Forbes Traveler has ranked the top U.S. tourist attractions. Not everyone will agree with their findings.
Forbes relies on visitor figures, but interpretations are made that elevate, lower or exclude certain places.
For example, about 47 million people visit New York City each year, and about 37 million of them go to Times Square, which Forbes ranked as the top tourist attraction in the U.S.
About 40 million people visited the Mall of America near Minneapolis, but it isn't on the list because it's a commercial destination. And Times Square isn't?
The Blue Ridge Parkway attracts about 16 million annual visitors, but the Forbes editors say its 469-mile length "stretched our definition of a tourist destination." My guess is they would apply a similar restriction to Virginia's Skyline Drive.
If you can put the methodology aside and simply look at the greatness represented, you'll realize it's important to experience these places. Here is a geographic listing of the tourist attractions that made their list, along with links that will help you afford the area in which the site is located.
Times Square occupies some of the most expensive real estate on earth. Hotels in Manhattan charge an average of $300/night, but you can find better deals with a little effort.
The same is true of airfares to New York, ground transportation in Manhattan, dining, and attractions or entertainment.
