Summary

  • Charleston, Honolulu, and Palm Springs are among the most visited US cities, offering historic sites, stunning beaches, and cultural attractions.
  • These cities have seen millions of annual visitors, making them popular staycation destinations within the US.
  • Other notable cities to consider for a staycation in 2024 include Nashville, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

International travel is exciting, but sometimes it's cheaper yet equally thrilling to travel within one's home country. It's an especially memorable way to begin the travel year, as people don't have to go through the hassle that comes with venturing off abroad.

With many beautiful destinations in the US in existence that easily rival many of the world's most iconic tourist spots, it might be confusing to know where to begin when looking for staycation destinations in America; however, a smart place to start is perhaps the most visited US cities.

The following metropolises were the most visited cities in America for many reasons, from bustling art scenes, historic districts, and sandy beaches to world-class dining cultures and iconic landmarks, among many more. Whatever travelers are looking for, the most popular US cities in recent years make for exciting places to visit in 2024!

UPDATE: 2023/01/04 13:39 EST BY NOAH STAATS

2024 Brings Endless US Travel Ideas

This article has been refreshed with two new popular American cities to visit in 2024, plus official figures for tourism numbers. People may surprised to see which US cities made the most popular list, so keep reading, and have fun this new year!

Related: Niagara Falls & More: These Are The Top 10 Adventurous Destinations For 2023

In order to accurately reveal each city’s tourism potential, the tourism statistics of 2019 (before the pandemic) and other official city websites with tourism figures from more recent years (from 2020-2023 for some) have been used for this list. We also have listed everything from least to most visited, finishing with the most popular city in America, Orlando.

18 Charleston, South Carolina

Annual visitors: ~7 million

Colorful houses in Charleston, South Carolina, SC, USA
Photo by Leonel Heisenberg on Unsplash
Colorful houses in Charleston, South Carolina, SC, USA

Charleston offers plenty to do and see, which is not surprising since it's one of the most picturesque and storied cities in the US. This seaside city has a long and illustrious past; visitors can see Fort Sumter here, which is where the Civil War started.

However, Charleston is not only about history; as a result of its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming residents, Conde Nast Traveler named it the best American city. For the same reasons, it attracts millions of tourists each year. As of 2019, the city has seen roughly 7.43 million annual travelers walk its charming streets.

  • Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November
  • Attractions: The Battery and White Point Garden, Historic Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter National Monument, Middleton Place Plantation

17 Honolulu, Hawaii

Annual visitors: ~9.5 to 10 million

Aerial shot of Honolulu, Hawaii during the month of June
Photo by Cosmin Serban on Unsplash
Aerial shot of Honolulu, Hawaii during the month of June

Hawaii's Honolulu welcomed more than 10 million visitors in 2019 due to its picturesque landscape, pleasant climate, opulent resorts, and stunning beaches. These numbers have stayed between 9 and 10 million since.

The most populated city is Hawaii's capital, which also acts as a point of entry to the remainder of the state. The temperature, maritime flora, volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife of the islands draw a lot of tourists. However, Honolulu residents also enjoy visiting other historic sites like Pearl Harbor.

  • Best Time To Visit: March to June
  • Attractions: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Iolani Palace

16 Palm Springs, California

Annual visitors: ~13 million

Winter landscape in Palm Springs, California
Shutterstock
Landscape in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is another good vacation destination that deserves to be among the most visited cities in the US in 2024. A resort city nestled in the Coachella Valley desert, it draws tourists because of its modern architecture, thriving art and cultural scene, and lovely surroundings.

The city is home to lots of luxury hotels, golf courses, and lovely spas, allowing visitors to indulge in many exciting activities and stop for days. Palm Springs saw 12.8 million visitors in 2021, including 12.6 million domestic visitors, so it's certainly a popular spot in the California desert.

  • Best Time To Visit: Between January and April
  • Attractions: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons, Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

15 Nashville, Tennessee

Annual visitors: ~14 million

Honky-tonks on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Honky-tonks on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, a district famed for country music entertainment establishments

Nashville has a reputation for being a popular party city. Therefore, the Music City moniker belongs to Nashville. The longest-running live radio show in the world, the Grand Ole Opry, is where visitors can spend some time after learning about the music industry at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Here, some of the most well-known musicians—including Elvis Presley and Jon Bon Jovi—recorded their top-charting tracks.

Nashville welcomed 14.4 million visitors in 2021, but in 2023, the city was projected to welcome 50 million guests to its city lines and the immediate surrounding area, which is a great improvement from past years.

  • Best Time To Visit: May, June, and October
  • Attractions: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, The Parthenon, Broadway (Honky Tonk Highway)

14 New Orleans, Louisiana

Annual visitors: 18.5 to 19 million

Pubs and bars in the French Quarter at night, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Shutterstock
Pubs and bars in the French Quarter at night, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

New Orleans is a place of music, delicious food, and exciting festivals. The city also has museums and plenty of centers where people can witness the melodious jazz music NOLA is known for. All these have led to the city’s huge tourism numbers, which reached its peak in 2019 with approximately 19 million visitors.

When visiting this iconic city in Louisiana, tourists should not miss out on exploring New Orleans' best foods and restaurants, checking out the city’s live jazz spots, and exploring the magnificent New Orleans City Park.

  • Best Time To Visit: February to May
  • Attractions: French Quarter, Garden District, Jackson Square, National WWII Museum, St. Louis Cathedral

13 San Francisco, California

Annual visitors: ~22 million

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

The city of San Francisco, California, has long been a favorite destination for travelers. San Francisco is among the most visited cities in the US, with more than 20 million local and international visitors yearly. Both inhabitants and tourists will find the city to be warm and inviting, and the region is regarded as one of the nation's top cultural centers.

For those looking to have some fun in the sun, the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, crowded Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and cable cars are all well-liked attractions. As of 2022, the city saw 21.9 million visitors, with this number to continue to rise in the coming years.

  • Best Time To Visit: September to November
  • Attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Golden Gate Park

12 Dallas, Texas

Annual visitors: ~22 million

Sunset over Dallas, Texas
Image by Tim Urban from Pixabay

Sunset over Dallas, Texas

One of the more up-and-coming cities to visit in the United States this year is Dallas, Texas. As a place that hosts around 22.5 million visitors annually, Dallas is a booming metropolis with endless attractions, hotels, restaurants, and cultures.

In the broader scheme, over 68 million people visit Dallas and its surrounding cities and suburbs, making this one of the hottest spots in the Lone Star State. There are places like the ever-loved (and walkable) Downtown District, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Reunion Tower, The Dallas World Aquarium, and John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.

  • Best Time To Visit: Between spring (March-May) or fall (September-November)
  • Attractions: Dallas Museum of Art, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Klyde Warren Park, Reunion Tower, Perot Museum of Nature and Science

11 Boston, Massachusetts

Annual visitors: ~23 million

Boston Harbor
Via Unsplash
Sunset from the harbor of Boston 

Visitors from all over the US and the world come to Boston to witness its rich history and culture. The city is where the historic Freedom Trail is located, where one can walk and see plenty of stunning monuments.

Approximately 22.7 million visitors visited the city in 2019 to walk the iconic Freedom Trail and also explore its many historic and art museums, natural areas, and entertainment centers. Boston's historic parks saw around 2 million+ tourists last year, so it's got a lot happening.

  • Best Time To Visit: May through October
  • Attractions: Fenway Park, Freedom Trail, Boston Common, New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts Boston

10 Miami, Florida

Annual visitors: ~26.5 million

A drone shot of a palm tree-lined beach next to a road in Miami, Florida
Photo by Lance Asper on Unsplash
A drone shot of a palm tree-lined beach next to a road in Miami, Florida

There are many cities of interest in Florida, and Miami is one of them. This city enchants visitors from all over the world with its beautiful white sand beaches, delicious seafood, and exciting shopping. Up to 24 million tourists visited Miami in 2019, and that number would have continued to rise if not for the halt brought by the pandemic.

Miami has mild weather and plenty of attractions, and it is overall a great place to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with lots of parties. As of 2022, the city saw a slight jump to 26.5 million visitors within county lines, so that's great news for local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. It's South Beach, baby!

  • Best Time To Visit: mid-Feb through May
  • Attractions: South Beach, Art Deco Historic District, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Wynwood Walls, Everglades National Park

9 St. Louis, Missouri

Annual visitors: ~28 million

 St. Louis, Missouri
Shutterstock
Kiener Plaza and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

Renowned as "The Gateway to the West," St. Louis certainly deserves to be on this list because of the footfall it receives every year. Its modern attractions, serene natural beauty, and friendly atmosphere entice travelers to this charming city, generating revenue for the locals and the government.

The Gateway Arch is the nation's tallest freestanding monument and the major draw, along with the town's culinary scene and a range of exciting things for all ages. The city sees about 28.2 million travelers annually, making it a top spot for those in the Midwest or wishing to come here.

  • Best Time To Visit: May through October
  • Attractions: Gateway Arch, Saint Louis Zoo, Forest Park, City Museum, Missouri Botanical Garden

8 Denver, Colorado

Annual visitors: ~36 million

Denver, Colorado
Shutterstock
Denver, Colorado

Colorado is a place that appeals to all kinds of travelers, as it features a stunning landscape and is home to the vibrant and historic city of Denver. In 2019, this city received approximately 31.9 million visitors, and despite the pandemic, tourism in the city recovered quickly; the city received 31.7 million visitors in 2021. This goes on to reveal how much potential the city has; in 2022, Denver welcomed roughly 36.3 million people, so this is a big one on the list for vacationers.

Many visitors to Denver come for business, but the city also has plenty of exciting things to enjoy, from nature parks to art centers and museums. Denver is also close to world-famous spots like the many attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park and the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

  • Best Time To Visit: September and October
  • Attractions: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Union Station, Colorado State Capitol

Related: 10 Beautiful Places You Should Visit In Denver

7 Atlanta, Georgia

Annual visitors: ~35 to 36 million

Road passing through Atlanta Georgia
Photo by Ronny Sison on Unsplash
Road passing through Atlanta Georgia

One of the more visited places in the United States to try for 2024 is Atlanta, Georgia. This southern city welcomes nearly 35-36 million visitors annually and has become a mecca of music, culture, and opulence.

Atlanta is home to delicious food and entertainers from near and far, making it a nice weekend trip or even a place to stay for many weeks on end. The 2019 tourism figures put the city closer to 60 million visitors, although the post-pandemic has settled at about half of that.

  • Best Time To Visit: Spring (March through April)
  • Attractions: Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta Botanical Garden, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Fox Theatre, National Center for Civil and Human Rights

6 Las Vegas, Nevada

Annual visitors: ~40 million

The Las Vegas Strip at night, Nevada, USA, with famous buildings in the background 
Photo by Ameer Basheer on Unsplash
The Las Vegas Strip at night, Nevada, USA, with famous buildings in the background 

The vibrant atmosphere and the entertainment scene of Las Vegas have made it one of the most visited cities USA states have to offer. In 2019, approximately 35 million visitors came to Las Vegas to enjoy the city’s luxury hotels, casinos, otherworldly landscapes, and adventure parks.

Although the pandemic reduced the number, In 2022, the visitor numbers in Las Vegas had already reached approximately 39 million. This number tends to hover between 30 and 40 million, but Vegas could easily surpass that quota by decade's end.

  • Best Time To Visit: March, April, and November
  • Attractions: The Strip, Bellagio Fountains, Fremont Street Experience, High Roller Observation Wheel, The Venetian Resort and Grand Canal

5 Seattle, Washington

Annual visitors: ~42 million

Sweeping view of the Seattle Space Needle and the surround waterfront.
Via: Unsplash
Sweeping view of the Seattle Space Needle and the surround waterfront.

The long list of natural and man-made attractions in Seattle (that aren't just the Space Needle) has made it appealing to both local and international travelers. In the year before the pandemic, Seattle and its surroundings welcomed approximately 42 million visitors who came and spent more than 8 billion dollars in the city.

Like the tourism industry of many other cities across the country, the city still hopes to regain its previous tourism momentum, and travelers can make that possible by visiting in the new year.

  • Best Time To Visit: June to September
  • Attractions: Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Waterfront, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

4 Los Angeles, California

Annual visitors: ~50 million

The Los Angeles cityscape and palm trees illuminated on a clear evening just after sunset
Shutterstock
The Los Angeles cityscape and palm trees illuminated on a clear evening just after sunset

There are numerous places in California that appeal to travelers, but the city of Los Angeles remains at the top of the list. In 2018, the city recorded a whopping 50 million visitors and that number even grew to about 51 million in 2019. That number continues to sit around the same into 2023 and should stay at 50 million in 2024.

Even though the pandemic may have reduced the city’s tourism numbers, one can still expect LA to reach its previous peak. Los Angeles and Southern California as a whole is an area to find some of the best entertainment in the country, as it hosts Hollywood and plenty of entertainment centers. Los Angeles also has beaches, museums, nature parks, and historical spots.

  • Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to November
  • Attractions: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center, Santa Monica Pier

3 Chicago, Illinois

Annual visitors: ~50 to 60 million

The Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day
Image by sam99929 from Pixabay 
The Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day

Being one of the most beloved destinations in the country, Chicago receives plenty of visitors annually. Of the state’s 120 million yearly visitors in 2019, Chicago received approximately 60 million or about 50% of the entire visitors to the state.

Many things can be said to be the driver of tourism to this city. Still, the most popular include Chicago's interesting art and historical museums, nature parks, delicious food, entertaining spots, and sports.

  • Best Time To Visit: late April through June and September through early November
  • Attractions: Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower Skydeck, Magnificent Mile

Related: One Weekend In Chicago: How To Tour The City Like A Local In 48 Hours

2 New York City, New York

Annual visitors: ~60 million

New York City, NY
Florian Wehde on Unsplash
Times Square in New York City, NY, USA

New York City is one of the top visited cities in the US due to the iconic landmarks and entertainment it offers. Besides hosting some of the most famous attractions in the world, such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, this city also has plenty of museums, entertainment centers, nature parks, and many more.

In 2019, the visitor number of the city reached a whopping 66 million, and with all that the city has to offer, one can say it has not reached its potential yet. As of 2022, NYC saw 56.7 million travelers, so this hovers between 55 and 60 million annually.

  • Best Time To Visit: December
  • Attractions: Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art

1 Orlando, Florida

Annual travelers: ~60 to 70 million

Universal Studios Theme Park, Orlando, Florida
Shutterstock
Universal Studios Theme Park, Orlando, Florida

Being one of the biggest tourist cities in the US is no surprise for Orlando. This city has what people of all ages love; it has Orlando has epic theme parks with thrilling rides for the holidays and year-round, vibrant entertainment centers, interesting zoos, and an abundance of natural areas.

In 2021, the city recorded approximately 59 million visitors, and this is not even up to its potential because it received up to 75 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic struck. The pre-pandemic figures are returning as years pass, so Orlando is a top-visited US city to consider in 2024 and beyond.

  • Best Time To Visit: March to May
  • Attractions: Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, SeaWorld Orlando, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex