ORLANDO, Fla. – Tripadvisor has released its latest list of the highest-rated attractions nationwide — though last year’s top pick fell a few places this time around.
The ranking examines Tripadvisor reviews covering a wide swath of places and activities, including museums, natural wonders, and other tourist destinations.
In 2025, the No. 1 attraction was determined to be the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Merritt Island.
The space-based attraction also landed at No. 3 on the worldwide ranking, boasting over 15,000 five-star reviews.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at night. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
However, it fell a couple of ranks this go-around.
For 2026, the Empire State Building in New York City placed No. 1 instead, followed closely by the Sun Studio in Memphis at No. 2.
“The Empire State Building is arguably the most iconic building in New York City. Visitors can expect two observation decks, with sweeping skyline views. Other than a classic photo-op, you can learn about the building’s history through informative displays and videos, then have a meal at one of the seven on-site restaurants.”
Tripadvisor, “Best of the Best Things to Do”
That said, it isn’t all doom and gloom for the Space Coast icon. The KSC Visitor Center came in third place for this year’s ranking.
The only other Florida ranking on this year’s list is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which came in just below at No. 4.
Meanwhile, the full ranking is as follows:
RankAttractionLocation1Empire State BuildingNew York City, NY2Sun StudioMemphis, TN3NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor ComplexMerritt Island, FL4John Pennekamp Coral Reef State ParkKey Largo, FL5Central ParkNew York City, NY6National Museum of World War II AviationColorado Springs, CO7Brooklyn BridgeNew York City, NY8The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York City, NY9Chihuly Garden and GlassSeattle, WA10Alcatraz IslandSan Francisco, CA11Garden of the GodsColorado Springs, CO12Mount Rushmore National MemorialKeystone, SD13Grand Canyon South RimGrand Canyon National Park, AZ14Statue of LibertyNew York City, NY15Golden Gate BridgeSan Francisco, CA16Red Rock Canyon National Conservation AreaLas Vegas, NV17The Gateway ArchSt. Louis, MO18The National 9/11 Memorial & MuseumNew York City, NY19Biltmore EstateAsheville, NC20Iolani PalaceHonolulu, HI21Griffith ObservatoryLos Angeles, CA22San Antonio River WalkSan Antonio, TX23Horseshoe BendPage, AZ24Diamond Head State MonumentHonolulu, HI25GracelandMemphis, TX26Lincoln MemorialWashington, DCBreaking News Alerts
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Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.