Travelers Say These Are America’s Top 10 Local Experiences

From seeing Hawaii’s volcanoes to doing a ghost tour in Savannah, Georgia, these amazing experiences have been voted the best in the country.

Have you ever visited a city and felt completely lost? Sometimes, there are so many things to do, so many tours offered and so much online advice that it can be overwhelming. Plus, you want to make sure that you’re spending your hard-earned money on something worthy.

So, how do you make that decision? Viator has come to the rescue by releasing its Best Experiences Awards, highlighting some of the most highly rated and sought-after local tours you can have in the U.S.

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10. Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour From Las Vegas

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Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Starting price: $59

Duration: 6.5 hours

Want to get out of Vegas to see a bit of U.S. history? Join this well-priced Hoover Dam tour, which includes a tour inside the dam and entrance to the observation deck. You also get lunch on this half-day affair that will definitely leave you with a different impression of Nevada.

Note: Rankings come from Viator Experience Awards 2023 and are “based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review and number of bookings on Viator over a 12-month period.”

9. History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

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Location: Salem, Massachusetts

Starting price: $32.94

Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

If you’re into all things spooky, you absolutely have to take a ghost tour around Salem — after all, more than 6,475 people have positively reviewed this haunted walking adventure led by lantern light. The Salem Witch Trials will, of course, be the center of the discussion. Bonus points if you take this tour in October.

8. Half-Day Emerald Cove Kayak Tour

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Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, or Willow Beach, Arizona

Starting price: $115

Duration: 6-7 hours

If Hoover Dam is still too cliché for you, take this kayaking tour to Emerald Cove instead. Leaving from either Las Vegas or Willow Beach, you’ll spend hours on the river, paddling and swimming. Snacks are provided, and groups are limited to 15 people, so the experience will be nothing short of intimate and amazing.

7. Valley of Fire Hiking Tour

tourist watching the landscape in the valley of fire

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Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Starting price: $128.99

Duration: 5 hours

It seems like people who go to Las Vegas really want to get out in nature. Here’s another great option to get away from the city lights, as this hiking tour takes you to Valley of Fire. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but it’s worth every penny to see petroglyphs and red-rock formations. You’ll also get to stop at the Moapa Indian Reservation.

6. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing and History

Child explores Volcano Field, Volcano national park

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Location: Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Starting price: $226.96

Duration: 11 hours

Yes, $227 is a lot for a tour. But you won’t get the same experience of the Big Island without a guide. This full-day experience will take you to the incredible Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, numerous waterfalls and historic sites. Small groups of 12 or fewer people are guaranteed, and lunch is included. Not sure if it’s worth it? The customer reviews will convince you otherwise.

5. Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour and Hoover Dam Photo Stop

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Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Starting price: $99

Duration: 10.5 hours

Yep, another tour from Vegas that focuses on nature has made it to this list. On this one, you’ll get to stop by the Hoover Dam for a photo op, but the real highlight will be getting to see Grand Canyon West. You’ll have to leave around 6:30 a.m. and spend the entire day out, but almost 7,000 people have rated this tour with exemplary reviews.

4. Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

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Location: Savannah, Georgia

Starting price: $25

Duration: 1.5 hours

Another popular ghost tour, this experience takes you into Savannah, considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States. While it’s better in Halloween, you can do the walk at any time of year to learn about the eerie history of this old city.

3. Columbia River Gorge and Waterfall Hiking Tour

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

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Location: Portland, Oregon

Starting price: $69

Duration: 4 hours

You can’t go to Oregon and not have an outdoorsy day. Sure, you can do it on your own, but things are always more fun with a local guide who’ll take care of the driving and logistics. On this tour, you’ll visit the Columbia River Gorge to see wonders like Multnomah Falls. The hike will leave your soul soothed and refreshed.

2. Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour

Sign to Martin Luther King Jr National historic site in Georgia city

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Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Starting price: $69

Duration: 4 hours

There are a million and one things to do in Atlanta, but thousands of people agree that the best thing to do is to learn about the city’s Civil Rights History. On this guided tour, you’ll dive deep into Black history, with a particular emphasis on the civic rights movements that had a stronghold here.

1. Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston

The Freedom Trail sign and the Massachusetts State House - Massachusetts Capitol - Boston Massachusetts

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Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Starting price: $39.50

Duration: 2.5 hours

Once again, Viator proves that people can’t resist a good history tour. This Boston experience lasts 2.5 hours and will only set you back about $40. Plus, you’ll leave with a brain full of knowledge about American history and some of the most important events from the Revolutionary War.