Save On Travel and Hotels Shop All Deals Now! Vrbo

TripAdvisor names the most-booked tourist experience in each U.S state

The most popular tours and experiences in each of America’s 50 states have been revealed by TripAdvisor. 

From glacier gazing in Alaska to speedboat rides in Florida, these are the trips that melted the TripAdivsor switchboard last year. As it were. 

Scroll down to find out America’s excursion gems, state by state…

Alaska – Whale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier Combo Tour

The Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. A tour that takes in the glacier as well as watching whales is the most popular experience in Alaska on TripAdvisor

A trip that takes visitors whale-watching and to the Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular tour in Alaska. 

The five-hour tour includes flexible departure times and round-trip transportation from Mt. Roberts Tramway, making it ideal for a shore excursion or quick trip.

Alabama – Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise

Setting off from Orange Beach in the Gulf of Mexico, the Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise sees tourists go in search of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

Guests take in views of the stunning Alabama coastline and also get the opportunity to see what the crew caught in their crab trap.

Arizona – 45-minute helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona

Dragon Corridor in the Grand Canyon, which guests fly past in a 45-minute helicopter flight of the Grand Canyon that begins in the town of Tusayan 

Starting in the town of Tusayan, this 45-minute helicopter flight allows guests to see parts of the Grand Canyon that can’t be accessed by bus or on foot.

The tour takes in Dragon Corridor, the North and South Rims, Kaibab National Forest, the Colorado River and the Painted Desert.

Arkansas – Riverboat dinner and dance cruise in Hot Springs

The most popular excursion in Arkansas is the Hot Springs dinner cruise where guests sail on Lake Hamilton aboard a double-decker sightseeing boat.

They get the opportunity to learn about the town before enjoying dinner and dancing.

California – Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour

A view of the scenic Napa Valley in Northern California. The state’s most-booked experience on TripAdvisor is a tour of Napa and Sonoma 

California’s most-booked experience is the Northern California Wine Country tour from San Francisco.

The trip includes stops at three wineries – one in Napa and two in Sonoma – and lunch at Sonoma Square Plaza.

Connecticut – HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods

Located at the Foxwoods Resort Casino is Connecticut’s most popular experience, the HighFlyer Zipline.

It sees daredevils zipline 350 feet from the rooftop of Fox Tower to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. And because it lasts more than one minute, guests can soak up views to Long Island Sound.

Colorado – Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder

Guests ‘weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife like elk, black bears or moose’ on a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park 

This eight-hour tour, which leaves from either Denver or Boulder, allows guests to explore the rugged beauty of Colorado’s mountains.

According to tour operator Aspire Tours, guests will ‘weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife like elk, black bears or moose’. 

Delaware – Two-hour tandem kayak rental in Rehoboth Bay

The beautiful Rehoboth Bay in Delaware, where tourists can experience a two-hour tandem kayak rental 

Delaware’s most popular experience is a two-hour tandem kayak rental in the beautiful Rehoboth Bay.

According to Delmarva Board Sport Adventures, which offers the experience, guests can ‘cruise through the water as they enjoy the scenic surroundings and observe the local wildlife’.

Florida – Speedboat sightseeing tour of Miami

Florida’s most booked excursion on TripAdvisor is a Miami Vice-style speedboat cruise lasting 45 minutes. Sights include Miami Beach, pictured 

Florida’s most booked excursion on TripAdvisor is a Miami Vice-style speedboat cruise lasting 45 minutes.

TripAdvisor says: ‘Settle into your plush seat as your expert captain pilots the speedboat down the sandy shoreline, where you can view Fisher Island and Star Island’s collection of multi-millionaire and celebrity homes. Buzz by Miami Beach, where the locals strut their stuff in sun and you can snap photos of the Art Deco mansions lining South Beach.’ 

Georgia – Savannah hop-on hop-off trolley tour

The top experience in Georgia is the hop-on, hop-off trolley tour of Savannah, which boasts 15 stops.

Among them is the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, River Street and Pirates House. Trolleys depart every 20 minutes.

Hawaii – Pearl Harbor Tour from Honolulu

The Pearl Harbor Tour from Honolulu takes in several of the most significant sites from World War II such as the Pacific National Monument, and the USS Arizona Memorial, pictured 

The Pearl Harbor Tour from Honolulu takes in several of the most significant sites from World War II such as the Pacific National Monument, the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

The tour – in a private car – also includes a guided narration of the sites and a drive through historic Honolulu.

Idaho – Snake River scenic cruise

A scenic two-hour cruise on Snake River is Idaho’s most popular tourist trip.

Guests float along in a 16-metre boat and pass by sights including Thousand Springs, Box Canyon Springs and Blue Heart Springs.

Illinois – Chicago architecture river cruise

The most popular tourist experience in Illinois is the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, where guests learn about the city’s immense skyscrapers

One of the most popular ways to see Chicago’s most famous buildings is on the city’s architecture river cruise.

The cruise takes guests on a one-hour journey to view buildings including the Willis Tower, the Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, the Wrigley Building and the Aon Center.

Indiana – Single person kayak day trip on the Blue River in Indiana

Indiana’s most-booked trip on TripAdvisor is a full day kayaking tour on the Blue River.

Beginning in the town of Fredericksburg, the tour sees guests paddle for 12 miles downstream, taking in the stunning riverside scenery.

Iowa – Field of Dreams movie site guided home tour in Dyersville

In Iowa, the most popular excursion is a guided tour of the site where the 1989 Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams was filmed.

The set has been perfectly preserved to show guests what a real-life Iowa farmhouse in the early 1900s would look like.

Kansas – Kansas City indoor skydiving experience

The most-booked experience in Kansas is a plane-less sky-dive.

IFly Kansas City allows guests to enter a vertical wind tunnel, where they get the feeling of skydiving in two 60-second sessions.

Kentucky – Thoroughbred horse farm tour in Kentucky

The Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s most famous horse races, so it’s no surprise that the most popular excursion in Kentucky is a tour of the thoroughbred horse scene.

The tour takes in the world-famous Keeneland racecourse and Calumet Farm, a breeding facility for racehorses.

Louisiana – New Orleans ghost, voodoo, and vampire tour

The most popular experience in Louisiana is a tour around New Orleans, pictured, based on tales of voodoo, vampires, ghosts, and witches

New Orleans in Louisiana is infamous for its spooky past, filled with tales of voodoo, vampires, ghosts, and witches.

And the most booked excursion in the state is a walking tour that brings the folklore and history of the city to life, all during the creepiest time of the day – night. 

Maine – Narrated Sightseeing Tour of Portland, Maine, Aboard a Vintage Fire Truck

The most booked tour in Maine is a quirky sightseeing journey of the city of Portland aboard a vintage fire engine.

The 50-minute tour takes in coastal scenery and historic sites and comes with a live narration accompanied by photographs from the Maine Historical Society on an onboard multimedia system.

Maryland – Sagamore Spirit Distillery Tasting and Tour

A guided tour of the Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Baltimore, which produces some of Maryland’s finest rye whiskey, also makes the list.

The one-hour tour in Port Covington takes guests through the whiskey-making process and ends with a tasting of American straight rye whiskey and whiskey-infused chocolates.

Massachusetts – Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour

One of the stop-offs on the Boston hop-on hop-off trolley tour is the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, pictured 

Boston’s hop-on hop-off trolley tour is the most popular excursion in Massachusetts with stops at the USS Constitution and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

A whole loop on the trolley lasts one hour, 45 minutes, and guests also get free admission to the Old State House and Dreamland Wax Museum.

Michigan – Detroit’s Rise Fall and Renewal

The most-booked tour in Michigan focuses on the city of Detroit from it filing for bankruptcy to it rising to prosperity again.

Detroit Urban Adventures runs the tour and says guests ‘following their local guide through the sights and landmarks and learn about the history, architecture and art of Motor City’.

Minnesota – Historic Northeast Minneapolis Food Tour

Minnesota’s most-booked tour is a food tour discovering some of the best bites in Minneapolis.

Guests get to visit six of the best restaurants in the city and sample sausages, pizza, Greek desserts and local cheeses.

Mississippi – City Sightseeing Natchez Hop On Hop Off Tour

A hop-on hop-off tour of the city of Natchez is Mississippi’s most popular excursion.

A pass for the tour is valid for one or two days and there are 12 stops ranging from Melrose Estate to Saint Mary Basilica.

Missouri – Main Street Lake Cruises of Branson

A cruise on Lake Taneycomo in the city of Branson is the most popular excursion in Missouri.

Guests can choose to cruise on the Lake Queen, a modern-day replica of a historical riverboat, or opt for the Landing Princess, a 100-foot (30-meter) luxury yacht.

Montana – Half Day Whitewater Rafting Trip

An adrenaline-filled water rafting excursion in the Glacier National Park is the most popular trip in Montana.

Guests paddle along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, enjoy a thrilling eight-mile route that includes Class II rapids, and admire stunning views of the John Stevens Canyon and the surrounding Glacier National Park.

Nebraska – Great Platte River Road Archway Monument

The Archway Monument, which salutes the pioneers of the past and inspires the adventurers of today in Kearney, Nebraska

Spanning I-80 at Exit 275 in Kearney, Nebraska, the Archway Monument salutes the pioneers of the past and inspires the adventurers of today.

Guests can spend time at the Archway, exploring the unique, family-friendly historical exhibitions, the replica sod house and the Trail Blaze Maze.

Nevada – Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk

A trip to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim on a full-day trip from Las Vegas, which includes a visit to the Hoover Dam, is Nevada’s most popular excursion.

The tour can be customised by adding the Grand Canyon Skywalk and/or a helicopter trip into the canyon with a Colorado River boat tour.

New Hampshire – Full Day White Mountain Tour with Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram (availability may vary seasonally)

The most popular  experience in New Hampshire is a full-day tour of the White Mountains, which includes a tram ride to the top of Cannon Mountain.

Guests can take in views of streams and valleys from the Kancamagus Highway and learn about the history of White Mountain National Forest at the visitors’ center.

New Jersey – Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

Seeking whales and dolphins on a cruise from Cape May is the most popular tour in New Jersey.

The tour is offered by Cape May Whale Watcher, which says ‘your captain will navigate you to the best locations for spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises and your certified naturalist guide offers live commentary about the area’s ocean life and the animals’ natural habitat’.

New Mexico – Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

A hot air balloon flight at sunrise in Albuquerque along the Rio Grande is the most popular excursion in New Mexico.

And given the panoramic views, it’s no wonder. 

New York – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Award-Winning, Small-Group Tour

A small group tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is the most popular experience in New York as it benefits from early reserve-line access for the round-trip ferry trip, as well as an optional early morning departure time that puts guests ahead of many sightseers.

The guide takes guests through Lady Liberty’s pedestal and its observation decks, as well as through the Great Hall exhibits at Ellis Island.

North Carolina – Charlotte Comedy City Tour

The Uptown area of Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the neighborhoods guests see on a comedy tour of the city 

A quirky open-air bus tour of Charlotte, which has a comedy narration of the city’s historic architecture and entertainment, tops the list for North Carolina.

This adults-only tour, where guests can bring their own wine and beer, takes in neighbourhoods including Uptown and the Fourth Ward.

North Dakota – America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass

The most-sold ticket in North Dakota is the America the Beautiful pass, which allows admission to National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands.

Rather than pay for admission at each one, the pass gives access to all of them for a year.

Ohio – The Nati in a Nutshell Cincinnati Food Tour Including Carew Tower Entrance Fee

A three-hour tour of Cincinnati is the most popular in Ohio, with the comprehensive trip including a streetcar ride, food tastings, and a visit to the local farmers’ market.

Streetcar fare, three food tastings, and entrance fees to the Carew Tower are included.

Oklahoma – Spooks, Spirits, and Scoundrels Ghost Tour of Oklahoma City

This two-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the haunted history of Oklahoma City, where they will hear tales of spooky ghost sightings and eerie attractions.

Guests wander the city streets in search of spirits who inhabited Hell’s Half Acre and the Chinese Underground, and uncover some of Oklahoma’s darkest secrets, from its red light days to a string of grisly unsolved murders.

Oregon – Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland

A half-day tour of Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls starting in Portland is the most popular trip in Oregon.

Guests travel along the historic Columbia River Highway National Scenic Byway, the first scenic highway in the US to be named a National Historic Landmark, stop at the magnificent Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall waterfall, and visit the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

South Carolina – Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Tour

Tourists sit on a horse-drawn carriage as they travel through the streets of Charleston in South Carolina 

The most popular way to tour Charleston in South Carolina is by hopping on a horse-drawn carriage tour.

The most booked is Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Tour, which covers 30 blocks taking in sights from the city’s past including those from the Civil War era.

Pennsylvania – Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia

This intimate walking tour of Philadelphia allows guests to view all of the city’s essential sights as well as learn about its fascinating history.

In the company of a small group, guests visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Franklin Court and more.

Rhode Island – Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour with Breakers Admission

A tour of Newport’s grand mansions in a trolley bus is the most popular excursion in Rhode Island.

The tour takes in beautiful houses along Bellevue Avenue, Cliff Walk and Ocean Drive, where guests get sweeping views across Narragansett Bay. Also included is a tour of The Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion that’s among the most spectacular of Newport’s historic homes.

South Dakota – Mount Rushmore and More Tour

The imposing Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. A nine-hour tour of the sculpture and surrounding area is the most popular tourist experience in the state 

The nine-hour Mount Rushmore and More Tour takes in the iconic sculpture.

And more. 

The popular tour also includes stops at the Crazy Horse Memorial and the beautiful landscapes of Custer State Park.

Tennessee – Elvis Presley’s Graceland Tour with Audio Guide & Airplanes

A tour of Graceland, the famous home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, is the most popular experience in Tennessee.

On the tour, guests can look through a plethora of memorabilia, like photos, personal mementos, costumes, and jewelry. The tour also includes a visit to the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, featuring some of his favorite cars, including his 1955 pink Cadillac.

Texas – Best of Austin Small-Group Guided Tour

The most booked experience in Texas is a small group guided tour of the city of Austin.

The tour, which includes transport from Austin Visitor Center, shows off both popular attractions and lesser-known hangouts, including a dessert truck.

Utah – Monument Valley Guided Tour

The Monument Valley Guided Tour sees guests discover the area with the help of a native Navajo guide.

They travel in an open-air vehicle, taking backcountry routes that are prohibited to most visitors.

Vermont – Burlington Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner

This four-hour tour gives tourists an insight into Burlington’s thriving craft beer scene and the chance to meet the brewers.

Guests can taste up to 15 locally produced beers and share the experience with a fun group of fellow beer lovers. 

West Virginia – Whitewater Rafting Lower New River Gorge 

Rafters float towards the rapids under the high arched New River Gorge bridge in West Virginia

The most booked experience in West Virginia is a six-hour white water rafting trip in the New River Gorge National Park.

Guests can choose from a morning or afternoon departure, then enjoy the amazing scenery while challenging Class III and IV rapids along the way. 

Virginia – Two-Hour Victory Rover Naval Cruise

The most popular experience in Virginia is a tour of Norfolk Naval Station, home to some of US Naval Fleet.

Guests can sail through the waters of the Elizabeth River to Hampton Roads Harbor, listening to in-depth commentary on the daily activities of one of the world’s busiest seaports. There are opportunities to snap aircraft carriers, submarines, guided missile cruisers, Atlantic fleet destroyers, and other boats.

Washington – Seattle Underground History Tour

One of the most booked tours in Seattle takes place on the underground pathways in the city, which have existed since the 1890s.

Tourists can trace the city’s history, from an indigenous dwelling to its Gold Rush days and through to the modern day.

Wisconsin – Milwaukee Sightseeing City Tour

A guided walking tour of Milwaukee is most popular in the state of Wisconsin.

The tour takes tourists on a walking and driving tour of top Milwaukee attractions, including City Hall and the Milwaukee Art Museum, in addition to fun trips to a creamery and a brewery.

Wyoming – Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in Open-Air Vehicle

Horses graze in the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. TripAdvisor offers a hugely popular tour that takes in this amazing slab of landscape 

On this small group Grand Teton wildlife safari, guests join a local naturalist and guide for a ride in an open-air safari vehicle on dirt roads and on paved highways within Grand Teton National Park.

There, visitors look for wolves, moose elk and eagles soaring overhead.     

In addition to helping find wildlife, guides will discuss the area’s ecology, history, geology, and culture. 

North Dakota data was not available for the same time period. Included is the top-rated bookable experience. 



Source link

CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations

READ MORE: Travel News

About the author: Travel News

Related Posts

Sightseeing Pass TripAdvisor