Tourist traps can turn a dream vacation into a disappointing experience. In the U.S., some attractions are more hype than substance. Knowing which spots to avoid can save you time and money. Here are 22 tourist traps you should skip on your next trip.
Times Square, New York
Times Square is always crowded, making it difficult to enjoy the sights. The flashing billboards and chain restaurants can be overwhelming. Prices are inflated, and many attractions are just tourist gimmicks. There are far better places in New York City to experience its culture and history.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is often dirty and crowded with street performers. The stars on the sidewalk can be underwhelming and hard to find. Nearby shops and attractions are overpriced. For a more genuine Hollywood experience, visit studios or historical theaters.
Mall of America, Minnesota
The Mall of America is just another large shopping mall, despite its size. It’s easy to get lost and spend more than intended. Many stores are the same as those found in any other mall. The novelty wears off quickly, leaving you with a big bill and tired feet.
Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf is filled with overpriced seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. The area is always packed with tourists, making it hard to move around. Most of the attractions are tacky and not worth the time. Head to other parts of San Francisco for a more authentic experience.
South of the Border, South Carolina
South of the Border is a dated roadside attraction with kitschy decor. The food and souvenirs are overpriced and of low quality. It feels more like a tourist trap than a fun stop. Skip it and find a more charming local spot to take a break.
Navy Pier, Chicago
Navy Pier is often overcrowded with tourists, making it hard to enjoy. The attractions are expensive, and many are not worth the cost. Food and drinks are also overpriced. There are better places in Chicago to experience the city’s charm.
Graceland, Memphis
Graceland can be underwhelming unless you are a die-hard Elvis fan. The tickets are expensive, and the crowds are massive. Much of the tour is commercialized, pushing souvenirs at every turn. Visit other parts of Memphis for a more diverse cultural experience.
Wall Drug, South Dakota
Wall Drug is famous for its relentless billboards, but the actual place is disappointing. It’s crowded and filled with overpriced, kitschy items. The attractions are underwhelming and not worth the detour. Spend your time exploring the natural beauty of South Dakota instead.
Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts
Plymouth Rock is just a small boulder with a date carved into it. The significance is lost when you see the underwhelming size. The area is often crowded, and there’s not much else to see. There are more interesting historical sites to visit in Massachusetts.
Niagara Falls Wax Museum, New York
The Niagara Falls Wax Museum is outdated and not well-maintained. The figures are poorly done and can be unsettling. Admission is overpriced for what you get. Focus on the natural beauty of the falls instead.
International UFO Museum, Roswell
The UFO Museum in Roswell is mostly filled with amateur exhibits and questionable artifacts. It’s interesting for die-hard UFO enthusiasts but can be disappointing for others. The exhibits are repetitive and not very engaging. Spend time exploring other unique aspects of Roswell instead.
Empire State Building, New York
The Empire State Building is often packed with long lines and high ticket prices. The views are stunning, but you can get similar vistas from less crowded places. The experience can feel rushed and commercialized. Consider other observation decks in the city for a more relaxed experience.
Gatlinburg Space Needle, Tennessee
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is smaller and less impressive than it sounds. The view is nice, but not worth the high price. The area around it is filled with tourist traps and overpriced attractions. There are better ways to enjoy the Smoky Mountains.
The Alamo, Texas
The Alamo can be underwhelming due to its small size and crowded surroundings. The historical significance is immense, but the experience can feel rushed and commercialized. The area is filled with souvenir shops that detract from the experience. Visit other historical sites in San Antonio for a more enriching experience.
Four Corners Monument, Arizona/Utah/Colorado/New Mexico
The Four Corners Monument is a small, unremarkable spot in the desert. The lines to take a photo can be long and the area offers little else. It’s expensive for what it is, and the surrounding vendors are overpriced. There are more scenic and interesting places to visit in the region.
Disneyland, California
Disneyland is often overcrowded and the lines for rides can be extremely long. The tickets are very expensive, and so is the food and merchandise. The experience can be stressful rather than magical. Consider other theme parks or visit during off-peak times for a better experience.
Mystery Spot, California
The Mystery Spot is a roadside attraction that claims to defy gravity, but it’s mostly optical illusions. It’s a fun stop for kids but can be underwhelming for adults. The tour is short and the surrounding area offers little else. It’s better to explore the natural beauty of California.
Winchester Mystery House, California
The Winchester Mystery House is intriguing but often crowded and overpriced. The tours can feel rushed and don’t always cover the most interesting parts. The storytelling can be repetitive and sensationalized. Visit other historical sites in the area for a more authentic experience.
Carhenge, Nebraska
Carhenge is a quirky roadside attraction that quickly loses its charm. The novelty of cars arranged like Stonehenge wears off fast. The area is remote and offers little else to see or do. Spend your time exploring Nebraska’s natural attractions instead.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues, Minnesota
These statues are iconic but can be disappointing in person. They are smaller than expected and surrounded by touristy shops. There’s not much else to do in the immediate area. Look for other cultural landmarks in Minnesota that offer more substance.
Giant Ball of Twine, Kansas
The Giant Ball of Twine is exactly what it sounds like, and not much more. It’s a fun photo op, but the novelty wears off quickly. The surrounding area offers little else in terms of attractions. Explore other interesting sights in Kansas for a more fulfilling experience.
The Corn Palace, South Dakota
The Corn Palace is a building decorated with corn murals, which can be underwhelming. The interior is filled with touristy shops and exhibits. It’s often crowded and the displays don’t change much. There are more engaging attractions in South Dakota to explore.
These are just some of the tourist traps in the U.S. that you might want to skip. By avoiding these, you can make the most of your travel experiences and discover more authentic and enriching destinations.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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