From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US
From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - New York City - The City That Never Sleeps
New York City is often called "the city that never sleeps" for good reason. With over 8 million residents packed into just 305 square miles, NYC is a bustling metropolis that's alive 24/7. Unlike smaller cities that roll up the sidewalks after dark, New York offers endless options for entertainment, dining, and culture at all hours of the day and night.
One of the best parts about visiting New York is that every neighborhood has its own unique vibe and personality. Take Manhattan for example – each district offers a totally different experience. Trendy shops and restaurants dominate Soho and Nolita, while the Financial District revolves around Wall Street and the 9-to-5 workday. Head uptown to Harlem to experience African-American culture and history, or explore the young, artsy scene in the East Village. Regardless of the time or your interests, there's a corner of Manhattan perfect for you.
Beyond Manhattan, the outer boroughs also embody that sleepless spirit. Find solace amidst art galleries and brownstone lined streets in Brooklyn. Experience exotic cuisines from around the world in Queens. See an up-and-coming music act in one of the Bronx’s famed music halls. Or take the ferry to Staten Island and grab a beer while watching the sunset over the New York Harbor.
When the sun goes down, that’s when the city really comes alive. Broadway and off-Broadway theaters shine in Times Square, while visitors flock to historic venues like Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall for concerts and comedy shows. Dance the night away in the West Village’s lively clubs or sing your heart out at a dueling piano bar near Broadway. And while you may not find luxe cocktails or craft beers for budget prices, NYC's nightlife offers something for every taste and budget.
Getting around is part of the experience as well. By day, ride classic NYC yellow taxis around Midtown or hop on the subway to get anywhere in the city quickly and cheaply. At night, walk across brightly lit bridges, flag a pedicab for an impromptu tour, or let a river breeze whip through your hair on the Staten Island Ferry. However you choose to explore after dark, New York City comes alive to fit your mood and desires.
What else is in this post?
- From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - New York City - The City That Never Sleeps
- From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Los Angeles - Sun, Surf and Hollywood
- From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Chicago - The Windy City on Lake Michigan
- From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Las Vegas - Sin City in the Desert
- From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Orlando - Theme Park Capital of the World
- From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - San Francisco - Hills, Cable Cars and Alcatraz
- From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Seattle - Coffee, Tech and Nature in the Pacific Northwest
- From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Washington D.C. - Monuments, Museums and Politics
From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Los Angeles - Sun, Surf and Hollywood
Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California metropolis renowned for its sunny beaches, celebrity culture, and film industry. With idyllic weather year-round, LA attracts over 50 million visitors annually who flock to its many beaches, attractions, and neighborhoods.
When you think of LA, you likely imagine the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, and Malibu – all iconic spots to soak up the sun and surf. Nothing beats renting a surfboard and catching a wave in the Pacific, then chilling out on the sand to people watch. Be sure to walk out on the historic Santa Monica Pier too, where you’ll find amusement park rides, shops and restaurants. Then make your way north up the coastline to Malibu to ogle multi-million dollar beach houses and scan the swells for celebrities like Matthew McConaughey riding the waves.
Beyond the beach, LA’s collection of unique neighborhoods gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s culture. Artsy Venice Beach embodies that eclectic, free-spirit vibe, while Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive give you a taste of how LA’s rich and famous live large. To go back in time, spend an afternoon wandering the historic buildings, boutiques, and eateries in Old Town Pasadena. Or head to The Grove for fabulous shopping and people watching. LA’s ethnic enclaves also shine bright, so grab a taco in historic Olvera Street, indulge in dim sum in Chinatown, or nosh on falafel in Little Arabia. With so many diverse districts to explore, you’ll get a feel for what makes LA special.
No trip to Tinseltown would be complete without some Hollywood magic. Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, Universal Studios, and more keep this neighborhood pumping out blockbuster films, so join a studio tour to see the magic behind the scenes. Pose with the Hollywood sign, walk the star-studded Walk of Fame, or catch a show taping and you just may spot a celebrity in their natural habitat. And you can’t miss seeing the iconic white Hollywood sign perched high in the hills either. There are several vantage points around LA to see it, but the best views are from the Griffith Observatory or atop Mount Lee itself if you hike to it.
Nightlife in Los Angeles is just as lively as the day, with clubs, music venues, comedy shows and more to experience once the sun goes down. Go for craft cocktails on glitzy rooftop bars in Downtown, bar-hop along Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, check out the indie rock scene in hipster hotspot Echo Park, or take in a show under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater or the Greek Theater in Griffith Park. With so many options for nighttime revelry, LA truly is a 24/7 kind of city.
From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Chicago - The Windy City on Lake Michigan
With its towering skyscrapers and giant Ferris wheel jutting from the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago dazzles visitors with big city energy and Midwest charm. Though the exact origin of its “Windy City” nickname remains hazy, Chicago definitely lives up to the blustery moniker, with gusts roaring between downtown’s dense buildings. Yet the Windy City entices over 50 million travelers each year to experience its amazing architecture, world-class museums, critically acclaimed restaurants, and lively lakefront.
One of the best ways to take in Chi-town is with an architectural boat tour along the Chicago River. Floating by the city’s iconic buildings, you’ll see a diversity of styles from the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower to the postmodern corncob design of Marina City and the 110-story Willis Tower. Many seminal skyscrapers were born in Chicago, so gazing up at these giants of American architecture brings the experience full circle. Of course, no trip to Chicago is complete without ascending the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower for bird's eye panoramas. On clear days, you can see across Lake Michigan to Indiana, Michigan, and even Wisconsin.
Beyond the Vertical Gotham atmosphere, Chicago entices with world-class museums and galleries like the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry, and more. Culture hounds can marvel at the Impressionists masters at the Art Institute, get lost for days wandering miles of exhibits at the Immersive Field Museum, or geek out on coal mines, toy trains, and a real German U-boat at the fascinating Museum of Science and Industry. Of course, no trip to Chicago is complete without strolling Millennium Park downtown and taking a gleeful selfie in the reflective panels of “The Bean” sculpture.
From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Las Vegas - Sin City in the Desert
Las Vegas seduces over 40 million visitors a year with its glittering casinos, lavish stage shows, and indulgent nightlife. Sin City’s neon-lit Strip dazzles from a distance, promising carefree revelry and mass entertainment unlike anywhere else. Yet there’s more to Las Vegas than just slots and showgirls. Wander off the Strip to find colorful history, natural scenery, and authentic local culture.
No visit to Vegas would be complete without losing a few bucks in a casino. With lavish hotels like Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and the Bellagio lining Las Vegas Boulevard, the temptation to try your luck at the tables or slots awaits everywhere. Mega-resorts feature expansive casinos with every kind of game imaginable, from blackjack and craps to roulette and poker. Newbies can learn the ropes while budget travelers seek out looser slots downtown. At night, the casino floor comes alive with cheering crowds around the dice tables, dance music, flowing drinks, and lively energy. Just don’t get too mesmerized watching the wheel spin – keep one eye on your wallet since the house always wins in the end!
Beyond gambling, Las Vegas wows with dazzling stage productions like Cirque du Soleil. See acrobats, magicians, and more wow the crowd at shows inside lavish casino theaters. Pop icons like Lady Gaga or Adelefrequently hold extended concert residencies here too, so music lovers can catch their idols live on stage. For comedy and musicals, it doesn’t get more entertaining than the Blue Man Group’s quirky percussion show or a Broadway-caliber performance at The Smith Center downtown. With new headliners and productions debuting every year, Vegas truly is the entertainment capital of the world.
From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Orlando - Theme Park Capital of the World
With mild weather year-round and home to some of the world’s most famous amusement parks, it’s no wonder Orlando welcomes over 75 million visitors annually. As the undisputed theme park capital of the world, this sunny Florida city offers nonstop family fun and thrill rides for all ages. From the Magic Kingdom to Epcot to SeaWorld and beyond, Orlando has perfected immersive entertainment on a grand scale.
No Orlando experience compares to the wonderful world of Walt Disney. The massive Disney complex includes four unique theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. Stroll down Main Street USA or scout for your favorite Disney characters across these parks. At Magic Kingdom, scream your way through Space Mountain then catch the nightly fireworks over Cinderella’s castle. Live your movie star fantasies amidst Hollywood-themed rides at Hollywood Studios. Safari through Africa at Animal Kingdom and conquer the Expedition Everest rollercoaster. And experience world cultures and sample cuisine from 11 countries at Epcot. With so much magic across Disney’s parks, you’ll want to stay multiple days to experience it all.
Beyond Disney, Universal Studios Orlando also offers phenomenal on-screen action with two parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Journey through Jurassic Park, dive into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and ride cutting-edge simulators like Transformers 3D. Islands of Adventure also thrills with heart-pounding rollercoasters like the Incredible Hulk Coaster that launches riders from 0 to 40 mph in under two seconds! See your favorite Universal movies come to life via advanced ride technology that blurs the lines between entertainment and reality.
No trip to Orlando is complete without visiting its famous waters parks, like Volcano Bay or Typhoon Lagoon. Speed down winding waterslides, drift along an inner tube along a lazy river, or just wade in the wave pool. Nothing refreshes better on a hot Orlando afternoon than splashing down one of these incredible water coasters with the whole family. Top it all off with a fresh pineapple whip for the ultimate tropical treat.
From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - San Francisco - Hills, Cable Cars and Alcatraz
With its iconic Victorian architecture, foggy bay views, and hair-raising streetscapes, San Francisco captures the hearts of over 25 million visitors annually. The City by the Bay dazzles from every angle, but it’s the thrilling cable car rides up and down SF’s steep hills that really steal the show. Beyond the heart-pumping ascents, travelers flock to “The Rock” of Alcatraz for an intriguing look at one of America’s most infamous prisons. From scenic vistas to grim penal history, San Francisco offers unforgettable experiences unlike anywhere else.
The minute you spot those cable cars climbing up vertigo-inducing grades, you’ll see why this vintage transport is synonymous with San Francisco. Hop aboard at Powell Street Station in Union Square downtown and hold on tight! As the cable car lurches uphill with a constant clanging bell, you’ll get unmatched close-up views of SF’s iconic Victorian homes and gardens. Reach the crest and hang on as your stomach drops while careening downhill. The city’s extreme topography makes for the wildest cable car rides in the US, taking you through iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Russian Hill. Go for an exterior seat if you dare – it's the best views (and photos)!
Another classic San Francisco experience is touring notorious Alcatraz Prison, aka “The Rock.” Hop the short ferry ride across San Francisco Bay to explore the grim former prison perched ominously on a rocky islet. As you enter the cell house, intelligent audio guides narrated by former guards and prisoners deliver chilling tales of life in America’s most feared lockup. Stroll along the damp corridors past cramped cells that once held the likes of Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Check out solitary confinement to experience true sensory deprivation or walk the broad yard where inmates devised daring (and doomed) escape plots. Visiting Alcatraz offers perspective into the psychology of prison life that’s both dark yet eye-opening.
From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Seattle - Coffee, Tech and Nature in the Pacific Northwest
Tucked into the emerald forests and slate waters of Puget Sound, Seattle blends high-tech innovation with laidback Northwestern charm. From humble beginnings as a Gold Rush era lumber town, Seattle has blossomed into a progressive hub for technology and sustainability. Companies like Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon make their home in the Emerald City, yet Seattle stays true to its coffee shop roots. With both natural beauty and urban energy in perfect harmony, it’s easy to see why Seattle seduces over 40 million visitors a year.
Seattle’s identity will forever be linked to coffee, as the city birthed Starbucks back in 1971. Caffeine cravings can still be satisfied at the original Starbucks Pike Place location downtown, where a twin-tailed mermaid adorns the classic green sign. But countless independent roasters and cafes give Starbucks a run for its money. Stop at any cozy coffee joint to compare roasts and get your java fix, then chat up locals who are happy to offer tips if you’re friendly. Make sure to try a signature Seattle latte – espresso shots topped with velvety microfoam milk. The coffee connoisseurs of Seattle definitely know their beans.
Beyond coffee shops, Seattle also serves as the birthplace of some of the world’s most influential technology companies. Microsoft kicked off the PC revolution from suburban Redmond, while Amazon transformed online shopping and cloud data from its downtown Seattle headquarters. Even newer tech giants like Expedia and Zillow emerged from Seattle’s fertile startup scene. Today over 30,000 tech professionals call Seattle home, powering a youthful economy of innovation.
From Sea to Shining Sea: The 9 Most Visited Cities in the US - Washington D.C. - Monuments, Museums and Politics
As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. holds a special place in the heart of America. Over 20 million visitors flock here annually to connect with the living history and political intrigue of this storied city. Beyond being the seat of the federal government, D.C. entices with its trove of free museums and iconic monuments that celebrate the American experience.
At the top of any DC visitor's list should be touring the National Mall, a 2-mile green space flanked by museums and monuments. Here you can pay respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Lincoln Memorial, then get inspired climbing the steps where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. Snap a selfie in front of the soaring obelisk of the Washington Monument before trekking further west to admire the sleek marble modernism of the National World War II Memorial. The sheer concentration of iconic sites here immerses you in some of America's proudest historic moments.
Just off the Mall, the capital’s cluster of acclaimed museums enlightens visitors through diverse exhibits and artifacts. The Smithsonian Institution operates most of these stellar attractions, including the Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, Natural History Museum, and more – all 100% free. Marvel at rare specimens in the Natural History Museum's Fossil Halls and the gemstone Hope Diamond. Then rocket through centuries of flight in the Air and Space Museum, seeing everything from the Wright Brother's first plane to the Apollo Lunar Module. With 19 different Smithsonians and other attractions like the Newseum or Spy Museum, you'll uncover new passions roaming D.C.'s halls of discovery.