Top 3 free attractions in the USA and secrets of visiting them
You've booked your flights, your hotel room, and your vacation. Now all you need to do is visit the best attractions in the United States, as rated by American travelers. And most of them can be seen for free, reports RD.
Planning a travel route is largely a personal matter. It depends on your preferences, mood and even the time of year. However, it is useful to know what other travelers' experiences of the place you want to visit are.
Luckily, a new study has revealed the attractions that have received the highest ratings from American travelers recently, including some great tourist spots that are free to visit.
How the study identified the top tourist attractions
In a new study, rental and property management company Casago decided to find out how US travelers rate the world's top tourist attractions.
On the subject: Five US national parks to see in the fall
Nowadays it is difficult to come to a scientific conclusion on such things. But to get a better idea of how American travelers rate various attractions, Casago undertook a multi-step process, analyzing thousands of reviews.
To select the best, the team did the following:
- We took the first five pages of “things to do” in the country on Tripadvisor.
- We focused on the 20 most popular attractions for each country with a population of at least 3 million people.
- We have collected up to 100 pages of English-language reviews for each attraction.
- We looked at the rating of each review.
This provided insight into how American travelers rate popular attractions on each continent.
For example, the Irish Rock and Roll Museum in Dublin has become the most popular attraction in the world. Another first place in Europe? Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. But the researchers didn't stop there. The study also identified the top attractions in the United States.
The most popular tourist attractions in the USA
Thanks to Casago's research, it was possible to identify the three most popular tourist attractions in the United States according to American travelers.
3. Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC
The Lincoln Memorial, one of the US capital's most famous landmarks, was ranked third among US tourist attractions included in the Casago study.
The Lincoln Memorial, which the National Park Service calls "shrine-like," helps tell the story of the 16th president, who led the country through the Civil War and freed millions of slaves. Some iconic historical moments have occurred in this building, the most memorable of which is Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Like the article? Support ForumDaily!?
Tourists can visit the Lincoln Memorial completely free of charge. And it's worth it.
“I've seen this a million times on TV, but it's certainly not the same in real life,” writes one Tripadvisor reviewer. “It’s amazing to be here... I’m at a loss for words.”
Tips
One of the best ways to enjoy the Lincoln Memorial is to visit after the crowds and heat of the day have subsided. It is open to the public XNUMX/XNUMX and, like many other nearby monuments, is floodlit at night. This is a scenic and well-lit area that can be explored (and photographed) in the evening hours.
“My first visit to the Lincoln Memorial, many years ago, was during the day. However, a night visit is a must have. It's amazing to see the memorial lit up at night,” one New Orleans visitor wrote in a Tripadvisor review, calling it “one of the most impressive monuments you can visit.”
The memorial is located next to the National Mall, close to the Washington Monument and other must-see attractions. All of them are accessible on foot.
Visit this place in spring, when the city is at its most picturesque. Cherry blossoms peak at the end of March and beginning of April. Just keep an eye on the cherry blossom forecast when planning your trip.
2. National World War II Museum in New Orleans
There is a clear historical trend in this list. The second-highest-rated U.S. tourist attraction among American tourists is the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, according to the study.
Located in the city's warehouse district, this popular museum is a short Uber ride or short walk from the French Quarter. Open from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm every day (except Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). The museum reveals the American experience in World War II. Exhibits focus on the European front, the Pacific theater, and efforts at home.
Depending on your preferences, you can take a guided or self-guided tour, or take part in one of the museum's multimedia shows. Tickets are $32,50 for adults, $27,50 for seniors and $20 for children, military, family members or students. Visiting for veterans and their accompanying persons is free.
Tips
Take one of the museum's routes. They will help you plan your visit and know which exhibits to see. There are half-day, one-day and two-day itineraries, although the museum offers one full day that "allows you to see everything we have to offer."
You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants, and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read all this on ForumDaily New York.
But some visitors think that one day is not enough! “We spent six hours there, watched a 4D movie, took a two-hour tour, and barely scratched the surface of this magnificent museum,” writes one Tripadvisor reviewer. “It takes one day to get a feel for the area because there are several different parts, and then a second day to figure out what you really want to see.”
Clearly, when considering what to do on your next trip to New Orleans, it's worth considering the National World War II Museum.
1. Central Park in New York
Believe it or not, the No. 1 tourist attraction in America, according to Americans, is a park, and more specifically New York's Central Park. Central Park, the nation's most visited urban park, welcomes approximately 42 million visitors annually. Golden Gate Park, the second most visited park in the United States, attracts just 24 million visitors, according to Statista.
This is an oasis among the bustling and noisy streets of Manhattan, a welcome entertainment for budget-conscious visitors to the expensive Big Apple. In fact, “you could spend an entire day wandering around the grounds,” says the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
Travelers visiting the city can use Central Park as a way to spend time outdoors. Families can take advantage of the 21 playgrounds scattered throughout the park or stroll through the Central Park Zoo. Visitors can also rent bicycles, exercise or go for a run, attend a concert or even attend a free performance.
Tips
Try visiting the Central Park Conservatory Garden, the park's formal garden area consisting of three separate gardens. This is a great place to walk to see plant life and fall foliage.
“The park offers stunning landscaped gardens, expansive lawns and a tranquil atmosphere that provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city,” one New Yorker wrote in a recent review. “Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a picnic on the grass or a bike ride along the lake, Central Park has something for everyone.”
Read also on ForumDaily:
Fashion, design, languages, cooking: 10 free online courses to learn a new hobby
Subscribe to ForumDaily on Google NewsDo you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.