NEEDHAM, Mass., Nov. 01, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TripAdvisor ® , the travel planning and booking site, today announced the results of its Attractions Trend Index, revealing the top 25 U.S. attractions that have seen the greatest increase in traveler interest this fall, based on year-over-year search activity on TripAdvisor. 1
“The Attractions Trend Index reveals introspective and inspirational sites that are gaining attention from travelers this fall,” said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. “For those looking for ideas for great things to do before the end of the season or looking ahead to time off during the holidays, these sites offer something appealing for all traveler types.”
Top Trending U.S. Attractions, Fall 2016
| U.S. Attraction | Reason to Go and What to Book | YoY Traffic Increase | ||
| 1. Ground Zero Memorial – New York City, New York | Water cascades into two pools circled by hundreds of trees, creating a peaceful spot for visitors to remember and reflect on the 15 th anniversary of 9/11. | 425 | % | |
| 2. Fort Sumter National Monument – Charleston, South Carolina | Sea fort located in Charleston harbor where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. Travelers can learn more about this historical site through the Charleston Harbor of History Tour , bookable on TripAdvisor for $25 per person. | 309 | % | |
| 3. Taliesin West – Scottsdale, Arizona | A National Historic Landmark, Taliesin West was the summer retreat of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was designed in harmony with its desert surroundings. Travelers can take in more of the local scenery with a half day Sonoran Desert tour for $150 per person. | 291 | % | |
| 4. Hana Highway - Road to Hana – Maui, Hawaii | Famous scenic roadway in east Maui; travelers can take an adventure on 64.4 miles of thrilling turns, spectacular scenery, rugged cliffs and stunning waterfalls on the Road to Hana Tour from Maui for 130 per person. | 282 | % | |
| 5. Coconut Grove – Miami, Florida | Miami's oldest neighborhood, “The Grove” is a unique blend of historic charm, public green space and fashionable boutiques and restaurants. Travelers can get a unique view of the neighborhood from the water on a Private Tour: Self-Driven or Chartered Powerboat Tour on Miami's Coconut Grove for $129 per person. | 277 | % | |
| 6. Royal Street – New Orleans, Louisiana | The artistic heart of New Orleans, Royal Street is a showcase for fine antiques, boutiques and restaurants. Take a New Orleans French Quarter Segway Tour for $65 to explore more of the French Quarter and cruise along the Mississippi River. | 222 | % | |
| 7. Quincy Market – Boston, Massachusetts | This 19 th -century commercial space was famously renovated in the 1970s and became the model for 20 th - century urban renewal. It remains a popular shopping, dining and meeting place for tourists and locals. Travelers can explore the greater Boston area with the Boston in One Day Sightseeing Tour, at $72 per person. | 215 | % | |
| 8. Portland Aerial Tram – Portland, Oregon | Ascend 500 feet at 22 miles per hour in four-minutes for breath-taking views of Portland. If you’re lucky, on a clear day, you can spot Mount Hood and even Mount St. Helens. Those interested in seeing more of the city can take the Portland Sightseeing Tour for $105. | 200 | % | |
| 9. Shoreline Sightseeing – Chicago, Illinois | You can’t visit the Windy City without taking a Chicago Architecture River Cruise ($34) with the city’s leading cruise company. Their knowledgeable guides highlight the history of the city’s famous skyline. | 186 | % | |
| 10. LaZoom Comedy Tour – Asheville, North Carolina | No dry recitation of facts and figures here. The LaZoom tour of Asheville makes you laugh as you learn the history of the city. And you’ll visit spots both famous and hidden. | 185 | % | |
| 11. I-Drive 360 – Orlando, Florida | This entertainment complex houses Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussaud’s wax museum and the towering Orlando Eye. Travelers can book The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye Admission in advance for $23 per person. | 166 | % | |
| 12. Wrigley Mansion – Phoenix, Arizona | Chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr., built the mansion as a 50 th wedding anniversary present for his wife and it’s now open to the public. Tour this and other city landmarks on the Half-Day Phoenix Highlights Tour ($70.) | 158 | % | |
| 13. The Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tennessee | A visit to the Opry is a Nashville tradition for tourists and country music stars. Travelers can book their ticket for $44 before they go in order to see Nashville’s best and brightest on stage. | 156 | % | |
| 14. Beach Blanket Babylon – San Francisco, California | The "World's Longest Running Musical Revue" lampoons targets from SF to DC, from politics to popular entertainment. Travelers can book a ticket on TripAdvisor for $52 to enjoy the outlandish humor, costumes and some very high hats. | 155 | % | |
| 15. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey Tour – Denver, Colorado | Tour one of the first micro-distilleries in the United States for a look at the whiskey-making process and a taste of the 94-proof product. | 155 | % | |
| 16. Gatlinburg Trail – Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Run, walk or ride your bike on this 1.9-mile trail that winds along the Little Pigeon River through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Travelers can take in the stunning beauty of the park with the Great Smokey Mountains Waterfall Adventure guided hike for $40 per person. | 151 | % | |
| 17. Arches National Park – Moab, Utah | Arches National Park offers stunning vistas at every turn, with more than 2,000 natural stone arches. Take a 4x4 tour and discover views hidden to most tourists. | 142 | % | |
| 18. Paranormal - The Mindreading Magic Show by Frederic Da Silva – Las Vegas, Nevada | Mentalist Frederic Da Silva is a master at magic, mind- reading and mystery. Is it real or is it an illusion? Travelers can find out for themselves with a ticket to the show ($50 per person.) | 142 | % | |
| 19. Hole in the Rock – Phoenix, Arizona | Centuries of erosion created holes in the sandstone hills of Papago Park. Explore the fascinating terrain on a leisurely hike, culminating in a spectacular view of the city. | 141 | % | |
| 20. The Pearl District – Portland, Oregon | This former industrial area is now a vibrant neighborhood of trendy restaurants and boutiques. Travelers can experience a 3-hour food walking tour of the Pearl District and more in the Downtown Portland Tour ($79.) | 140 | % | |
| 21. Miami Design District – Miami, Florida | This District is literally a neighborhood by design. Art, architecture and aesthetics were the guiding force for turning this forgotten area of the city into a thriving center for creativity in food and recreation. Take the Miami Art Tour ($107) and explore the Design District, Midtown and Wynwood. | 139 | % | |
| 22. Deep Ellum – Dallas, Texas | This funky area of Dallas is famous for its vibrant murals, art galleries and music venues. The historic neighborhood has had its ups and downs through the years, but artists and musicians have always felt at home. Visitors can book the Dallas Segway Tour for $39 per person. | 136 | % | |
| 23. Extranomical Tours – San Francisco, California | TripAdvisor reviewers hail the entertaining, informed Extranomical tours of San Francisco and its beautiful surrounding areas. Book their most popular tour, the San Francisco Super Saver ($105) for a tour of Muir Woods and Wine Country. | 135 | % | |
| 24. The Island – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | The Island is an entertainment complex offering twenty-three acres of family fun. Signature attractions are the 200-foot-high Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and the hourly dazzling light and fountain show. | 134 | % | |
| 25. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – Denver, Colorado | Located in Hangar #1 on the grounds of the former Lowry Airforce Base, Wings Over the Rockies is dedicated to preserving aviation and space history and promoting future exploration. | 133 | % | |
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site*. Travelers can read millions of reviews and opinions and book their next trip at: www.tripadvisor.com .
Notes to editors: The Attractions Trend Index rankings were determined based on the percent increase in search sessions on TripAdvisor desktop and mobile for U.S. travelers between 2015 and 2016 for the period of September 1- October 15. Attractions were required to have a minimum of 2,000 sessions during the 2015 period and at least four out of five bubbles on TripAdvisor to qualify.
About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor ® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to unleash the full potential of every trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 350 million average monthly unique visitors**, and reached 385 million reviews and opinions covering 6.6 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 48 markets worldwide. TripAdvisor: Know better, Book better and Go better.
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*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, May 2016
**Source: TripAdvisor log files, Q2 2016
CONTACT: Brooke Ferencsik (781) 800-5061 bferencsik@tripadvisor.com
