USA TODAY 10Best
Discover the 10 best new attractions of the year
Best New Attraction (2024)
From activity hubs and theme parks to museum exhibits and performance spaces, travelers were treated to a host of new attractions in the last year. With the help of a panel of travel experts, we combed the country for the top newly launched attractions, then readers voted for their absolute favorites. Here are the winners.
- Aeronautica Landing at Carowinds - Charlotte, North Carolina
- Wondrous Space at The Franklin Institute - Philadelphia, Pennsylavnia
- LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C. - Springfield, Virginia
- Otherworld Philadelphia - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The Pines Downtown - Sevierville, Tennessee
- INTER_ - New York City, New York
- Wai Kai - Ewa Beach, Hawaii
- Treasure Hunt: The Ride - Monterey, California
- Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center - San Antonio, Texas
- Little Plumeria Farms - Haleiwa, Hawaii
Photo courtesy of Carowinds, Barry Cantrell
No. 10:
Dedicated to the Carolinas’ lengthy legacy of aviation, Aeronautica Landing comes equipped with rides and an elaborate Game Zone that's packed full of gravity-themed challenges. Visitors also enjoy top-tier drinking and dining spots offering Southern fare and craft beer.
Photo courtesy of The Franklin Institute
No. 9:
The mysteries of outer space have captivated humanity for eons, and Philadelphia's Franklin Institute provides ample insight into the beauty of the cosmos with their Wondrous Space exhibit. Launched in 2023, this two-story space is packed full of interactive displays that allow visitors to uncover the inner workings of gravity and even craft their own rover for space exploration.
Photo courtesy of LEGO Discovery Center
No. 8:
A top spot for both adults and children, D.C.'s LEGO Discovery Center comes equipped with 12 eye-catching zones dedicated to the planet's most famous building blocks. First-time visitors can start off strong with a construction session at the brilliantly colorful Tree of Imagination, while the nearby Spaceship Build and Scan is perfect for aspriring astronauts.
Photo courtesy of Jay Hidy / Otherworld Photographer
No. 7:
Measuring in at 40,000 square feet, Otherworld boasts a dazzling array of eye-catching visuals within the City of Brotherly Love. Adorned with some truly fascinating exhibits, guests can encounter towering creatures, pulsing light shows, and captivating art installations all throughout the venue.
Photo courtesy of Lion's Creative
No. 6:
A must-visit for Dolly Parton superfans, The Pines hosted the future country music icon for her first-ever show back in 1956. Today, the space has been refreshed and serves as a top spot for duckpin bowling, trivia, and hearty pub fare.
Photo courtesy of Taylor McIntyre
No. 5:
New York City is no stranger to dazzling visual displays, but when it comes to truly marvelous graphics, it's tough to beat INTER_. Launched in May 2023, this interactive Soho space is designed to captivate the senses with colorful imagery, soothing music, and powerful vibrations.
No. 4:
Housed within the Hoakalei Resort in the western reaches of Oahu, Wai Kai offers ample opportunity for both idyllic and thrilling outdoor adventure. Upon arrival, guests are welcome to set off on a leisurely kayaking excursion on the 52-acre lagoon, while surfers can spend their day cruising along the 100-foot-wide wave pool.
Photo courtesy of Treasure Hunt: The Ride
No. 3:
Riches beyond your wildest dreams are waiting to be discovered on Treasure Hunt: The Ride, a California experience located in Monterey's Cannery Row. Inspired by a true pirate attack that occurred in 1818, this adventure combines animatronics and interactive experiences to forge an unforgettable foray into the depths of the Golden State.
Photo courtesy of Alamo Trust, Inc.
No. 2:
When it comes to Texas history, few landmarks match the significance of San Antonio's Alamo — and for any hardcore history buffs, the Alamo Exhibit offers a wealth of information. During a visit, guests can peruse the many artifacts on display in the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection, while the Phil Collins Collection is equipped with a diorama that's narrated by the world-famous musician himself.
Photo courtesy of Clark Little
No. 1:
The splendor of the Aloha State is on full display at Little Plumeria Farms, a 20-acre estate that's been gracing the shores of Oahu since the early '70s. Opened to the public in 2023, vibrant flowers are the main attraction around here, with hour-long farm tours providing guests with an opportunity to bask in stunning landscapes and even take home a few plants of their own.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50... Read More
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
