TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel community, today announced the top 10 attractions in the U.S. according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors.

  1. Magical Mecca: Orlando, Florida
  Orlando combines such an incredible wealth of great attractions that the
  entire city made number one on our list. Between Universal Studios, Sea
  World, Discovery Cove and the home of a particularly famous mouse, Orlando
  is the Mecca of attractions. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "Orlando is
  the best vacation destination for anyone. There is no place like it and it
  is so magical!"

  2. Circus Atmosphere: Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas, Nevada
  A contemporary and hip circus, sans animals, Cirque du Soleil combines
  highly skilled contortionists, acrobats and trapeze artists to create a
  one-of-a-kind experience. Hailed by some as the modern circus, new shows
  are frequently added on the Strip, bringing the crowds back for more. As
  one TripAdvisor traveler said, "Cirque has its share of bizarre costumes,
  worldly music and fantastic and daring acts of contortion."

  3. Hawaii 6-0: Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
  A 60-mile stretch connecting Hana to Maui, Hana Highway stuns with its
  spectacular views and natural adornments, including magnificent
  waterfalls, beaches and the "Seven Sacred Pools" - just make sure to keep
  your eyes on the road. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, "We went with
  an open mind and were blown away by the scenery. It is truly paradise."

  4. Grand Plans: Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  One of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World," the Grand Canyon is
  perhaps the most famous hiking destination in the U.S., with outstanding
  hiking trails to the base of the canyon. Theodore Roosevelt summed it up,
  declaring the Grand Canyon the "one site every American should see." One
  TripAdvisor traveler said, "The Grand Canyon has to be seen to be
  believed. No explanation, pictures or video can possibly do it justice."

  5. Park Place: Central Park, New York City, New York
  One of the nation's first landscaped public parks, Central Park covers 843
  acres or six percent of Manhattan. Central Park has several interesting
  attractions and activities, including a zoo, carousel, reservoir, and
  boathouse, not to mention some of the best people watching in the world.
  As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "How can you not love Central Park? It
  has everything; ice skating, romantic carriage rides, a science center,
  and even free concerts!"

  6. Rock Show: Alcatraz, San Francisco, California
  Notorious for housing some of the country's most infamous criminals,
  including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, until it was closed in
  1963, Alcatraz Island or "The Rock" now exists as an attraction in the
  middle of San Francisco Bay. For an eerie visit, take the night tour and
  listen to the sounds of disgruntled inmates banging their cups against
  cells. "The sounds of the prison are brought to life with the audio tour
  and complete the Alcatraz experience," one TripAdvisor traveler said.

  7. Perch Above the Peacock: Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York,
  New York
  One of the Big Apple's newest and coolest attractions, the Top of the Rock
  Observation Deck in Rockefeller Center offers phenomenal views of New York
  City.  With glass partitions, the observation deck offers unobstructed
  panoramic views, and an amazing vantage point for gazing at the Empire
  State Building.  According to a TripAdvisor traveler, "It knocks spots off
  the Empire State Building. They have glass panels instead of wire mesh so
  you get amazing views."

  8. Seaing is Believing: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Bay, California
  The largest marine sanctuary in America, Monterey Bay Aquarium is located
  in a former brewery and sardine cannery. View stunning California Giant
  Kelp that reside in the first tank in the world to simulate tidal currents
  on a large scale. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "This aquarium is
  fantastic - the jellyfish tank was unbelievable - we could have sat and
  watched them all day."

  9. Water-ful: Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada
  For a peaceful attraction on the Strip, head to the Bellagio Fountains and
  appreciate the synchronization of the music and the water as it changes
  color to familiar tunes from musicals and movies. With a vibrant display
  every 15-30 minutes, the Bellagio Fountains are the most affordable show
  in Las Vegas. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "The fountains are
  unbelievably high and who knew that water could really dance?"

  10. Animal Kingdom: San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California
  Featuring more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals, the San Diego Zoo
  has the largest collection of Grant Pandas outside of mainland China. To
  explore the zoo, take a guided bus tour or ride on the overhead gondola,
  providing an aerial view of the natural and cage-free settings. As one
  TripAdvisor traveler said, "I was amazed at how close I was to the rhinos,
  elephants, and giraffes."

"Although Orlando's attractions top the list again in 2007, there are some newcomers to the top ten this year, including Central Park, Alcatraz and the Bellagio Fountains," said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor.

  TripAdvisor's Top 10 European Attractions

  1. British Airways London Eye, London, United Kingdom
  2. Tower of London, London, United Kingdom
  3. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
  4. Musee du Louvre, Paris, France
  5. Colosseum, Rome, Italy
  6. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  7. Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France
  8. State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia
  9. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
  10. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

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SOURCE: TripAdvisor