15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid
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15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid

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Traveling is about adventure, discovery, and soaking up local culture. Still, some destinations, heavily promoted and crammed with visitors, offer less than meets the eye at steep prices.

Overwhelmed with crowds and costly attractions, tourist traps in the US lack authenticity, making it difficult for visitors to engage in the experience.

We’ve compiled a list of popular tourist destinations in the United States that, while noteworthy, are not all they’re cracked up to be. Follow along to see which tourist attractions in the US often underwhelm tourists and fail to meet expectations.

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Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Times Square New York City © BullRun Adobe Stock Photo 358383856 - 15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid © BullRun / Adobe Stock
Times Square (New York City) 1/5
Biggest Tourist Traps in the US International UFO Museum Research Center Roswell New Mexico © tochichi Flickr 4512474350 CC BY SA 2.0 - 15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid © tochichi / Flickr licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
International UFO Museum & Research Center (Roswell, New Mexico) 2/5
Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Fishermans Wharf San Francisco California © Gabriele Maltinti Adobe Stock Photo 204634341 - 15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid © Gabriele Maltinti / Adobe Stock
Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco, California) 3/5
15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid © SeanPavonePhoto / Adobe Stock
Bourbon Street (New Orleans, Louisiana) 4/5
Biggest Tourist Traps in the US The Hollywood Walk of Fame Los Angeles California © Heather Schor Shutterstock 2281506123 - 15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid © Heather Schor / Shutterstock
The Hollywood Walk of Fame (Los Angeles, California) 5/5

Results

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Times Square New York City © BullRun Adobe Stock Photo 358383856 150x150 - 15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid 1
Times Square (New York City)
8 14
Biggest Tourist Traps in the US International UFO Museum Research Center Roswell New Mexico © tochichi Flickr 4512474350 CC BY SA 2.0 150x150 - 15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid 2
International UFO Museum & Research Center (Roswell, New Mexico)
7 15
Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Fishermans Wharf San Francisco California © Gabriele Maltinti Adobe Stock Photo 204634341 150x150 - 15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid 3
Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco, California)
13 9
15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid 4
Bourbon Street (New Orleans, Louisiana)
6 16
Biggest Tourist Traps in the US The Hollywood Walk of Fame Los Angeles California © Heather Schor Shutterstock 2281506123 150x150 - 15 Biggest Tourist Traps in the US To Avoid 5
The Hollywood Walk of Fame (Los Angeles, California)
2 20

Times Square (New York City)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Times Square (New York City)
© BullRun / Adobe Stock

All spectacle and no substance best describe this central commercial hub in midtown Manhattan. Oversized billboards, overpriced chain restaurants, aggressive crowds, and enterprising street performers looking for tips make Times Square the ultimate tourist trap.

Not a genuine reflection of New York City history and culture, Times Square is not for visitors seeking bona fide Big Apple moments. Venturing to neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Gramercy Park, the Lower East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, and Harlem can offer tourists a more legitimate Gotham experience. 

  • Explore Greenwich Village: Walk the tree-lined streets of Greenwich Village for historic jazz clubs, independent bookstores, and classic New York cafés.
  • Visit the Tenement Museum: Learn about immigrant life in 19th-century New York at the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. Admission is USD 30.

Read also: Unmissable Cities in the US

Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco, California)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Fisherman's Wharf (San Francisco, California)
© Gabriele Maltinti / Adobe Stock

Home to the Golden Gate City’s iconic sea lions, Fisherman’s Wharf is packed with touristy restaurants, pushy boat and bike tour vendors, panhandlers, and expensive parking.

Attractions like Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, the Cartoon Art Museum, and Madame Tussauds make Fisherman’s Wharf one of the top tourist traps in the nation.

  • See the Sea Lions at Pier 39: Watch the famous sea lions at Pier 39 as they lounge on the docks and bark at visitors.
  • Visit the Cartoon Art Museum: Explore comic book history and original artwork at the Cartoon Art Museum. Admission is USD 10.

Read also: Instagram-Worthy Spots in the US

Bourbon Street (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Bourbon Street (New Orleans, Louisiana)
© SeanPavonePhoto / Adobe Stock

The history behind this French Quarter street dates back to the 18th-century reign of the French royal family, the House of Bourbon.

Today, the name is often associated with the street’s nonstop whiskey-induced party atmosphere, bursting with Mardi Gras revelers, overserved college students, and the entourages of brides and grooms-to-be.

Primarily a pedestrian-only thoroughfare, Bourbon Street hosts vehicles at certain times to maximize foot traffic to its 60-some-odd bars and restaurants.

To avoid overpriced drinks, expensive meals, and tacky gift shops, visitors should venture outside this 13-block stretch to discover the real NOLA.

Read also: American Road Trips

The Hollywood Walk of Fame (Los Angeles, California)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US The Hollywood Walk of Fame (Los Angeles, California)
© Heather Schor / Shutterstock

Over 2,600 brass stars line this downtown LA walkway, honoring entertainment luminaries like Marilyn Monroe, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Steven Spielberg, and Walt Disney.

A magnet for celebrity-obsessed visitors, the Hollywood Walk of Fame was established as a tribute to film, television, music, radio, and theater icons. Today, it’s also home to pushy street vendors peddling overpriced merchandise and memorabilia.

  • Visit the Hollywood Museum: Explore classic movie memorabilia at the Hollywood Museum. Admission is USD 15.

Read also: American Cities With Unique Art Scene

International UFO Museum & Research Center (Roswell, New Mexico)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US International UFO Museum & Research Center (Roswell, New Mexico)
© tochichi / Flickr licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Sensationalist tourists and alien enthusiasts are drawn to this New Mexico museum that capitalizes on the 1947 Roswell UFO incident.

Exhibits at this attraction are more kitsch than educational, and the town of Roswell has embraced its alien theme so much that it overshadows other aspects of the area’s history and culture.

Read also: Quirky US Towns

Plymouth Rock (Plymouth, Massachusetts)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Plymouth Rock (Plymouth, Massachusetts)
© Danita Delimont / Adobe Stock

A symbol of colonial America, Plymouth Rock is precisely what its name entails—a rock. Its historical weight as the landing site of the Pilgrim Fathers has not been fully proven, and the site is often said to leave visitors questioning the hype.

  • Explore Plimoth Patuxet Museums: Learn about 17th-century life at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, featuring a recreated Pilgrim settlement and a Wampanoag homesite. Admission is USD 35 for adults.

Read also: US Hidden Treasures

Mount Rushmore National Memorial (Keystone, South Dakota)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Mount Rushmore National Memorial (Keystone, South Dakota)
© JohnDSmith / Shutterstock

A symbol of American heritage, this national landmark depicting presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt can disappoint tourists expecting a more substantial experience.

Seemingly colossal in photographs, the  Mount Rushmore stone sculpture is, in fact, just 60 feet tall. While still impressive, many tourists feel disappointed by the memorial’s size and isolated location.

  • See the Crazy Horse Memorial: Just 30 minutes away, this massive, still-in-progress Native American monument offers a contrasting perspective on monumental sculptures. Entry fee is USD 15 per person

Read also: Must-Visit US Landmarks

The Space Needle (Seattle, Washington)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US The Space Needle (Seattle, Washington)
© Beboy / Adobe Stock

If 360-degree views of Seattle are what you’re after, then a visit to the 605-foot-tall observation tower may be worth its substantial wait times and price tag.

Unimpressed visitors cite the Space Needle’s lack of knowledge as a drawback. Once you arrive at the top, there is little to no information about the surrounding buildings or the structure’s significance.

  • Explore the Seattle Center: Visit Seattle Center for attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass, located near the Space Needle.

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Read also: US Destinations for Art Lovers

Niagara Falls State Park (New York State)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Niagara Falls State Park (New York State)
© ronniechua / Adobe Stock

Niagara Falls is a natural wonder, but you can expect to pay top dollar for everything from water to parking. Visit the falls but skip the tourist-centric attractions in the park, such as Maid of the Mist basin tours and the Observation Deck.

  • View the Falls for Free: Skip paid attractions and see Niagara Falls from scenic spots like Prospect Point or Goat Island.
  • Take the Niagara Gorge Trail: Hike the Niagara Gorge Trail for stunning views and a quieter experience away from crowds.

Read also: Incredible American Landscapes

Salem Witch Museum (Salem, Massachusetts)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Salem Witch Museum (Salem, Massachusetts)
© Georgios Antonatos / Shutterstock

Not all tourists find this landmark bewitching. Housed in a historic New England church, the Salem Witch Museum takes visitors on a journey to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.

Many see the experience as sensationalist and describe it as a staged display of witchcraft gimmicks and commercialism. Nevertheless, if lore is your thing, this archive of wizardry may cast a spell. 

  • Visit the Peabody Essex Museum: See authentic artifacts from the witch trials at the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses original court documents.

Read also: US Towns With European Vibe

Waikiki (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Waikiki (Honolulu, Hawaii)
© jdross75 / Adobe Stock

While the white shorelines and turquoise waters of Honolulu’s iconic beaches are breathtaking, they are not secret. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, more than four million visitors descend on the exquisite two-mile stretch of sand each year.

Tourists can engage in water sports and activities, such as surfing, paddleboarding, and canoeing, while taking in the Diamond Head volcano on the adjacent island of Oʻahu.

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Why watch out for this tourist trap? Finding a spot to relax for the day can feel like navigating a wall-to-wall maze of beach towels, especially when seeking a patch of solitude by the ocean.

  • Rent Gear at The Beach Boys: Get surfboards, paddleboards, and snorkel gear from The Beach Boys Waikiki for a hassle-free beach day.
  • Relax at Lanikai Beach: Skip the crowds at Waikīkī and visit Lanikai Beach, known for its soft white sand and clear waters.

Read also: Secret Beaches in the US

The Alamo (San Antonio, Texas)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US The Alamo (San Antonio, Texas)
© jsnewtonian / Adobe Stock

This historic mission played a significant role in the fight for Texan independence, drawing crowds for its considerable past.

While the Alamo’s fame makes it a popular tourist destination, those looking for a quieter yet equally historical experience might find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park—comprising four lesser-known missions—a peaceful alternative.

Read more: Historical US Cities

Navy Pier (Chicago, Illinois)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Navy Pier (Chicago, Illinois)
© checubus / Adobe Stock

One of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions, Navy Pier offers captivating views of Lake Michigan and several entertainment options. While the pier hosts free programs and events throughout the year, its notoriety as a tourist trap is a byproduct of its averageness.

Its food hall boasting “authentic Chicago food” is riddled with chain restaurants like Potbelly Sandwich Shop, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Ben and Jerry’s. Home to the Centennial Wheel, Navy Pier also has boat cruises, rides, and tours, but each amusement will set you back a penny or two.

It is costly to ride the Ferris wheel. Families or small groups should prepare to shell out big time when spending a day on the lake.

  • Watch Free Events: Enjoy seasonal fireworks, live music, and public art displays without spending extra. Check the official website for schedules.

Read more: Surprising US Cities with a Vibrant Nightlife Scene

SeaWorld (Multiple Locations)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US SeaWorld (Multiple Locations)_
© Antoine Taveneaux / Wikimedia Commons licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

A longtime magnet for family fun and marine life enthusiasts, SeaWorld has three US locations in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio.

Single-day tickets in Florida start at over USD 100, and visitors can add all-dining bundles and skip-the-line privileges for even more per person. Such steep price tags make this one expensive family outing.

Over the years, SeaWorld’s treatment of animals has come under scrutiny, leading the park to stop using orcas in park shows. As a result, tourists have increasingly questioned SeaWorld’s educational value and authenticity, making it a pass for many.

  • Consider Alternative Parks: If you’re looking for animal experiences, visit Discovery Cove for dolphin swims or Gatorland for Florida wildlife.

Read also: Best US Cities for Shopping

Lower Broadway (Nashville, Tennessee)

Biggest Tourist Traps in the US Lower Broadway (Nashville, Tennessee)
© dconvertini / Flickr licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Lower Broadway, a major thoroughfare in Nashville’s Broadway Historic District, is the mecca of the city’s country music scene. The street is bustling with honky-tonk restaurants and bars like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, and Kris Kristofferson got their start.

You’ll also find premium-priced restaurants, museums, and live music venues like the famous Ryman Auditorium here, making Lower Broadway a quintessential tourist trap.

Visitors should be prepared to shell out top dollar for food and drink, admission fees, cover charges, souvenirs, and parking. Plus, litter and garbage pile up quickly, given the foot traffic on Lower Broadway, especially after dark.

  • Catch Live Music for Free: Many honky-tonks don’t charge a cover, but tipping the band is expected. Check out Robert’s Western World for classic country tunes.
  • Plan for Parking: Street parking is limited, and lots can cost USD 30 or more. Use ride-share services or park farther away and walk.

Read also: US Destinations for Art Lovers

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