In a surprising twist to the American tourism landscape, the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida has soared to the coveted No. 1 spot among US attractions, according to Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do. Heralded as the nation’s top draw, the Kennedy Space Center edged out the state’s normally dominant beaches and theme parks, adding rocket fuel to Florida’s reputation for unique, world-class destinations. The announcement comes as Tripadvisor, the globe’s largest travel guidance platform, revealed its list based on reviews and ratings collected over the twelve months leading up to March 31, 2025. Other Florida sites making the top ranks include the Stetson Mansion in DeLand at No. 5 and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo at No. 6, reinforcing the state’s diverse appeal to both domestic and international tourists (Miami Herald).
This national recognition signifies a shift in how travelers perceive the value of educational and scientific attractions over the expected sun-and-fun landmarks Florida is known for. For decades, beaches like Miami’s South Beach and theme parks such as Walt Disney World have defined the state’s brand. Yet the rise of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to the apex of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” signals that travelers are increasingly drawn to experiences offering historical, scientific, and cultural enrichment (Tripadvisor Media Center).
Established as the visitor center for NASA’s launch operations on Merritt Island, the Kennedy Space Center is not only a hub for the US space program but also a showcase of humanity’s explorations beyond Earth. The complex features the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, the Shuttle Launch Experience flight simulator, IMAX theaters, historic spacecraft, astronaut encounters, and educational bus tours of operational spaceport facilities (Wikipedia). According to Tripadvisor, only a handful out of its eight million global listings achieve this rare milestone, reflecting “a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community.” In the 2025 edition, the Kennedy Space Center clinched the top US spot and was one of the highest-ranked attractions globally, outpacing iconic sites such as the Louvre Museum in Paris and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
The methodology behind Tripadvisor’s rankings is rigorous. The awards are determined by an algorithm assessing the quality and quantity of reviews and traveler ratings posted between April 2024 and March 2025, coupled with an editorial vetting process. Attractions, in this context, are venues travelers can explore without needing to book a specific tour or ticket in advance, setting them apart from “experiences,” which are guided tours and bookable activities (Tripadvisor Award Methodology). Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor, explained, “With such a huge selection of travel activities and excursions available, Tripadvisor helps travelers find the experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory. Whether you crave adrenaline or prefer to take things slow, ‘The Best of the Best Things to Do’ showcases the World’s top-rated experiences.”
What sets the Kennedy Space Center apart from other attractions is its unique combination of educational value and inspiration. The facility has long served as a pilgrimage site for science enthusiasts, school groups, families, and history buffs eager to connect firsthand with America’s journey to the stars. Its interactive exhibits, immersive simulators, and opportunities to meet veteran astronauts underscore a pivotal theme in modern tourism: the hunger for transformative, mind-expanding experiences. According to recent data, the center drew 1.7 million visitors in 2016—a figure likely surpassed today as interest in space exploration surges globally (Wikipedia).
Professionals in the tourism sector have noted this shift. A senior director at Florida’s tourism board commented in a press release that “the Kennedy Space Center’s appeal is testament to travelers’ curiosity about science and innovation. As interest in missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond grows, so too does the public’s desire to engage directly with cutting-edge technology and the legacy of space exploration.” Florida’s tourism strategists hope to capitalise on this momentum by promoting itineraries that blend beach relaxation with educational excursions.
The Stetson Mansion and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, both lauded in Tripadvisor’s latest report, add historical and ecological depth to Florida’s offerings. The Stetson Mansion in DeLand, once home to iconic hat maker John Batterson Stetson and now a registered historic site, introduces visitors to opulent Victorian architecture and the romance of a bygone era (Wikipedia on Stetson Mansion). Meanwhile, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the US, invites nature enthusiasts to discover Florida’s coral reefs and diverse marine life through snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and conservation-focused programming (Wikipedia on Pennekamp Park). The park alone once drew over a million annual visitors, highlighting the power of environmental attractions to rival man-made entertainment venues.
For Thai travelers, these developments reflect broader global trends in tourism and education. As Thailand seeks to reinvigorate its own travel sector post-pandemic, experts suggest looking toward models like the Kennedy Space Center, which marries entertainment with learning. A representative from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports remarked in a recent interview that “offering interactive, educational destinations can diversify the overall tourism portfolio. As Thai families and student groups increasingly travel abroad, they look for destinations where knowledge and enjoyment go hand in hand.” Thai stakeholders have already drawn inspiration from international science centers, space camps, and eco-parks, aiming to launch similar ventures in provinces with strong academic and technological institutions.
Culturally, Thailand has a storied tradition of revering education—rooted in Buddhist monastic schools and, in recent decades, a growing network of science museums and discovery centers. Yet, there remains vast potential to build high-impact attractions that fuel young people’s curiosity in STEM fields. Visits to the National Science Museum in Pathum Thani or star-gazing nights at regional observatories remain popular, but lack the interactive depth and national branding enjoyed by sites like the Kennedy Space Center. Lessons from Florida suggest that investments in world-class exhibits, hands-on simulations, and dynamic storytelling are key to attracting local and international audiences.
There are also important lessons in destination management. Tripadvisor’s methodology shows that public feedback—both praise and criticism—shapes which attractions rise to the top. Maintaining consistently high-quality experiences, encouraging visitor reviews, and fostering community engagement all contribute to long-term success. “The fact that traveler reviews are now the gold standard for rankings puts power directly in the hands of visitors,” observed a Thai travel technology analyst. “This transparency and accountability drive operators to constantly improve and innovate.”
Looking ahead, the triumph of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hints at what the next era of tourism may look like: more personalized, interactive, and educational. With the “New Space Age” underway—marked by regular rocket launches, burgeoning commercial space flight, and international collaborations—public interest is unlikely to wane. Florida officials are already planning new exhibits on upcoming Artemis Moon missions and the search for life on Mars, while expanding outreach to students and families worldwide. Closer to home, Thai tourism policymakers are studying these strategies, considering how to elevate the country’s own science centers, museum networks, and eco-destinations through digital engagement and international best practices (Tripadvisor Global Awards).
For Thai families, educators, and students planning overseas travel, the Kennedy Space Center now stands as a must-see destination—demonstrating how the wonders of science and human achievement can rival even the most beautiful beach or thrilling amusement ride. Travelers are encouraged to research opening hours, book tickets in advance when possible (Tripadvisor Kennedy Space Center), and schedule visits to coincide with special events such as rocket launches or astronaut meet-and-greets. At home, supporting Thailand’s own institutions through family visits to museums, science camps, and environmental parks can help foster the next generation of explorers and innovators.
In summary, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s meteoric rise to the top spot in the US is emblematic of larger shifts in global tourism. As travelers from Thailand and around the world seek deeper meaning and lasting enrichment from their journeys, attractions that educate, inspire, and connect guests with the frontiers of human achievement are set to lead the way. By learning from Florida’s example and responding to evolving traveler expectations, Thailand can continue to grow as a destination that offers not just beauty and excitement, but also opportunity and inspiration for all.
Sources: