Just in time for summer vacation planning, Trip Advisor has put out a list of the top 25 U.S. travel spots for 2014, as determined by travelers. Among the usual suspects such as New York, Chicago and Las Vegas are three Texas cities: Houston, San Antonio and Austin.
Houston ranks No. 12, up a whopping 13 spots from the previous year. San Antonio, up one from last year, lands at No. 16. Austin, which claims the No. 18 spot, is new to the list this year.
According to Trip Advisor, Houston’s “don’t miss” attractions include Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hermann Park and the Museum of Fine Arts. “This sprawling city hums with the energy and independent spirit that turned it from swampland into the fourth-largest city in the U.S.,” reads the site, which goes on to praise Houston’s “top notch” opera, ballet, symphony and theater, as well as its numerous shopping areas.
As for San Antonio, Trip Advisor advises wandering the downtown River Walk and “sampling as much chili as your taste buds will allow.” The site goes on to say a visit to the Alamo is an “absolute must.” Zzzzz. At least the lauded McNay Art Museum is listed among the city’s “don’t miss” attractions.
Newcomer Austin gets props for SXSW — which lures thousands of “hipsters, groupies and diehard fans” — iconic Capitol and cool waters of Barton Springs. Must-visits include LBJ Library and Zilker Park.
For its Travelers’ Choice Awards, Trip Advisor took into account the millions of reviews and opinions of its users. Researchers used an algorithm to determine “the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, attractions and restaurants in destinations worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.”
Below is the full list of hot stateside destinations:
- New York City, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- San Francisco, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles, California
- San Diego, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- Orlando, Florida
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Houston, Texas
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Portland, Oregon
- San Antonio, Texas
- Palm Springs, California
- Austin, Texas
- Branson, Missouri
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Saint Louis, Missouri
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Miami Beach, Florida
Houston gets props for its arts scene, including its "top notch" opera.
