Group Trip Advisor

Top 10 U.S. Attractions

You're thinking it. I'm thinking it. The kids are definitely thinking it. Summer's virtually here and a flurry of warm-weather activities are on the mind as peak travel season to and within the United States has arrived.

TripAdvisor just announced the top 10 United States attractions based on traveler popularity on TripAdvisor.com. Drum roll, please...

  1. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Fla.
  2. Universal Studios Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
  3. Discovery Cove, Orlando, Fla.
  4. South Beach, Miami, Fla.
  5. Disneyland, Anaheim, Calif.
  6. Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas, Nev.
  7. Epcot Center, Orlando, Fla.
  8. Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.
  9. Hana Highway, Maui, HI
  10. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Ga.

Many will flock to these hot-spots, but many others will flee to avoid crowds and escape to quiet retreats such as national park wilderness and memorable beaches of their own. We won't hear as much about the latter because they'll flee to disparate destinations.

Why are these top 10 attractions so popular? They offer insta-fun for people of all ages, they hold the "wow" factor (biggest canyon, biggest theme park, most intense roller coaster, largest aquarium... super size phenomena) and accommodate groups well, welcoming friends or family who gather in one central location. I'm not surprised to see Disney top the list. But I was surprised to see Hana Highway in Maui (partly because I'm relatively new to Maui) even though it is increasing in popularity as a vacation destination for weddings, honeymoons, family escapes, and other trips. Maui has much to offer, but here's hoping it doesn't sprout an over-crowded area like Oahu's Waikiki. (Sorry, Waikiki fans!)

Whatever attractions bring your group of family or friends together, planning the trip is made simple with TripHub's online collaborative tools.