The United States is a country that is probably more geographically diverse than any other country in the world. We have landscapes that vary from snow capped mountains to incredible desert vistas and tropical rain forest. Because of this wildly varying geography, the US is a top tourism destination, not only for Americans, for people from around the world.
The benefits of seeing the different parts of the US reach far beyond the magnificent views and comfortable climate. Our country is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel within. We have a well connected infrastructure that includes roads, railways and air travel destinations. We also have laws that allow us to travel freely within our entire country.
So, which cities have solid economies based on tourism? Here are 5 places that depend on tourism to provide financial security.
Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota
According to the National Park Service, Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills area of South Dakota is very heavily dependent on tourism to keep its economy balanced. The report estimates that tourism to the Black Hills brought an influx of $301 million this past year. This income, which is directly provided by tourism, supports more than 3,000 jobs in the region.
Mt. Rushmore is perhaps one of the most well known landmarks in the United States. Visitors come from all around the world to see it, and with them comes an influx of outside money. Local businesses thrive on tourists who buy their food, merchandise, and even pay for services, such as guided tours through the area.
Hollywood, California
No list of tourist destinations in the US would be complete without including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood on it. While Hollywood is famous today for the movie stars and high end shopping, that was not the founder's original intent. In fact, Hollywood was originally designed to be a community that was focused on sobriety and cleanliness.
While the movie industry drives the economy of Hollywood itself, the surrounding areas are very heavily dependent upon the income brought in by tourism. Shopkeepers in Venice Beach, a strip of beach on the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles, say that although tourists are back on the beach, they are not spending as much as they have in the past. Some business owners blame this on the fact that the government is no longer issuing stimulus checks, which temporarily put large sums of money in some people's pockets.
Beverly Hills and Hollywood are both big attractions for tourists from around the world. People flock to the area to see the homes of movie stars, visit famous filming locations and get a first hand look at the studios that film their favorite movies and shows.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is perhaps the most well known natural landmark in the US, possibly eclipsed only by Niagara Falls. This natural river canyon offers some of the most breathtaking views of any location in the world. The Colorado River winds its way through the base of the canyon, while cliffs tower thousands of feet overhead.
The park receives an estimated 5.9 million visitors each year, making the local economy heavily dependent on their spending. Shops in the area offer everything from camping equipment to self heating meals. Their services include sky diving at local airports, white water canoeing and rafting in the colorado river, and even hot air balloon tours in some places. The ability to view the canyon from all angles using these services is a major part of the allure of the canyon.
Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains sit astride the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina in the southeastern United States. These mountains, named because of the dense fog that often shrouds their peaks in the mornings, offer some of the most beautiful views in the eastern half of the US.
It almost feels as if you step back in time when you visit some parts of the Smokies, as it is not uncommon to see old blacksmith forges and water powered grist mills still in operation. There is also a rich native American heritage in the area and many of the tribes still offer a look into how life was lived prior to the advent of the reservations.
The area hosts a whopping 14.1 million people each year. They are drawn by attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, such as Dollywood. Gatlinburg offers a look at a quaint mountain village set to resemble old settlements once found all around the mountains.
Mt. Airy, North Carolina
Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Mt. Airy is perhaps one of the most unique destinations for tourism in the US. The town will be recognized by millions of people as the set of The Andy Griffith Show. This was a US sitcom that ran from October 3, 1960 until April 1, 1968. In the show, viewers fell in love with characters like Aunt Bea, Opie and Barney Fife.
Now, fans of the show flock to the town every year for its annual Mayberry Days celebration. Fans are given the opportunity to meet cast members from the show, see the home where Andy Griffith lived, and even visit the church he attended for more than 30 years.
Local shops offer Mayberry themed treats and goods. You can even take a ride in a police cruiser that matches the ones used in the TV show down at Wally's Service Station. The town has one of the largest granite quarries in the world, but its economy is heavily driven by tourism. The tourist economy provides more than 800 local jobs and brought in an income that totaled $31.7 million in 2021.
Final Destination
The US is a diverse country with an incredible swath of landscape and culture. These contribute to amazing tourism destinations. No matter what your preferences are regarding scenery and weather, you can find a destination in the US that perfectly matches what you intend to spend time doing. From skiing in Aspen, Colorado to snorkeling the flats in the Florida Keys, the US has it all!
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