The United States is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions across the globe, with many local landmarks attracting tens of millions of visitors each year. From the concrete jungle of New York City to the glistening waters of the Bay Area, many of these sites are worth checking out despite the hefty crowds you’re bound to encounter.

We took a look at 10 of the most popular U.S. destinations to determine which ones are must-see and which ones are tourist traps. Here’s our ranking of the top-visited tourist attractions in the United States and if they’re actually worth visiting.

10. Times Square — Manhattan, New York

Located in the center of New York City, the bustling hub known as Times Square attracts roughly 50 million visitors each year, making it the most visited attraction in the entire country. Despite this level of popularity, locals avoid Times Square like the plague. The busy streets are often far too chaotic to really enjoy and are filled with tourist traps such as costumed characters overcharging for photos. Times Square is also full of generic chain restaurants, and there are far better eateries throughout other NYC neighborhoods.

Despite the fact that Times Square ranks last on this list, it does have a few positives. The glowing advertisements adorning the many skyscrapers are a sight to behold, and there are a few iconic shops like the M&M’s store and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Times Square is also walking distance to the city’s most famous Broadway theaters, so it can be a convenient spot for a pre-show meal or post-show libation.

9. Navy Pier — Chicago, Illinois

Navy Pier is a historic Chicago-area institution that extends into the waters of Lake Michigan. The pier has a rich and fascinating history that long predates its time as an entertainment mecca. It was first created to house soldiers and sailors during World War I, and in 1995, the pier was finally converted into the spectacle we see today, which welcomes roughly nine million visitors annually.

Some local Chicagoans may refer to Navy Pier as a tourist trap, but it’s worth a visit if you’ve never been. The pier is highlighted by an enormous 196-foot-tall Ferris wheel that provides lovely views of the downtown skyline and as far out into Lake Michigan as the eye can see. Other worthwhile activities on the pier include the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Children’s Museum.

8. Union Station — Washington, D.C.

D.C.’s Union Station sees around 40 million commuters and tourists pass through on a yearly basis, making it more popular than other D.C. landmarks like the White House and Lincoln Memorial. This incredible Beaux Arts style train depot first opened in 1907, and sits mere blocks north of the U.S. Capitol. While there was a time when the station fell into disrepair, a sizable rehabilitation project occurred between 1981 and 1988 that returned Union Station to its glory.

The train terminal is rife with shopping and dining options, so you could spend a whole day exploring the entire building. But where Union Station really shines is in its stunning architecture. This landmark is composed almost entirely of a vibrant white granite, and takes inspiration from several ancient Roman buildings; the main facade was inspired by the Arch of Constantine, while the vaulted ceilings draw from the Baths of Diocletian.

7. Pike Place Market — Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s Pike Place Market was established on August 17, 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the entire country. Over 10 million tourists come to shop the 500+ stalls operated by area farmers and local businesses. In fact, Three Girls Bakery — the first ever business in Seattle licensed to women — has been in operation here since 1912.

Pike Place Market may be most famous as the home of the very first Starbucks, which opened in 1971 and still operates today. There’s also a local tradition of throwing fresh fish in Pike Place Market, which is an absolute spectacle to behold. Throwing fish initially began as a prank, but attracted so many crowds that it became a new part of the market’s identity. Today, tourists gather en masse to watch fishmongers skillfully hurl whole fresh fish across the market floor.

6. Faneuil Hall Marketplace — Boston, Massachusetts

Nicknamed the “Cradle of Liberty,” Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a history lover’s dream. Faneuil Hall itself opened back in 1742, serving as an important meeting place during those pre-independence days and hosting famous speeches delivered by Founding Fathers such as Samuel Adams. In 1826, the building expanded to include Quincy Market, which has served up food and drink to locals for nearly two centuries.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace underwent renovations and reopened in 1976, though still maintains its historic brick exteriors and domed roofs. It’s absolutely worth checking out the Quincy Market Colonnade — which is considered the first food hall in the nation — for a warm bowl of clam chowder or other local treats. All told, Faneuil Hall welcomes over 18 million visitors annually, and remains one of the most important institutions from our nation’s early history.

5. Magic Kingdom — Orlando, Florida

Whether you’re a Disney lover or not, it’s hard to deny just how spectacular Orlando’s Magic Kingdom theme park truly is. Located in the heart of Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom welcomes upwards of 17 million visitors each year, slightly exceeding the annual numbers of Disneyland in California. Upon entering the park, you’re immediately taken aback by the towering Cinderella Castle, which ascends 189 feet into the air and hosts regular awe-inspiring fireworks shows.

You can still experience plenty of thrills and joy while visiting the park even if you don’t know each Disney movie by heart. There are plenty of iconic rides worth experiencing such as Space Mountain, where you wind along a roller coaster track in total darkness, and the charming It's a Small World. The park’s newest major attraction, the visually-stunning TRON Lightcycle Run, is also a worthwhile ride for thrillseekers.

4. Golden Gate Bridge — San Francisco, California

Both the Golden Gate Bridge and nearby Golden Gate Park are among the country’s most-visited attractions. The bridge welcomes more than 10 million visitors annually, while the park hosts a staggering 24 million tourists each year. The bridge is one of America’s most recognizable landmarks, boasting 746-foot-tall towers that are painted a vibrant orange color. Best of all, there are plenty of photo opportunities on both sides of the bay for tourists to capture their memorable visit with the bridge in the background.

Golden Gate Park offers a whole different experience. The third-most-visited park in the country, it is home to tremendously diverse plant life with over 7,000 species located throughout the park grounds. Other notable sites within the park include a beautiful Japanese Tea Garden and a historic Conservatory of Flowers dating back to 1879. You’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful location anywhere on the West Coast.

3. Las Vegas Strip — Las Vegas, Nevada

There are few places more recognizable in the entire country than the Las Vegas Strip. This bustling thoroughfare is a gambling, entertainment, and culinary mecca, welcoming over 40 million visitors each year. The strip is known for its glowing lights and replicas of famous landmarks, such as the Paris Las Vegas hotel’s half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower, the Luxor's Sphinx replica, and the half-size Statue of Liberty found at the New York-New York hotel.

Speaking of hotels, the Las Vegas Strip contains more than half of the 20 largest hotels in the world, offering up over 150,000 rooms in total to tourists. What makes Vegas so great is the wide variety of activities you can experience. Try your luck at some blackjack or witness a Vegas Golden Knights hockey game. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, ascend the 1,149-foot-tall Stratosphere Tower. This incredible observation tower offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and even features several thrill rides such as the X-Scream roller coaster, which extends 27 feet out over the edge of the tower.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park — North Carolina and Tennessee

Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most-visited national park, welcoming upwards of 13 million visitors each year. Best of all, the park doesn’t even charge an entrance fee, making it incredibly affordable for anyone to come and learn more about this country’s fascinating and beautiful natural history.

One of the most popular attractions in the entire park is Clingmans Dome, which is the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains topping out at 6,643-feet-tall. Be sure to lace up those hikings boots and get there early, as the route can become crowded throughout the day. The park is also known for its beautiful coloration, as it’s full of vibrant wildflowers throughout the warmer months before transforming into a leaf peeper’s paradise in the autumn. There’s also much human history to be explored on park grounds, as archeologists have even uncovered artifacts that date back 10,000 years such as stone tools and ancient pottery.

1. Central Park — Manhattan, New York

New York City’s Central Park earns the number one spot on our list, as it offers a serene escape from the chaos of the surrounding metropolis. It’s so easy to find a quiet spot to be alone with nature, despite the fact that a whopping 42 million people visit Central Park each year. There’s just so much space to explore across Central Park’s 843 acres, which includes lush greenscapes, bike trails, hot dog vendors, and historic buildings.

One of the most popular attractions within Central Park is Sheep Meadow. This former grazing pasture has since become a hot spot for picnics, games of frisbee, and other outdoor activities that are perfect for a summer day in New York City. Another must-see portion of the park is the Ramble, a 36-acre woodland landscape known for its twisting paths and dense forestation. If you’re looking to get some exercise, then there’s no better place to do so than by jogging around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, a 106-acre expanse that was actually the largest human-made body of water in the world when it opened in 1862. These are just a few of the sites that make Central Park worth seeing for anyone visiting New York City.