In 2023, America welcomed almost 70 million international visitors, with a significant portion of them flocking to a handful of standout cities. While these popular places might share some characteristics that attract adventurers, each also offers its own unique experiences — from their iconic skylines to their important historic sites, vibrant culinary scenes, and picturesque parks. Check out the top 10 most-visited cities in America, according to data from the U.S. Trade Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Office for numbers of overseas tourists in 2023.
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Annual number of international visitors: 1.15 million
Annual tourists to this historic New England city routinely outnumber its population of 650,000. In 2023, 1.15 million overseas visitors made the trip to Boston, with tens of millions more domestic visitors also coming to experience America’s revolutionary past. Popular attractions include the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path linking historical sites like the Old North Church and Boston Common, as well as the beautiful Beacon Hill neighborhood, with rows of brownstones and gaslit lamps lining narrow cobblestone streets.
It’s not all old-world charm in Boston: The modern Seaport District, for example, offers dynamic dining, from authentic coastal seafood to classic French cuisine, all with a scenic view of the Boston Harbor. Beantown also boasts world-class museums, and sports fans should make sure to catch a Red Sox game at the storied Fenway Park. The baseball season takes place right around the same time that the lush Public Garden — America’s first public botanical garden — comes to life.
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
Annual number of international visitors: 1.32 million
The gateway to the Aloha State, Honolulu combines the natural beauty of Oahu island’s beaches with Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures — all in a thriving urban setting. In 2023, 1.32 million overseas tourists visited the stunning city, with many of them posting up near the iconic Waikiki Beach. Beyond the skyscraper-dotted shore of turquoise waves and golden sands, Honolulu also offers visitors unique historical attractions — from Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the U.S., to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a poignant tribute to the devastating World War II attack.
Honolulu’s food scene is also a highlight. Visitors should spend some time taking in the tastes and sights of Chinatown’s eateries and markets, as well as seeking out fresh poke and a serving of refreshing Hawaiian shave ice. Visiting Honolulu wouldn’t be complete without taking in its lush landscapes — while the Diamond Head volcano is visible from Waikiki Beach, hiking to its summit offers unforgettable panoramic views of Honolulu’s coastline.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Annual number of international visitors: 1.4 million
The Windy City’s iconic skyline brought over 1.4 million international visitors to the shores of Lake Michigan in 2023 — and another 50 million visited domestically. Visitors flock to Chicago’s best-known landmarks, from Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “the Bean”) to the Willis Tower Skydeck and the Art Institute museum, the latter of which houses one of the world’s most renowned collections of impressionist art.
Beyond the major attractions, notable neighborhoods including Wicker Park and Pilsen offer eclectic local shops, live music, and food options that showcase the city’s neighborhood feel and creative energy. If you visit in the spring or summer, you can bike or walk the scenic Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile paved path along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
7. Washington, D.C.
Annual number of international visitors: 1.61 million
In 2023, the nation’s capital took 1.61 million international visitors on a walk through U.S. history. Some 20 million additional domestic visitors came to Washington, D.C., to explore major landmarks such as the National Mall, often called “America’s front yard.” Here, visitors can contemplate important figures like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., while the nearby Smithsonian museums offer countless exhibits, from the Hope Diamond at the Museum of Natural History to the Apollo 11 command module at the National Air and Space Museum.
In the Georgetown neighborhood, visitors can explore D.C.’s well-preserved post-Revolution federal architecture, charming waterfront parks, and popular sweets spots like Georgetown Cupcake. Try to make a trip during the spring, when D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms bloom for a short time around the Tidal Basin, creating one of the most iconic and picturesque scenes in the country.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
Annual number of international visitors: 2 million
Las Vegas is known for its glittering casinos and around-the-clock entertainment, and in 2023 the city’s second-to-none nightlife brought over 2 million overseas visitors to the Nevada desert. That’s certainly a high number — but a drop in the bucket compared to the 36 million Americans who visited. The Las Vegas Strip is lined with grand resorts including the Bellagio, with its famous dancing fountains, and the Venetian, complete with indoor canals and gondola rides.
Beyond the slots, Vegas has also become a hub for world-renowned performances, from Cirque du Soleil to residencies by artists such as the Eagles at the cutting-edge new Sphere venue. A short drive away, natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park offer a scenic escape from the city’s lights, while the downtown area offers nostalgic charm alongside revitalization of public spaces.
5. San Francisco, California
Annual number of international visitors: 2.23 million
San Francisco is known for its countercultural history and modern innovation, and in 2023, more than 2.23 million international visitors came to experience the Golden City. The Golden Gate Bridge, with its scenic backdrop of rugged hills and Pacific waters, remains a timeless attraction, as does nearby Alcatraz Island. Fisherman’s Wharf is also one of the city’s top draws — especially Pier 39, where shopping and sunbathing sea lions are all in a day’s visit. For those looking to explore beyond the city, world-famous wine country in the nearby Napa and Sonoma valleys is about an hour’s drive away.
4. Orlando, Florida
Annual number of international visitors: 3.5 million
Orlando’s attractions are legendary, as the over 3.5 million international visitors a year can attest. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld turn the city into a must-visit destination for families just about any time of the year. The Florida city has much more to offer than amusement parks, though. Downtown’s Lake Eola Park is a serene setting for a quieter paddleboat ride, while nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park is a natural oasis of crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or kayaking. For a more standard urban experience that doesn’t involve roller coasters — but does involve a giant Ferris wheel — check out International Drive, packed with restaurants and popular outlet malls.
3. Los Angeles, California
Annual number of international visitors: 3.6 million
The allure of Hollywood glamour, sandy beaches, and year-round sunshine makes Los Angeles a favorite for travelers. Some 3.6 million people visited from overseas in 2023, while another 40 million domestic tourists visited to take in sights like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and Venice Beach.
Art and history lovers can flock to both the Getty Center and the Griffith Observatory not only for their respective exhibits, but also for sweeping views of the stunning L.A. skyline. There’s no need for visitors to go hungry, either: From taco trucks to upscale dining, making the trek just for the food is something plenty of people do, too.
2. Miami, Florida
Annual number of international visitors: 4.36 million
Miami’s sun-drenched shores, vibrant nightlife, and iconic art deco architecture drew over 4.36 million international visitors in 2023, with even more Americans flocking to this beachside paradise. South Beach is famous for its colorful pastel buildings and bustling Ocean Drive, but beyond the beach, Miami has a vibrant nightlife scene with rooftop bars, Latin dance clubs, and high-end lounges.
Meanwhile, art lovers can explore the Wynwood Walls, a sprawling outdoor museum of colorful street art, while the historic Little Havana neighborhood offers a taste of Cuban culture. For a nature escape, the Everglades are a short drive away, offering visitors a chance to experience Florida’s unique wetlands and spot local wildlife.
1. New York, New York
Annual number of international visitors: 9 million
In 2023, almost 9 million overseas visitors flocked to the Big Apple, with a staggering additional 50 million domestic tourists also taking in the city’s iconic sites. Times Square alone gets an average of 40 million visitors every year, making it the most-visited tourist attraction in the U.S. — and one of the most popular attractions in the world.
While iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Central Park draw tourists year-round, NYC is also a veritable cultural playground. Broadway’s theaters are iconic, while live comedy and music shows can be found virtually around any corner. Then, there are museums, from the MoMA to the Whitney, the Met Cloisters, and many more. Many visit New York City for the restaurants alone — it’s one of the cities with the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
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