Top U.S. Travel Destinations to Explore in 2025 Revealed by Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor, the world’s largest platform for travel guidance, has unveiled its coveted Travelers’ Choice Awards for the most sought-after destinations for 2025. This annual recognition highlights locations that have shown notable growth through increased ratings and reviews.

According to Hilary Fischer-Groban, senior director of global brand, insights, and PR, “The Travelers’ Choice Top Destinations reflect not only the quality but also the volume of feedback regarding accommodations, dining, and activities. These selections result from a year-long analysis of data collected between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024.” This method ensures a reliable overview of emerging travel hotspots.

The rankings spotlight New York City as the leading U.S. destination for three consecutive years. Close behind are Oahu and Las Vegas, which hold firm in their respective second and third positions. However, significant changes have reshaped the rest of the list.

Key Changes in the Rankings

A remarkable shift has occurred, with the Florida Keys climbing to fourth place, which is a notable improvement from Key West’s tenth position last year. As a result, New Orleans has dropped to fifth place. Fischer-Groban notes, “Nashville and Charleston remain popular choices, but we see Miami and Maui falling out of the Top 10, making way for San Francisco and Washington, D.C.”.

Top 10 U.S. Destinations for 2025

1. New York City
2. Oahu, Hawaii
3. Las Vegas
4. Florida Keys
5. New Orleans
6. Nashville
7. San Francisco
8. Chicago
9. Charleston, South Carolina
10. Washington, D.C.

Spotlight on Popular Destinations

New York City continues to thrive, with tourist favorites such as the Empire State Building and The Metropolitan Museum of Art receiving a nearly 10% increase in positive reviews from 2023 to 2024.

Oahu’s rise to second place is fueled by a 27% surge in reviews from business travelers, indicating a growing interest in this Hawaiian destination for both leisure and corporate travel.

Las Vegas, holding the third spot, has seen a 43% increase in family traveler reviews, suggesting that the city is becoming increasingly attractive to families. Parents have discovered that the city offers a variety of family-friendly activities, enhancing its appeal.

Must-See Attractions

When planning a trip to any of the top spots, Fischer-Groban highlights several attractions that are essential for visitors. In New York City, top recommendations include:

Central Park
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

For Oahu, she suggests visiting:

Diamond Head State Monument
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Iolani Palace

In Las Vegas, must-see sites include the iconic Fountains of Bellagio, renowned restaurants such as Fresco Italiano and Ferraro’s Restaurante, and a host of entertainment options.

A Look Ahead

In addition to the top travel destinations, Tripadvisor is set to reveal further categories within the Travelers’ Choice Awards this year. Upcoming announcements will include evaluations of beaches, hotels, things to do, and restaurants, scheduled for various weeks throughout the year.

For anyone seeking inspiration for their next adventure, reviewing these award-winning destinations will undoubtedly spark excitement. Whether you’re interested in bustling city life, serene beaches, or cultural landmarks, these locations command attention for a memorable travel experience in 2025.