6 Most Expensive American Tourist Attractions — and How Much They Cost

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Dreaming of a bucket-list trip? There are plenty of iconic attractions to enjoy across the U.S., but they rarely come cheap. Before swiping that credit card, you should see what a visit will really cost — including tickets, parking, food and those pricey extras that add up fast.

Keep reading to find out the true cost of visiting these six expensive U.S. vacation destinations, then ask yourself, are they really worth the splurge, or is the hype bigger than the experience?

1. Walt Disney World: Orlando, Florida

• Day ticket: $119 to $199
• Lightening Lane Passes: $10 to $449 per person
• Parking: $30 to $55 per day
• Disney Resort accommodation: $130 to $1,000 or more per night
• Food: $38 to $104 per adult per day

A day at Disney can quickly turn into a four-figure expense. Visiting at peak times means Lightning Lane passes can reach almost $500; add premium resort stays topping $1,000 a night and costly in-park dining, and the magic comes at a steep price.

2. Universal Studios Hollywood: Los Angeles

• Day ticket: $109 to $154
• Express Pass: $199 to $309
• Parking: $35 to $55
• Midrange hotel (nearby): $200 to $300 per night
• Food: $50 or more per adult per day

Universal Studios Hollywood delivers big-budget thrills for quite the cost. Express Passes can more than double the ticket price, and with hotel and food expenses stacking up, even a short visit can rival the cost of a luxury getaway.

3. Grand Canyon: Arizona

• Entry fee: $20 to $35
• Guided tour: $100 to $250
• Helicopter tour: $250 or more
• Lodge accommodation (inside the park): $300 or more per night
• Food: $80 or more per person per day

Nature’s grandeur isn’t free. While basic entry into the Grand Canyon is affordable, guided hikes, helicopter rides and park lodging push costs higher. Dining inside the park also comes at a premium, so a visit to this natural wonder can be surprisingly expensive.

4. Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Huntsville, Alabama

• General admission: $30
• Space Camp program fee: $1,799 per adult for 6-day/5-night stay
• Lodging: Included in camp fee
• Food: Included in camp fee

For those dreaming of astronaut training, Space Camp is a serious investment. The all-inclusive experience offers hands-on simulations and immersive space education, but at just under $2,000 per participant, it’s one for serious enthusiasts with deep pockets.

5. Kennedy Space Center: Merritt Island, Florida

• Day ticket: $77
• Add-ons: $25 to $175
• Hotel & ticket packages: $70 to $400
• Parking: $5 to $20
• Food: $10 to $15 per meal

A visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center starts at $77 ($67 for children), but adding VIP tours, astronaut encounters and special access experiences drive costs up. Nearby hotels cater to space enthusiasts, with bundled packages offering convenience — at a price.

6. Empire State Building: New York City

• Main deck (86th floor) ticket: $48
• Combined 86th and 102nd floor ticket: $87
• Premium experiences and tours: $79 to $500
• Hotel: $175 to $326 per night
• Food: $10 to $75 per meal

New York’s skyline views are a must-see for visitors, and a basic ticket to this iconic landmark is manageable. It’s when premium packages with behind-the-scenes access or sunrise viewing sessions are added that the costs start to get sky-high. Once you add in the city’s steep hotel rates and dining costs, visiting this landmark can turn into a serious splurge.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

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