You might have expected Orlando, home of Walt Disney World, to get the honor. Or even San Diego, with its heavenly climate and the home of Sea World.
But Anaheim, California, home of Disneyworld, was named the top spot in the US for a family vacation by TripAdvisor.com’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
“Winning destinations were identified based on the greatest number of recommendations from reviewers who traveled with their families,” according to officials with TripAdvisor. The recommendations of some 20 million website users were considered to determine winners in various categories.
"These outstanding destinations offer myriad opportunities for families, including first-rate attractions, restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for the website.
Orlando – home to Walt Disney World and Epcot Center – came in fourth.
San Diego, home to Sea World and one of the country’s most famous zoos, was left off the list.
Carlsbad, which offers Legoland, was the only other California destination to make the Top 10.
Anaheim got high marks from TripAdvisor voters for such destinations as Angel Stadium, the Honda Center, K1 Speed Indoor Karting (go-karts) and the Flightdeck Air Combat Center. Anaheim also has a Disney park
The unscientific rankings were based on surveys of 20 million TripAdvisor user.
Here is the list of the top ten:
1. Anaheim
2. Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
3. Wildwood Crest, N.J.
4. Orlando, Fla.
5. Sandusky, Ohio
6. Myrtle Beach, S.C.
7. Hershey, Pa.
8. Ocean City, Maryland
9. Carlsbad, Calif.
10. Panama City, Fla.
By David Wilkening
