The United States is filled with sights and activities that attract millions of visitors each year. People travel vast distances for new experiences, but many popular destinations have turned into disappointing tourist traps. These places often fail to meet expectations, leaving travelers let down and regretting the wasted time and money.
Instead of falling into these traps, it’s wiser to spend your hard-earned money and precious time on more rewarding experiences. Read on to discover which tourist destinations to avoid in each of the 50 states, ensuring your travels are filled with worthwhile and memorable adventures.
Market Theater Gum Wall: Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, offers a wealth of attractions, including its famous coffee culture and iconic landmarks. One unique, yet controversial, site is the Market Theater Gum Wall. Located beneath Pike Place Market, this wall is covered entirely in chewed and discarded gum, a tradition that began in 1993 when visitors started sticking coins to the wall using gum.
While it’s a quirky and colorful sight, it’s definitely not for germaphobes or those easily disgusted. Given Seattle’s many other appealing attractions, such as its vibrant neighborhoods, stunning waterfront, and cultural landmarks, you might want to skip the Gum Wall and explore more rewarding destinations instead.
Times Square: New York, New York
Travel guides often suggest visiting Times Square when you’re in New York City for the first time, but true New Yorkers know to steer clear of this bustling area, and you should too. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square is overcrowded and filled with pricey souvenirs and chain restaurants that lack local charm.
The area is dominated by massive stores and costumed characters looking to pose for photos. If you’re not a fan of crowds, Times Square will likely be overwhelming. Instead, explore other vibrant neighborhoods and attractions that offer a more authentic New York experience, free from the tourist traps and high prices.
Corn Palace: Mitchell, South Dakota
South Dakota boasts stunning national parks and natural wonders like Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore. While these popular sites are worth visiting, the Corn Palace is an overrated attraction. The Corn Palace features murals made from corn and other grains and serves as a venue for concerts, sporting events, and various occasions.
However, unless you’re attending a specific event, the Corn Palace isn’t worth the detour. With so many other remarkable sights to explore in South Dakota, you’re better off spending your time enjoying the state’s true natural beauty and renowned landmarks instead of this underwhelming attraction.
Shell Service Station: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is home to a unique Shell Station that dates back to the 1930s, following plans made in the 1920s. R.H. Burton and his son Ralph built this eye-catching structure to promote the Shell gas station brand as they opened new stations across the U.S. The bright yellow and red building, shaped like a giant shell, is the only remaining one of the eight originally constructed in the area.
Located at Sprague and Peachtree streets, it is now recognized as a historic landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This distinctive site is a piece of local history and a testament to early marketing creativity.
Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market: Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts, is a major tourist destination with plenty to see and do. However, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are areas you might consider skipping. While these sites are staples of downtown Boston, locals know they cater mainly to tourists. The long building houses a marketplace with a food hall and numerous shops, making it a bustling spot for dining and shopping.
While this might sound appealing, Boston offers many other wonderful places to eat and shop that provide a more authentic experience. Instead of getting caught in the tourist crowds at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, explore the city’s other charming and less commercialized neighborhoods.
Venetian Gondolas: Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada, thrives on its tourist attractions, offering endless fun and excitement. However, it also has its share of tourist traps, one of the most notable being the Venetian gondolas. These rides, modeled after Italy’s famous gondola experiences, take passengers through the area’s hotels, shops, and other attractions.
While this might sound appealing, it falls short of the authentic gondola experience many seek. Passengers often compare it to floating through a chlorinated pool for a few minutes, with the high cost not justifying the experience. Instead of spending on this overpriced attraction, consider exploring the countless other entertainment options that Las Vegas has to offer.
Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American history, housed where the Declaration of Independence was signed in Pennsylvania. The bell, rung to mark this pivotal moment, draws crowds eager to see this historic artifact and wait up to 30 minutes for a photo opportunity.
However, this time could be better spent exploring other attractions in the City of Brotherly Love. While there are numerous activities and sights to experience, visiting Old City to glimpse the Liberty Bell is a worthwhile endeavor, even if just once in a lifetime.
Hollywood Sign: Los Angeles, California
Hollywood is renowned worldwide for its film industry, drawing movie enthusiasts and tourists to California to catch a glimpse of the iconic Hollywood sign. While touching the sign is prohibited, it remains a highly photographed landmark and a must-see for visitors. Similarly, the city’s Walk of Fame, though often overhyped, offers the chance to get up close to the brass stars embedded in the sidewalks.
However, for those exploring Los Angeles, the city’s true gems lie in its vibrant array of restaurants, retail shops, and museums. Rather than focusing solely on these tourist attractions, diving into LA’s diverse cultural and culinary scene promises a more enriching and memorable experience.
Waikiki Beach: Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii, a tropical paradise with few downsides, includes Waikiki Beach among its attractions tailored for tourists. Essentially a stretch of hotels, upscale shops, and chain restaurants lining a bustling beach, Waikiki feels more akin to typical American travel destinations than the rest of Hawaii. For those seeking a more authentic
Hawaiian experience, exploring locations showcasing the island’s natural beauty is recommended. Consider visiting spots like Maui’s Pipiwai Trail or Lanai Lookout on Oahu, not far from Waikiki Beach. These destinations offer glimpses of Hawaii’s untouched landscapes and scenic wonders, providing a deeper connection to the islands’ rich culture and natural heritage beyond the tourist-centric allure of Waikiki.
Alien Sanctuary Town: Roswell, New Mexico
For believers in extraterrestrial life, Roswell, New Mexico, stands as an enticing destination. The city gained fame as the alleged site of a 1947 “flying disc” crash, sparking enduring UFO lore. In response, Roswell cultivated a thriving tourist industry focused on aliens and UFO-themed memorabilia, attracting enthusiasts of outer space. However, for those indifferent to such phenomena, Roswell may hold little appeal.
While the town’s UFO-related attractions can be explored in a day, they may not captivate visitors uninterested in this niche. Roswell’s allure lies primarily in its association with alien encounters and UFO lore, offering a unique experience tailored to enthusiasts of extraterrestrial mysteries and space exploration.
Walt Disney World’s Epcot: Orlando, Florida
Disney World, often hailed as the happiest place on earth, encompasses multiple parks, including Future World and World Showcase. The World Showcase, the more prominent section, features country-themed pavilions offering a variety of foods and drinks from around the globe. Although this area includes some rides, it doesn’t have as many attractions as the other parts of Walt Disney World.
The pavilions, while vibrant, are sometimes seen as less appealing compared to other Disney parks like Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Many parkgoers and Disney enthusiasts prefer these other parks for their time and money, finding them more exciting and worth the visit.
Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota
Bloomington, Minnesota’s Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States, boasting over 555 stores, a theme park, and an aquarium. It’s an ideal destination for both children and adults who are young at heart. While it offers a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, it can be overwhelming for those less inclined towards shopping.
The mall’s heavy crowds can also be a drawback, creating a sense of sensory overload. Despite its impressive attractions, the sheer size and bustling environment might be too much for some visitors.
Avoid These Tourist Attractions in the United States
In the 1920s, blues music swept across the United States, with Memphis, Tennessee, standing out as a pivotal location in American music history. Early blues musicians, many young and talented, performed on streets like Beale Street, which was once a vibrant hub of blues clubs, restaurants, and outdoor concerts.
Over the years, however, Beale Street has become more commercialized, losing some of its original charm and blues culture. Today, tourists often find it overcrowded and overpriced. For a more authentic experience of Memphis, visitors might explore other parts of the city that better preserve its rich musical heritage.
The Alamo: San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo Mission, one of Texas’s most famous tourist attractions, is located in San Antonio. This historic site marks the battle where Texas fought for independence from Mexico, and although Texas lost, the mission now serves as a monument where visitors can take photographs and learn about Texas’s history.
While it’s intriguing to see such a historically significant building in person, it is essentially just a stone structure within a park. However, the Alamo’s proximity to the San Antonio River Walk, a vibrant and perhaps more exciting attraction in Central Texas, offers visitors another engaging destination to explore.
Magnificent Mile: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, known as the Windy City, is situated along the shores of Lake Michigan. Renowned for its thriving arts scene, cultural attractions, stunning architecture, and shopping, one of its top tourist spots is The Magnificent Mile. This area boasts high-end shops, upscale restaurants, museums, and luxurious hotels, akin to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
However, many of the Magnificent Mile’s attractions can be found in other American cities. For a more unique Chicago experience, tourists might prefer visiting Millennium Park or the Willis Tower, which offer distinctive and memorable experiences in the city.
World of Coca-Cola: Atlanta, Georgia
The World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. Guests can learn about the soda bottling process, taste various Coca-Cola drinks, and enjoy numerous photo opportunities. While it’s intriguing to explore the story of this iconic beverage, many find the crowds overwhelming, viewing it as a large advertisement with limited historical content beyond the invention of Coca-Cola’s formula.
Consequently, some visitors feel there’s not much depth to the experience. For a more relaxed and authentic experience, Atlanta offers many other attractions that are less crowded and commercialized, providing a broader perspective on the city’s rich culture and history.
Atlantic City Boardwalk: Atlantic City, New Jersey
The Jersey shore is one of New Jersey’s top tourist destinations, with Atlantic City often referred to as the East Coast’s version of Las Vegas. However, many visitors find it overrated. The city’s boardwalk is its main attraction, but it has lost much of its former charm.
Once a bustling and vibrant area, Atlantic City has become a run-down beach town, now characterized by tacky souvenir shops, large casinos, and unnecessary tourist traffic. Despite its reputation, the city no longer holds the glamour it once did, leaving visitors disappointed by its current state.
Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska
You’ve heard of England’s Stonehenge, but have you heard of Alliance, Nebraska’s Carhenge? Probably not, and that’s okay! Many American tourists who prefer not to travel abroad visit Carhenge for a similar experience. This Stonehenge replica was created in 1987 by Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father.
Carhenge consists of vintage, grey spray-painted automobiles arranged to mimic the structure of Stonehenge. Despite its appearances in films, music, television programs, and commercials, Carhenge doesn’t quite compare to the original. For a truly remarkable experience, a trip to England to see the actual Stonehenge is far more worthwhile.
Santa Claus House: North Pole, Alaska
The Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, is a dream destination for Christmas enthusiasts. Opened in 1952, it features a 50-foot Santa Claus statue and is designed to spread holiday cheer year-round. Besides the iconic statue, visitors can see reindeer, take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and shop for Christmas merchandise in the gift shop.
For those who adore Christmas, this place is a festive paradise. However, for the less enthusiastic and those not captivated by holiday spirit, it might seem like an overrated gift shop in Alaska.
Craters of the Moon: Central Idaho
With a name like Craters of the Moon, one might expect an otherworldly, extraterrestrial experience. However, Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, while intriguing, may not fully meet those expectations. This park features a landscape of volcanic rock, offering a striking and scenic byway with immense mountains and lava flows.
Although visually captivating, its appeal may only last for a short while, around ten minutes or so. This suggests that Idaho has other natural wonders that might be more worth visiting for a truly memorable experience.
NCAA Hall of Champions: Indianapolis, Indiana
Some museums provide great insights into specific topics, but the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis, Indiana, falls short when it comes to college sports. Despite its promising name, the museum is underwhelming and needs an update. The surprisingly small amount of memorabilia on display fails to reflect the long history of college sports as a popular form of entertainment.
Visitors can see everything in the entire museum in less than half an hour. College sports fans, especially those interested in basketball, would find a more enriching experience at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle. This alternative offers a deeper and more engaging look into the sport’s history.
Viking Tower: Newport, Rhode Island
The Mysterious Viking Tower, a small yet intriguing structure, stands in the middle of Newport, Rhode Island. This landmark’s origins are shrouded in mystery, with no clear information about its builders or purpose. For centuries, people have speculated about its history.
Legend suggests that Vikings constructed the tower, making it one of the oldest buildings in the country, although no proof supports this claim. While the story is intriguing for those who believe it, the endless speculation can become tiresome. A touch of mystery can be enjoyable, but the enigma surrounding this building might be a bit too much for some.
South of the Border: Hamer, South Carolina
Just across the border from North Carolina into South Carolina lies one of the most hyped tourist attractions: South of the Border. This gas station, featuring a restaurant and an adjoining gift shop, serves as a landmark for travelers entering or leaving South Carolina. However, the intentionally tacky restaurant and oversized gift shop offer little of real interest.
Unless you’re craving the food from the South of the Border restaurant or need to refuel, there’s no compelling reason to stop and spend time here. Despite its fame, it’s mostly a novelty stop that doesn’t offer much beyond its quirky appeal.
Moqui Cave: Kanab, Utah
The Moqui Cave, a sandstone erosion formation located in Kanab, Utah, may be misleading with the word “cave” in its name. Contrary to what one might expect, this structure was not built or used by Native Americans but was created by natural erosion. Though it is presented as an ancient landmark and museum, it functions primarily as a glorified gift shop.
While it offers a chance to purchase fancy souvenirs and explore a subpar museum, it lacks the depth and authenticity of a truly noteworthy tourist attraction. Visitors seeking a substantial and accurately rated experience might find this spot disappointing.
Rock of Ages: Graniteville, Vermont
Often confused with the musical comedy, Rock of Ages in Graniteville, Vermont, is an esteemed tourist attraction featuring a giant granite quarry. While it is a lovely sight for a few minutes, it can quickly become dull. Unlike the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, this quarry lacks the grandeur and excitement.
The Rock of Ages tour, offered at a small fee, is conducted by a tombstone-making company, adding a somewhat somber tone to the visit. Additionally, the gift shop sells overpriced granite-themed items that aren’t worth purchasing. Ultimately, while mildly interesting, this attraction doesn’t compare to more spectacular natural wonders.
Mars Cheese Castle: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is renowned for many things, especially its glorious cheeses and cheese-themed attractions. One standout is the Mars Cheese Castle, a solid-colored, robust structure along the I-94 highway that effectively draws in tourists. The Mars Cheese Castle is a prominent tourist trap, offering a wide array of expensive cheese, sausages, condiments, crackers, and other delectable items.
While these food options are excellent, the inflated prices make it a prime example of a money grab. Despite this, both tourists and locals seem unfazed, likely because anything involving cheese is inherently appealing.
Cannon Beach: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is as picturesque as any top tourist attraction, but it’s similar to many other beaches. The town and beach can be fully explored in less than a day. While its laidback vibe is appealing for vacationers, several drawbacks make it somewhat overrated. Large crowds, especially in the summer, can diminish the experience.
Additionally, Cannon Beach is the most upscale of Oregon’s beach towns, leading to high hotel prices. Despite its charm, the crowded atmosphere and steep costs might make visitors reconsider if it’s worth the hype.
A Christmas Story House: Cleveland, Ohio
People are often drawn to anything related to the holidays, including tourist attractions known for spreading holiday cheer. One such spot is the A Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio, the filming location of the 1983 comedy “A Christmas Story.” While fans of the movie may find it charming, it’s essentially just another house in Ohio.
The reality is, standing in line and paying to see this ordinary home might not be worth it when there are more exciting attractions to explore. Instead of spending time and money on this, visitors could seek out more worthwhile experiences elsewhere.
Captain Kirk’s Future Birthplace: Riverside, Iowa
Star Trek fans know that Captain Kirk, the leader of the USS Enterprise, is said to be born in Riverside, Iowa. As a result, enthusiasts from around the world visit this small town to see a monument located in a private yard behind a modest house. This monument is a gravestone-like plaque reading: “Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk, March 22, 2228.”
Interestingly, Riverside’s mayor and the show’s creator, Gene Roddenberry, simply chose this town to be Kirk’s birthplace. Thus, the attraction is not only overrated but also inaccurately labeled, making it a genuine tourist trap. Visitors might find more worthwhile destinations instead of spending time on this fictional birthplace.
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine: Cawker City, Kansas
There isn’t much to say about this one. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine, located in Kansas, began in the 1950s with one resident, eventually growing with the help of the entire community. They continued adding to it until the novelty wore off.
While the story behind its creation is amusing, the ball itself is not worth a trip to Kansas. The experience takes only a few minutes and fails to live up to the hype, even for those passing through the area. For most, this quirky attraction isn’t enough to justify a visit.
