Florida is the place to be among U.S. destinations where Americans were happiest this summer, according to a new analysis from AttractionTickets.com. The Sunshine State scored four spots in the rankings' top 20, with three in Orlando alone.
Discovery Cove, a resort in Orlando, earned the highest ranking on the list with a total score of 25.75 out of 30 points.
The scoring system was based on six data metrics: average online rating, estimated summer 2025 sunshine hours, number of online reviews featuring the words "happy", "perfect", and "magic", and search volume interest
Out of those points, Discovery Cove earned five points for a "Happy" review, "Perfect" review, and "Magic" review. The resort also received a rating score of 4.75, four points for sunshine hours, and two points for search volume.
Busch Gardens in Tampa was the next Florida destination at No. 12. The popular animal theme park received a total score of 25.3, earning five points in the happy category, 4.3 points for a rating score, and four points apiece for sunshine hours, magic, and search volume.
Following Busch Gardens on the list was Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, coming in tied at No. 14.
The entertainment destination received a total score of 24.65, earning (fittingly) five points in the happy, perfect, and magic categories. It also earned a rating score of 4.65, four points in sunshine hours, and one point in search volume.
Rounding out the Florida four was Universal Orlando Resort, which tied for 18th with a score of 23.6. The resort earned five points in the happy category, a rating score of 4.6, four points apiece in perfect, magic, and search volume, and two points in sunshine hours.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy ranked No. 1 with a score of 29.65. The tower earned five points in the happy, perfect, magic, search volume, and sunshine hour data points, as well as a 4.65 rating score.
Following the tower was Universal Studios Hollywood (California) with a total score of 27.8.
The highest-ranked U.S. destination received five points in the happy, perfect, and magical categories. It also earned a rating score of 4.8, and four points each in sunshine hours and search volume.
Central Park (New York), the Eiffel Tower (Paris), Warner Bros. Studio Tour (London), Disney Land Paris (France), Alton Towers (United Kingdom), Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen), and the Louvre (Paris) rounded out the top 10.
