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Top 10 Cities to Visit in the U.S.
From sun-soaked beaches to soaring mountains, the United States is packed with unforgettable places to explore. With 63 national parks and so many vibrant cities steeped in history and culture, there's a perfect destination waiting for every kind of traveler.
Ever wondered which cities welcome the most travelers each year? We've rounded up the top 10, complete with the best attractions in each. And with the freedom of a Hertz rental car, you can explore every stop and uncover hidden gems at your own pace.
And the best part? AAA makes planning effortless. From vacation deals and easy hotel bookings to expert travel agents, AAA helps you handle every detail. AAA Members enjoy even more value, including exclusive savings on Hertz rentals. So buckle up—let's explore the top destinations.
1. Orlando, Florida
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Top-ranked accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort | AAA Five Diamond
Home to world-renowned theme parks that draw millions of visitors a year—including Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort—Orlando easily tops the list of U.S. tourist destinations.
Located in Central Florida, Orlando offers everything from exciting theme parks to endless shopping and dining, plus warm Florida sunshine, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable family vacation.
Picking up a Hertz rental car at the airport makes arrival simple, especially for families who want to experience Orlando beyond the theme parks. Once you've had your share of thrills, hit the road for easy day trips to the beach, Kennedy Space Center or nearby natural springs.
Featured deals and activities:
Transport to Orlando theme parks
Orlando manatee encounters
Museum of Illusions Orlando
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Orlando Magic NBA basketball tickets
2. Anaheim, California
Top-ranked accommodation: The Viv Hotel Anaheim | AAA Four Diamond
Searching for the best city to visit with kids? Look no further than Anaheim. As the home of Disneyland Resort and Knott's Berry Farm, Anaheim ranks number second on our list of top U.S. tourist destinations.
Anaheim sits in Orange County and forms part of the greater Los Angeles area. You’ll find plenty to enjoy, like shopping and entertainment at Anaheim GardenWalk, a concert at Pearson Park or a baseball game at Angel Stadium.
You can also uncover hidden gems all around Anaheim, from sightseeing at Heisler Park to cultural districts like Old Towne Orange. From top-down convertible drives along the coast to comfortable road trips in a midsize SUV, a Hertz rental turns the journey into part of the adventure.
Disneyland Resort tickets
Aquarium of the Pacific
Full-day icon sights of LA tour
Whale watching and Orange County beaches tour from Anaheim
Universal Studios Hollywood
3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Top-ranked accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale | AAA Five Diamond
Craving a little vitamin sea? Head to Fort Lauderdale, third on our list of the top 10 U.S. cities to visit.
Beaches, art, entertainment and events rank among Fort Lauderdale's biggest draws. The "Venice of America" offers everything from gondola rides along the canals to shopping on Las Olas Boulevard beside a picturesque riverfront.
While the city's historic and arts districts make for great land activities, Fort Lauderdale shines on the water, with snorkeling and boat cruises that offer prime views of the mansions and yachts along Millionaires' Row. A rental car is highly recommended if you want to explore beyond the beachfront, letting you travel at your own pace without waiting on rideshares. Drive inland to Sawgrass Mills—a 20-minute trip—and shop more than 350 stores. For even more adventure, head west on an airboat ride into the Everglades.
Fort Lauderdale Snorkel and Seabob Underwater Guided Reef Tour
Fort Lauderdale sailing charter
Everglades airboat tour from Fort Lauderdale
Bonnet House Ground, Gardens, Museum & Kayak/SUP Paddle Adventure
Fort Lauderdale Beachfront
4. New York, New York
Top-ranked accommodation: The Dominick | AAA Four Diamond
Ranking fourth among top U.S. tourist destinations is globally celebrated New York City, packed with iconic landmarks, neighborhoods and skyscrapers.
The city is so big it spans five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island—each like a smaller city within the metropolis. New York also brims with culture, featuring neighborhoods like Koreatown, numerous Chinatowns, Little Italy plus thriving Jewish and African American communities.
As you can imagine, the things to do here are endless. History buffs can book tours of iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. Art and fashion lovers can visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or catch a Broadway show in Times Square.
New York helicopter tour: Manhattan highlights
New York premier lunch cruise
New York City nightclub tour
Superheroes in New York walking tour
9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero Tour with Optional 9/11 Museum Ticket
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Top-ranked accommodation: Bellagio | AAA Four Diamond
Marketed as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas ranks fifth among the most-traveled destinations in the U.S. With its world-class casinos, around-the-clock energy and dazzling nightlife, the city has long been known as Sin City.
While the casinos and clubs thrill any socialite, Las Vegas offers plenty more for all ages and interests. Catch the Bellagio's fountain shows on the Strip, see a jaw-dropping performance, ride the thrills atop the STRAT or treat yourself to a spa day followed by a meal at an old-school Vegas restaurant.
Picking up a Hertz rental car at the airport makes arrival simple, especially for travelers who want to pair city sightseeing with day trips. The man-made wonder of the Hoover Dam sits close by, and your adrenaline will spike at the Grand Canyon Skywalk, about a two-hour drive away. With added value on Hertz rentals for AAA Members, you can spend more on special dinners, shows and memorable excursions.
Las Vegas dunes tour by ATV
Flight experience in Las Vegas
Masters of Magic show at Las Vegas Magic Theater
High Roller wheel
Las Vegas shows
6. Boston, Massachusetts
Top-ranked accommodation: Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston | AAA Four Diamond
Number six takes us to the historic Northeast city of Boston, where you'll find world-class educational institutions alongside championship-winning sports teams.
Boston is a dream for history lovers as the birthplace of the American Revolution. It also boasts one of the country's most celebrated waterfronts, home to the Boston Tea Party Museum.
When you've had your fill of history, dig into the city's renowned clam chowder at one of its fantastic restaurants. No matter why you visit Beantown, you'll never run out of things to do. Planning to extend your stay? Consider a rental car—historic towns like Lexington, Concord and Salem are well worth the drive.
Boston signature dinner cruise with buffet
New England Aquarium admission in Boston
Walking tour of the Freedom Trail in Boston
Best of Boston tour
Sip of Boston guided brewery tour
7. Tampa, Florida
Top-ranked accommodation: Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection | AAA Four Diamond
Ranking seventh on our list is sunny Tampa, brimming with history and culture, a standout culinary scene and plenty of outdoor adventures. Sports fans can time their visit to catch NFL and NHL games or experience the excitement of MLB games or spring training throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Tampa features activities for everyone, including amusement parks, museums, historic Ybor City with lively bars on every corner. It's also great for budget-minded travelers, offering much of what Orlando does without the hefty price tag. Want to add a beach day? Rent a car and head to Clearwater Beach, about 28 miles west, where you'll find white sand and a bustling Beach Walk Promenade lined with seafood restaurants and shops.
Tiki boat cruise in Tampa
Clear kayak tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay area
Tampa history cruise
Guided Tampa tour in a deluxe street-legal golf cart
Dolphin sightseeing cruise from Tampa
8. Atlanta, Georgia
Top-ranked accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta | AAA Four Diamond
Atlanta ranks eighth among top U.S. travel destinations, thanks to its Southern charm and vibrant culture. With a diverse food scene, upscale shopping and rich history, it's easy to see why the city draws so many visitors to the Southeast.
Atlanta stood at the forefront of the civil rights movement, and its businesses, museums and landmarks honor the African American experience. The city also hosts some of the region's top art festivals, galleries and emerging community exhibitions. Skip the high cost of rideshares by renting a car and exploring the city on your own schedule.
Atlanta sightseeing bus tour
Midtown Atlanta food and cocktail tour
Illuminarium Atlanta
Atlanta's Black history and civil rights tour
Atlanta BeltLine food and art tour
9. Phoenix, Arizona
Top-ranked accommodation: Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts | AAA Four Diamond
Looking to escape the cold winter months? Head to Phoenix, ranked ninth among the most traveled destinations in the U.S.
Phoenix offers an incredible variety of resorts and hotels, plus a wealth of artistic and cultural attractions, historic neighborhoods, dining and shopping. It also sits just a few hours from the Grand Canyon and other iconic desert landmarks.
This Southwest city delivers on scenery, culture, history and entertainment, making it a great spot for your next vacation. Consider renting a car at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Phoenix sprawls across 500 square miles, so a vehicle makes it easy to explore at your own pace—from major landmarks and world-class resorts to day trips to Sedona and Flagstaff.
Small-group deluxe Grand Canyon day trip from Phoenix
Morning hot air balloon flight over Phoenix
Phoenix Zoo admission ticket
RoRo street art tour in Phoenix
Small-group Antelope Canyon day trip from Phoenix
10. Seattle, Washington
Top-ranked accommodation: Fairmont Olympic Hotel | AAA Four Diamond
Number 10 takes us to the Pacific Northwest city of Seattle. Surrounded by the sea and snow-capped mountains, this active, pet-friendly city offers an abundance of things to do for every traveler.
Picking up a Hertz rental car at the airport simplifies arrival and logistics, especially if you want to pair city sightseeing with mountain views, ferry rides or coastal escapes. With added value on Hertz rentals for AAA Members, you can spend more on exploring the iconic Space Needle and bustling Pike Place Market to the scenic waterfront. Beautiful beaches, the Hoh Rain Forest and mountain scenery all make for easy day trips just waiting to be discovered.
Seattle harbor cruise
Sky View Observatory admission tickets
Evening colors sunset sail tour in Seattle
Mt. Rainier day trip from Seattle
Forest hike to Twin Falls and Snoqualmie Falls
Seattle Mariners game tickets
Planning a memorable adventure to a top 10 American city is easy with AAA and Hertz. Book online through AAA or let a knowledgeable AAA Travel agent handle the research, car rental, theme park and attraction tickets and your accommodations. Your agent can also guide you through details while helping you take advantage of exclusive AAA Member benefits. Reserve your Hertz rental car through AAA and save on base rates and prepaid fuel, get up to four free additional drivers, the young renter fee waived and unlock more stackable savings.*
Visit AAA.com/CarRental to learn more.
*Hertz benefits available at participating locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Up to 20% discount will vary depending on location, date, length of rental, car class and other factors. Discount applies to Pay Later base rate. Taxes, fees and options excluded. AAA Club Discount Code (CDP#) must be provided at time of reservation for full-offer discounts. Advance reservations required. Additional Driver and Young Renter must be AAA Members and meet standard rental requirements. Gas savings is only when prepaid fuel is purchased. *Pay Now Offer ends 8/15/2026. Up to 25% discount applies to Pay Later base rate. Pay Now is a discounted Pay Later rate. Taxes, fees & options are excluded. Additional terms and conditions apply. Visit AAA.com/CarRental for complete terms and conditions.
