Just announced by TripAdvisor are 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. The Attractions Trend Index rankings were determined based on the percent increase in search sessions on TripAdvisor desktop and mobile for U.S. travelers between 2015 and 2016 for the period of May-July. Attractions were required to have a minimum of 30,000 sessions during the May-July 2016 period and at least four out of five bubbles on TripAdvisor to qualify.
Trip Advisor Attractions Trend Index 2016
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. | 340.70% |
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. | 118.00% |
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. | 112.50% |
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 thePortland Brewery Bike Tour tickets start at $69 per person. | 109.30% |
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. | 109.20% |
6. Newbury Street Boston, Massachusetts | Upscale shopping, boutique stores and al fresco dining makes this one-mile stretch a must-see in Bostons Back Bay. Travelers can take in this area and more through the Boston Duck Tours, starting at $40 per person. | 108.10% |
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. | 107.60% |
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. | 107.40% |
9. Watkins Glen State Park Watkins Glen, New York | Known for its eponymous race track, this park in New Yorks Finger Lakes region offers outstanding hiking and features 19 waterfalls and more than 800 stone steps. Admission is $8 per vehicle. | 96.40% |
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. | 89.90% |
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. | 88.80% |
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. | 87.80% |
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. | 80.40% |
14. Union Station Denver, Colorado | Recently restored train station has stood as Lower Downtown Denvers 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. | 79.10% |
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 areas 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. | 68.60% |
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 birds eye view of the area with an Orlando Helicopter Tour for $48 per person. | 65.30% |
17. Broadway New York City, New York | Whether attending a show or just sightseeing, travelers will find plenty to do in New Yorks 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. | 63.70% |
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 Grottos Upper Level Garden range from $3-$6 per person. | 63.30% |
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. | 63.00% |
20. Central Park New York City, New York | Features more than 840 acres of green space in the middle of Manhattans concrete jungle. Travelers can check out the filming locations for various popular movies and shows with theCentral Park TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour tickets start at $25 per person. | 62.20% |
21. Washington Park Portland, Oregon | Popular park near downtown Portland is home to miles of hiking trails, multiple lush gardens, a childrens playground and more. Parking fees range from $1.60 per hour to $6.40 for a full day. | 61.30% |
22. Statue of Liberty New York City, New York | Symbol of freedom on New Yorks Ellis Island for 130 years, Lady Liberty offers stunning views of the city and travelers can learn about the islands history on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour for $59 per person. | 59.00% |
23. Fenway Park Boston, Massachusetts | Americas 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. | 58.90% |
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. | 58.80% |
25. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Burbank, California | Entertaining tour takes travelers behind the scenes of some of todays most popular TV shows and movies. Explore the studios sets and soundstages with the Warner Bros. Hollywood Studio Tour and Movie Stars Homes Tour. Tickets start at $126 per person. | 57.70% |