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Philadelphia ranks No. 2 as best U.S. vacation destination

U.S. News & World Report ranks Philadelphia second only to New York, as a top U.S. vacation destination.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, at podium on left, speaks in view of Independence Hall during opening ceremonies for Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, at podium on left, speaks in view of Independence Hall during opening ceremonies for Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)Read moreAP
    by Linda Loyd
    Published 

You knew Philly was cool. Now, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Philadelphia No. 2 as one of the "best places to visit" in the USA —  second only to New York.

What's great about Philadelphia? According to U.S. News' 2017 rankings, the City of Brotherly Love is one of the U.S.' most visited cities with a rich historical heritage. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed here in Independence Hall, and renaissance man Benjamin Franklin once called the city home.

Before Washington, D.C. "usurped" the role, Philadelphia was the nation's capital. But Philadelphia is "far from being stuck in its glorious past," the news and information company said.

"The Philly of today is filled with notable museums, a bumping nightlife, beloved sports teams, and a thriving restaurant scene that encompasses more than just the ubiquitous cheesesteak."

In third place was Hawaii's Honolulu-Oahu, followed by Maui at No. 4, and San Francisco at No. 5.

U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on an analysis of expert and user opinions. Philadelphia ranked No. 14 in spring vacations and No. 15 in best foodie cities.

Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, said, "Everyone should have Philadelphia, New York, and Honolulu on their list. They're all spectacular and wildly different examples of the American experience.

"A place that's attractive to visitors is also a place people want to live." Levitz said. "Ranking high on the U.S. News list of places to visit is in sync."