Move over, beaches. This NC tourist attraction ranks among the best in the US
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The Biltmore Estate in Asheville ranks No. 18 on a list of best U.S. tourist attractions.
- The destination was the only place in North Carolina to land in the top 25.
- Tripadvisor studied feedback vacationers shared on the travel review website.
A North Carolina destination ranks among the nation’s best places to visit — and no, it’s not a beach.
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is No. 18 on a list of top tourist attractions in the United States, according to results published in late April.
“From natural wonders to man-made marvels, these are the most-loved attractions in the world — according to the travelers who ‘ooh-ed’ and ‘ahh-ed’ at them,” Tripadvisor wrote in its report.
To create the list of fan-favorite destinations, the travel review website studied places across the country. It focused on feedback that vacationers shared on the platform in the year leading up to Jan. 31.
Tripadvisor said the resulting Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title is “awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.”
What makes the Biltmore special?
Of the top 25 award winners, Biltmore Estate was the only destination in North Carolina. The tourist attraction in the mountain town of Asheville started welcoming visitors in 1895, according to its website.
“The Biltmore is an ode to the golden age,” Tripadvisor wrote in its report. “This sprawling estate has stunning architecture, fantastic gardens, and even a winery on the grounds.”
The estate includes the 250-room Biltmore House, the nation’s largest private home. The massive space was built for George Washington Vanderbilt, the grandson of wealthy railroad businessman Cornelius Vanderbilt.
On Tripadvisor, fans called the Biltmore Estate a must-see attraction. Several raved about the grandeur of the home and its Christmas decorations.
It’s not the first time the beloved tourist spot has been recognized. In 2022, the Biltmore House was named the nation’s most beautiful landmark, based on reviews. Travelers had praised the home’s architecture and decor, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Then in 2023, the Biltmore Estate ranked as one of the best U.S. destinations for spring trips. Around this time of year, visitors to the property’s gardens can enjoy azaleas, daffodils, tulips and other flowers, The Observer previously reported.
Other top attractions
Nationwide, Tripadvisor said the No. 1 attraction was the Empire State Building in New York. Here are the other places that rounded out the top five:
- Sun Studio in Tennessee at No. 2
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Florida at No. 3
- Central Park in New York at No. 4
- National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado at No. 5
