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.
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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.
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.”
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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:
| Rank | Attraction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Empire State Building | New York City, NY |
| 2 | Sun Studio | Memphis, TN |
| 3 | NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex | Merritt Island, FL |
| 4 | John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Key Largo, FL |
| 5 | Central Park | New York City, NY |
| 6 | National Museum of World War II Aviation | Colorado Springs, CO |
| 7 | Brooklyn Bridge | New York City, NY |
| 8 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | New York City, NY |
| 9 | Chihuly Garden and Glass | Seattle, WA |
| 10 | Alcatraz Island | San Francisco, CA |
| 11 | Garden of the Gods | Colorado Springs, CO |
| 12 | Mount Rushmore National Memorial | Keystone, SD |
| 13 | Grand Canyon South Rim | Grand Canyon National Park, AZ |
| 14 | Statue of Liberty | New York City, NY |
| 15 | Golden Gate Bridge | San Francisco, CA |
| 16 | Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area | Las Vegas, NV |
| 17 | The Gateway Arch | St. Louis, MO |
| 18 | The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum | New York City, NY |
| 19 | Biltmore Estate | Asheville, NC |
| 20 | Iolani Palace | Honolulu, HI |
| 21 | Griffith Observatory | Los Angeles, CA |
| 22 | San Antonio River Walk | San Antonio, TX |
| 23 | Horseshoe Bend | Page, AZ |
| 24 | Diamond Head State Monument | Honolulu, HI |
| 25 | Graceland | Memphis, TX |
| 26 | Lincoln Memorial | Washington, DC |