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10 Record-Breaking Attractions That Ruled Google Maps In 2024
Have you ever noticed how some places have a magnetic pull, demanding to be gawked at, Snapchatted (yes, that’s still a thing), and one-upped during group chats? It’s like these attractions were designed solely to win some unspoken global popularity contest.
From structures that laugh at gravity to landscapes straight out of a sci-fi movie, humanity and nature sure know how to show off. Feeling smug about your favorite local spot? Get ready to reevaluate your bragging rights.
And stick around, because by the end, you might even surprise us in the comments with your undiscovered favorite – or at least try to outshine someone else’s suggestion. Go on, we dare you.
Sphere, Las Vegas, Nevada
Imagine a giant glowing orb plopped right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Sounds subtle, right? But the sphere isn’t just a building – it’s a 366-foot-tall behemoth of LED wizardry that looks like a portal to another dimension.
Built in 2023, this tech marvel hosts concerts, immersive experiences, and probably alien communications (we’re still investigating). From the outside, it transforms into anything from a basketball to the actual moon. Inside? The sound is so crisp you’ll feel like you’re bathing in it.
Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois
Navy Pier – the spot that Chicagoans swear by for “fun” and tourists use to validate their Windy City checklist. Opened in 1916 and revamped into its current glory, it’s like a carnival married a skyline view and had a baby named Ferris wheel.
Stroll along the pier to the soundtrack of seagulls bickering and wafts of deep-dish pizza daring you to overindulge. Whether you’re braving the ride or gorging on caramel popcorn, the place has a loop-de-loop energy that screams Midwest charm. Plus, the sunsets here could make a cynic weep.
Edge NYC, New York, New York
Ever wanted to faceplant into the Manhattan skyline… but, you know, safely? Enter Edge NYC, the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Suspended over the city at 1,131 feet, the glass floor calls out to both thrill-seekers and those who think “brief vertigo” sounds fun.
You’ll see the entire city laid out, from Central Park’s leafy oasis to the chaotic buzz of Times Square. And that wind? It’ll mess up your hair faster than your conscience after impulse-buying overpriced champagne at the bar.
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky
For a place not haunted by bourbon, Kentucky Horse Park pulls its weight gallantly (pun extremely intended). Equestrian heaven since opening in 1978, it’s where horse lovers casually ogle a parade of majestic breeds.
Ever watched a thoroughbred gallop in slow motion in real life? Close enough. The museum spills all the tea on horse history, while the scenery smells faintly of hay and unbridled pride. Bonus? You can tour retired racehorses and wonder how creatures this elegant tolerate our human nonsense.
Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois
Willis Tower – formerly known as Sears Tower (but we’re not bitter). Built in 1973, this black monolith unapologetically dominates the Chicago skyline, like the stern parent of modern skyscrapers.
The Skydeck, perched at 1,353 feet, dares you to step onto its infamous glass platform. Feel your stomach do somersaults? That’s just your body reminding you that you’re not invincible. But it’s worth it for the views that extend far enough to hypothetically spy on Wisconsin. Spoiler? It’s mostly cheese over there.
PIER 39, San Francisco, California
At PIER 39, the only thing louder than the honking sea lions is the carnival of cameras clicking away at them. And these marine celebrities bask on the docks, flaunting their flippers like Hollywood stars on a lazy beach day.
The salty tang of sea air mixes with wafts of fried calamari from nearby stands, and the whole scene feels like a coastal theme park… minus the rides (unless you count the Golden Gate Bridge views). It’s touristy, sure, but aren’t we all suckers for a good salty snack and some dockside drama?
Fantastic Caverns, Greene County, Missouri
Hidden beneath the unassuming Missouri countryside lies Fantastic Caverns, America’s only ride-through cave tour… apparently, walking is overrated underground. This natural wonder was discovered in 1862 by an enterprising dog (yes, Fido beat Indiana Jones to it) and later explored by twelve women who were basically the OG outdoor adventurers.
Inside, it’s a world of glittering stalactites and damp, echoing walls that seem to say, “Don’t touch me.”
Luray Caverns, Luray, Virginia
Virginia’s Luray Caverns may look like your typical ancient cave system, but they’ve got one heck of a party trick – a literal organ that plays music using stalactites. Yes, it’s as ridiculously cool as it sounds, and we got a chance to see it firsthand last year.
Discovered in 1878, this underground symphony hall is filled with limestone drapery formations that seem suspiciously keen on outdoing each other in grandeur. And the damp air and dim lighting add to the “lost world” mood, where each step feels like you’re intruding on Earth’s mysterious secrets.
Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, Texas
Kemah Boardwalk is Texas’s love letter to waterfront entertainment. Think roller coasters, seafood platters the size of your face, and live music where performers somehow always sound way better than expected.
The boardwalk was revitalized in the late 1990s to embody carnival charm… but with a side of Gulf Coast swagger. And between the sweet tang of cotton candy and the crashing of waves against the docks, your senses won’t know which way to turn. Don’t miss the chance to eat your weight in shrimp – because if you leave hungry, you’re doing it wrong.
Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, Las Vegas, Nevada
The iconic “Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas” sign has been dazzling visitors since 1959, greeting everyone from honeymooners to bachelorette parties with glowing neon fervor. Perched south of the Strip, it’s less of an entry sign and more of an unspoken initiation.
Snap your photo here while considering how this mid-century marvel turned an ordinary stretch of desert highway into an emblem of excess and indulgence. Plus, the burning pavement underfoot and the hum of slot machines in the distance perfectly set the tone for the city’s eternal motto – too much is never enough.
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