Nature, History, and Even Shopping Highlight Top Spring Attractions

At AOP’s headquarters in northwest Iowa, employees woke up this May 1 to find a few inches of snow on the ground and slushy roads. Thankfully, all traces of white stuff should soon be gone, and the ground will once again resemble spring.

Like AOP’s employees, many Americans are eager to get outside this spring after being tucked inside their homes all winter, as evidenced by TripAdvisor’s latest list of the top trending U.S. attractions this spring.

“This spring, U.S. travelers have shown increased interest in nature and parks, as well as sights and landmarks, particularly in the western part of the country,” said Brooke Ferencsik, a senior director of communications at TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor’s rankings of the tourist attractions were based on a two-year review of search sessions on their site from March 1 through April 16.

Top Ten U.S. Spring Attractions
1. The Grand Ole Opry (Nashville, TN)
2. New York City Tour
3. Washington, D.C. Tour
4. Kualoa Ranch (Kaneohe, HI)
5. High Roller Ferris Wheel (Las Vegas, NV)
6. Grand Canyon South Rim
7. Antelope Canyon (Page, AZ)
8. Disney California Adventure Park (Anaheim, CA)
9. Havasu Falls (Supai, AZ)
10. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs, CO)

Memphis, Tennessee, was the only city that featured more than one attraction in the Top 25. In fact, the Bluff City made the list three times with Beale Street, The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, and Graceland all making the cut.

The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, and the massive Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, rounded out the Top 25. In addition, Magnolia Market at the Silos, a home goods store popularized by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame, was the only shopping destination on the list at #15.