Tripadvisor just revealed its 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do, and it's clear that travelers in the U.S. love a good mix of rockets, rock 'n' roll, and raw history. These picks aren’t from critics—they’re from travelers who lined up, snapped pics and left glowing five-star reviews on the platform.
Topping the list of the best attractions in the U.S. is the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island, Florida. It also ranked as the number three best attraction in the world—the only U.S. attraction to make the list. What's so special about it? Space geeks and casual visitors alike rave about the Rocket Garden, the awe-inspiring sight of the space shuttle Atlantis and the chance to meet a real astronaut. The interactive journey brings space exploration down to Earth, complete with IMAX films that will leave you starry-eyed.
At number two is the Empire State Building. Yes, it’s a classic New York tourist spot, but that’s the point. Two observation decks offer panoramic views that never get old, while inside, exhibits dive into the building’s history. Grab a bite at one of the seven restaurants, and you’ve got the perfect Midtown detour.
Number three goes to Sun Studio in Memphis, where Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis made music history. The storytelling is top notch, featuring guides who mix music trivia, jokes and behind-the-scenes tales. Even if you’re not a music buff, you’ll walk out with a new appreciation for rock 'n' roll.
Tripadvisor’s Travelers' Choice Awards spotlight experiences that consistently wow visitors. Out of 8 million listings, fewer than 1% earn this "Best of the Best" badge. These awards can steer you towards the magical moments that make travel totally worth it. Find the full list of the best attractions in the U.S. here.
Top attractions in the U.S., according to Tripadvisor
- NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, Florida
- Empire State Building, New York, New York
- Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee
- Central Park, New York, New York
- Stetson Mansion, DeLand, Florida
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida
- Brooklyn Bridge, New York, New York
- National Museum of World War II Aviation, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York
- Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California