and boutique hotel inventory, and visitors leave feeling energized — a key ingredient in positive reviews.
New Orleans (#5): Cultural Density per Square Mile
New Orleans reported 19.08 million visitors in 2024, with 2025 estimates suggesting continued stabilization and growth post-pandemic.
Few American cities have such a defined identity. Architecture, Creole cuisine, festivals, and music traditions create immersion rather than passive sightseeing. Travelers don’t just visit; they experience. That emotional impact translates directly into strong ratings.
Chicago (#6): Big-City Depth Without Coastal Prices
Chicago posted an estimated 55.3 million visitors in 2024, and early 2025 indicators suggest steady convention and leisure demand.
Its appeal is structural: lakefront setting, architectural legacy, deep museum roster, and one of America’s strongest dining scenes. Compared to New York or San Francisco, visitors often perceive Chicago as better value — a powerful driver of satisfaction scores.
Charleston (#7): Polished, Walkable, Repeatable
Charleston recorded over 7.8 million visitors in its most recent annual report, with tourism remaining one of the region’s primary economic engines.
What pushes Charleston into the Top 10 isn’t scale. It’s experience control. The historic district is compact, photogenic, and culinary-forward. Travelers can cover the highlights without stress, which boosts perceived quality.
Key West (#8): Niche but Loyal
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| Things to do in Key West Florida |
The Florida Keys region does not always publish a single clean annual visitor headline, but hotel occupancy and checkpoint data through 2025 indicate steady demand.
Key West thrives on mood. It’s small, walkable, sunset-driven, and slightly eccentric. Visitors often describe it as a “mental reset,” which explains why it consistently earns strong sentiment scores even without megacity volume.
Washington, D.C. (#9): Free, Educational, Efficient
Washington, D.C. reported a record 27.2 million visitors in 2024, and 2025 projections show continued growth tied to conventions and international tourism.
Its competitive edge is value. World-class museums with free admission create a perception of accessibility. Monuments, neighborhoods, and food scenes add dimension. For families and international travelers alike, D.C. offers high substance per dollar spent.
Boston (#10): Compact History With Modern Energy
Boston typically draws around 20 million annual visitors, with international travel patterns heavily influencing totals. 2025 trends suggest stable demand despite broader global travel fluctuations.
Boston’s strength lies in walkability and narrative. The Freedom Trail, academic institutions, sports culture, and waterfront development create a cohesive story. Visitors can absorb American history while enjoying a contemporary food and bar scene.
What the 2025 Numbers Actually Show
When looking at pure volume, cities like Orlando and Atlanta often rank higher than several Tripadvisor Top 10 destinations. But volume alone does not equal top ranking.
Tripadvisor’s methodology favors:
High satisfaction
Strong review consistency
Experience density
Value perception
Memorable differentiation
In short, these cities don’t just attract travelers. They convert them into advocates.
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary celebrations, domestic tourism is leaning toward cities that feel culturally rich, logistically easy, and emotionally rewarding. That combination — not just visitor totals — explains why these ten destinations rose to the top.
