Needham, Mass (TripAdvisor.com):
TripAdvisor Announces Attractions Trend Index of the Top Trending Things to do in America
TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the results of its Attractions Trend Index, revealing the top 25 U.S. attractions that have seen the greatest increase in traveler interest this summer, based on year-over-year search activity on TripAdvisor.
“From historic city streets to amazing sights from great heights, the Attractions Trend Index has revealed a wide variety of places that have captured the interest of U.S. travelers,” said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. “Travelers looking to take advantage of the remaining weeks of summer and shoulder season still have plenty of time to book a special trip and explore some these American attractions growing in popularity.”
La Jolla comes in at No. 11 on the list. TripAdvisor states the reason to travel to the destination is for its family-friendly beach, white sands, and turquoise waters. Beachgoers can try their hand at a variety of watersports and San Diego Surf Lessons is a popular option with sessions that start at $70 per person.
The complete list:
| U.S. Attraction | Reason to Go and What to Book | YoY Traffic Increase | ||
| 1. One World Observatory — World Trade Center — New York City, New York | Popular new observatory that opened last May and offers breathtaking views from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Travelers can book admission ahead on TripAdvisor for $32 per person. Since being listed on the site, there has been a 165% increase in bookings on TripAdvisor for the attraction. | 340.7 | % | |
| 2. The Magnificent Mile — Chicago, Illinois | Thirteen-block stretch of downtown Chicago that draws travelers for its shopping, dining and entertainment. Visitors can take the Chicago Lakefront Neighborhoods Bicycle Tour for $48 to learn more about the Windy City. | 118.0 | % | |
| 3. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook — Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Secluded car pull-off area on the Gatlinburg Bypass offers scenic views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. There is no fee for stopping at the overlook. | 112.5 | % | |
| 4. The Pearl District — Portland, Oregon | Trendy one-half square mile area of the city offers a variety of boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. Travelers can explore the neighborhood and enjoy a beverage on the Portland Brewery Bike Tour — tickets start at $69 per person. | 109.3 | % | |
| 5. Mount Bonnell — Austin, Texas | Beautiful hiking trail rewards intrepid travelers with panoramic views of Austin from nearly 800 feet above the city. Admission to the park is free. | 109.2 | % | |
| 6. Newbury Street — Boston, Massachusetts | Upscale shopping, boutique stores and al fresco dining makes this one-mile stretch a must-see in Boston’s Back Bay. Travelers can take in this area and more through the Boston Duck Tours, starting at $40 per person. | 108.1 | % | |
| 7. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster — Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | Mile-long downhill ride lets patrons control their speed, appealing to thrill seekers and slow cruisers alike. Tickets range from $5 for children to $15 for adults. | 107.6 | % | |
| 8. The Grand Ole Opry — Nashville, Tennessee | Iconic country music concert hall offers weekly shows and is celebrating its 90th year of operation. Travelers can go behind the scenes with the Grand Ole Opry House Backstage Tour — tickets start at $24 per person. | 107.4 | % | |
| 9. Watkins Glen State Park — Watkins Glen, New York | Known for its eponymous race track, this park in New York’s Finger Lakes region offers outstanding hiking and features 19 waterfalls and more than 800 stone steps. Admission is $8 per vehicle. | 96.4 | % | |
| 10. Jackson Square — New Orleans, Louisiana | Historic French Quarter landmark features a variety of street performers, vendors, food spots and the renowned St. Louis Cathedral. Travelers can explore the area with the New Orleans French Quarter Segway Tour, which starts at $65 per person. | 89.9 | % | |
| 11. La Jolla Shores — La Jolla, California | Family-friendly beach boasts a full mile of white sands and turquoise waters. Beachgoers can try their hand at a variety of watersports and San Diego Surf Lessons is a popular option with sessions that start at $70 per person. | 88.8 | % | |
| 12. 360 Chicago Observation Deck — Chicago, Illinois | Offers panoramic views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. Tickets start at $20 per person and can be purchased on TripAdvisor ahead of time. | 87.8 | % | |
| 13. Venice Canals Walkway — Los Angeles, California | Tranquil residential area walkway just a couple of blocks from bustling Venice Beach. A guided look at the neighborhood is available through the Electric Bicycle Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach — tickets start at $68 per person. | 80.4 | % | |
| 14. Union Station — Denver, Colorado | Recently restored train station has stood as Lower Downtown Denver’s transportation hub for 100 years. Features a wide variety of dining and shopping and even a luxury hotel. Travelers can take in more of the city with a Best of Denver Private City Walking Tour, at $130 per person. | 79.1 | % | |
| 15. Pier 39 — San Francisco, California | Sea lions, musical stairs and clam chowder can all be found at this bustling entertainment complex on the San Francisco Waterfront. Travelers can check out all of the area’s attractions with the PIER 39 Attraction Pass which starts at $109 per person and includes a ticket to the San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour. | 68.6 | % | |
| 16. Disney Springs — Orlando, Florida | Formerly Downtown Disney, this expansive shopping, dining and entertainment center has re-branded and is currently undergoing renovations to soon debut four new “neighborhoods”: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center. Travelers can get a unique bird’s eye view of the area with an Orlando Helicopter Tour for $48 per person. | 65.3 | % | |
| 17. Broadway — New York City, New York | Whether attending a show or just sightseeing, travelers will find plenty to do in New York’s exciting theater district. The NYC Walking Tour: Broadway History and Culture is a popular option for visitors looking to learn more about the area. Tickets start at $35 per person. | 63.7 | % | |
| 18. The Grotto — National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother — Portland, Oregon | Peaceful Catholic sanctuary and botanical garden offers a place for quiet reflection away from the excitement of the city. Tickets for the Grotto’s Upper Level Garden range from $3-$6 per person. | 63.3 | % | |
| 19. The Gondola at Heavenly — South Lake Tahoe, California | Breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range are seen from glass pods that ferry passengers to the summit of Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. Tickets range from $22 for children to $46 for adults. | 63.0 | % | |
| 20. Central Park — New York City, New York | Features more than 840 acres of green space in the middle of Manhattan’s concrete jungle. Travelers can check out the filming locations for various popular movies and shows with the Central Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour — tickets start at $25 per person. | 62.2 | % | |
| 21. Washington Park — Portland, Oregon | Popular park near downtown Portland is home to miles of hiking trails, multiple lush gardens, a children’s playground and more. Parking fees range from $1.60 per hour to $6.40 for a full day. | 61.3 | % | |
| 22. Statue of Liberty — New York City, New York | Symbol of freedom on New York’s Ellis Island for 130 years, Lady Liberty offers stunning views of the city and travelers can learn about the island’s history on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour for $59 per person. | 59.0 | % | |
| 23. Fenway Park — Boston, Massachusetts | America’s oldest ballpark is home to the Red Sox and has hosted thousands of games and events since its opening in 1912. Tours of the park are available for $25 per person and include views from the fabled Green Monster. | 58.9 | % | |
| 24. Bryant Park — New York City, New York | 10-acre city park “office oasis” in mid-town Manhattan features a garden, skating rink, holiday shops, historic sculptures, dining and more. | 58.8 | % | |
| 25. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood — Burbank, California | Entertaining tour takes travelers behind the scenes of some of today’s most popular TV shows and movies. Explore the studio’s sets and soundstages with the Warner Bros. Hollywood Studio Tour and Movie Stars’ Homes Tour. Tickets start at $126 per person. | 57.7 | % | |
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