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America’s value as a destination filled with natural wonders has already been established – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a traveler who isn’t fascinated by the stunning Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Denali National Park.
However, when someone thinks of the quintessential city break, their mind usually goes to the quaint towns of Europe or the vibrant metropolises of Asia, overlooking the many cultural and historical wonders that lie right here in the U.S. in the process.
That’s all about to change though.
International travelers are showing an ever-growing interest in some of America’s most captivating city destinations, and that’s exactly what the U.S. International Trade Administration revealed in one of its newest reports.
According to their data, these five stunning cities are the most visited in the country right now, and below, you’ll find out just why.
5. San Francisco
Close to 1,740,000 people visited San Francisco last year, most of whom were drawn by the timeless allure of the Golden Gate Bridge, eclectic neighborhoods, and the historic Ferry Building.
Thanks to the area’s hilly landscapes, visitors here get to enjoy some of the most scenic views in all of North America, especially from postcard-worthy vantage points like Twin Peaks or Alamo Square.
While the weather during these winter months isn’t particularly ideal for long sightseeing excursions (precipitation is relatively frequent and temperatures can drop down to 8°C or 46.4°F), it’s still mild enough for seasonal travelers to enjoy iconic landmarks like the historic Fisherman’s Wharf without having to worry about the frigid cold.
Those looking to fully immerse themselves in the city’s culture won’t want to miss out on the innovative atmosphere of Silicon Valley, the bustling streets of Chinatown, and the hip cafes of the Mission District.
4. Los Angeles
Home to the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Getty Center, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles embodies the essence of American culture and history.
The 2,750,00 visitors who entered the city boundaries last year flocked not only to its many remarkable attractions but also to its dreamy beaches, especially Santa Monica and Venice, where LA’s iconic laid-back vibe is stronger than ever.
With all that said, it’s worth noting that the sprawling nature of Los Angeles can be both a challenge and an opportunity for adventurous souls.
While there’s a lot to see and do in the area, including the trendy neighborhoods of West Hollywood, the historic charm of Pasadena, and everything in between, coming in with a well-crafted itinerary and plenty of time to spare is the key to a great experience in this sunny Californian city.
3. Orlando
The theme park capital of the world has always been among North America’s most coveted destinations; however, its popularity this past year has reached never-seen-before heights.
Besides the millions of Americans flocking to the city for a chance to experience the thrill and excitement of its world-class attractions, an additional 2,920,000 international visitors entered its boundaries this past year, proving once again that when fun meets affordability a destination’s allure becomes truly irresistible.
2. Miami
When someone mentions the name “Miami,” your mind probably goes directly to lively beaches and buzzing nightclubs.
And while there’s no denying the world-class party scene that awaits you at the Floridian city, as 4,086,000 travelers discovered this past year, Miami has much more to offer than just its infectious atmosphere.
Take advantage of the subtropical temperatures to explore the (many) local wonders, including Little Havana, the Design Districts, and the Bayside Marketplace.
1. New York
Having welcomed over 6,992,000 international visitors in the span of a year, New York tops yet another travel list, and if current trends are anything to go by, the number’s just going to increase moving forward.
The city that never sleeps is home to so many iconic landmarks, symbolic of not only New York but the entire U.S., that you’ll need far more than just a couple of days to take in the best of what the area has to offer.
A good starter itinerary would include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Wall Street, Broadway, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Greenwich Village, and Central Park.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com