worst tourist attractions in the us

10 Worst American Tourist Traps You Should Avoid

Every traveler has been a victim of the dreaded tourist trap. These places leave you feeling empty, hoodwinked and filled with regret. And yet, it's almost impossible to avoid them. 

Thankfully, we now have sites in which people can leave reviews — aka warnings so that other travelers don't make the same mistakes. Based on Tripadvisor reviews, these are the 10 worst tourist traps you should avoid when traveling in the U.S.

10. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Location:  Los Angeles, California

We like the idea behind the Hollywood Walk of Fame: to commemorate artists who have truly left a mark on the world. But the tourist experience of this street is absolutely underwhelming. There just isn't much to be said about seeing a star with a name on the floor. Sure, you could tell yourself that you're standing in the exact same spot as someone famous, but how much does that really matter?

If you're in L.A. and want to take an obligatory picture on this street, go ahead. But if you're short on time, there are much better things to do with your time.

*Ranking is based on Casago’s 2023 “ The Biggest Tourist Traps Worldwide ” report.

9. Cannery Row

Location:  Monterey, California

Once home to multiple sardine canning factories, Cannery Row has now been gentrified into a bougie district filled with shops and restaurants. We won't deny that its views of Monterey Harbor and its historic buildings are charming. The issue is that the district has become too popular for its own good and now offers just OK experiences for exorbitant prices (as well as a lot of cheesy, touristy trinkets). 

Come here if you have nothing better to do in Monterey.

8. San Antonio River Walk

Location:  San Antonio, Texas

Like Cannery Row, the San Antonio River Walk is undeniably pretty. But the only thing to do here is to sit down at an expensive restaurant and pay absurd prices for views of the San Antonio River. First-timers are encouraged to at least walk along the river.

But for those returning to cool San Antonio, this is a place to skip in lieu of much more incredible attractions, like the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

7. Hyman's Seafood

Location:  Charleston, South Carolina

Hyman's Seafood has definitely earned its legendary place in Charleston's food scene. The establishment has been around since 1890, first as a dry goods store, then as a seafood restaurant. Now on its fifth generation, the iconic eatery has been graced with guests like Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Streisand. 

So, why do so many people feel disappointed? The prices aren't the problem. In fact, we think they're pretty good for a restaurant this famous. But people say the food isn't out-of-this-world. At least not enough to justify the absurdly long lines. Still want to try it? Make sure to have a reservation.

6. Big Texan Steak Ranch

Location:  Amarillo, Texas

Part restaurant, part hotel, part random gift shop, the Big Texan Steak Ranch encompasses the spirit of Texas. Its main claim to fame is its 72-ounce steak dinner, which consists of steak, a bread roll, baked potato, salad and a shrimp cocktail. Anyone who is able to finish it in less than one hour gets the meal for free. The challenge calls to people, especially in a state where bigger always equals better. 

But if you don't like the idea of getting sick for the sake of a food contest, there is nothing especially interesting for you here.

5. Navy Pier

Location:  Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Navy Pier is basically a scenic mall with indoor dining and shopping as well as outdoor offerings. During the summer, small water attractions bring in families looking for a refreshing activity. 

Let's be honest: It's really not the worst attraction; in fact, if you visit, you'll probably enjoy your time here. The issue is that Chicago has so many amazing  things to do that it seems like a waste of time to come to a mall. You can find that anywhere — but you can't find the Art Institute of Chicago or the Skydeck. 

4. Cafe du Monde

Location:  New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is one of the culinary epicenters of the U.S. So, if a place becomes legendary within the city, you know it has to offer something extraordinary. And Cafe du Monde certainly does: Its beignets are heavenly. 

But, sadly, the cafe's quality has been its doom. If you want to enjoy what it offers, you'll likely have to stand in line for an hour and a half or longer. Really, no restaurant in the world justifies that wait time. 

3. Times Square

Location:  New York, New York

Have you even been to New York if you haven't been to Times Square? Yes and no. There are so many more interesting places in the city that actually give you a glimpse of its beautiful, chaotic energy. At the same time, the square is the epitome of capitalistic hedonism, and that certainly describes the city. 

Our advice is to go here once the first time you visit New York. Then, try to stay away from it as much as possible.

2. Dole Plantation

Location:  Wahiawa, Hawaii

Why on Earth would someone spend their time in Hawaii touring the Dole Plantation? Maybe if you were in a state where there is nothing but corn fields and Walmarts, but visiting an attraction like this while on Oahu seems like a crime. 

Sure, pineapples have been important to the state's modern-day history. But that doesn't justify wasting your time here when you could've been at the beach or hiking in Waimea Valley. To be fair, we blame any tourist who makes this decision, not the plantation.

1. Fisherman's Wharf

Location:  San Francisco, California

One of San Francisco's most famous districts, Fisherman's Wharf is a historic area that attracts people with its promise of fresh seafood and gorgeous harbor views. Like other places on this list, the Wharf is a cool attraction turned sour because of its popularity. Food prices are absurd, and scenic spots have lines of people waiting to take the same picture. You'll hardly ever see locals here for this very reason.

Is it more touristy than Times Square? Tripadvisor reviewers seem to think so, but we'd disagree.

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The Most Overrated Tourist Attractions In 43 US States

Every state in the US has something to offer , whether it be sprawling national parks, trademark foods , historic cities, or... the world's largest ball of twine? From roadside attractions to bucket list destinations, some of these tourist traps leave a lot to be desired. Maybe it's the endless crowds, the overpriced gift shops, or that the attraction just didn't live up to the massive hype surrounding it. Most of the time, the state locals are the only ones who know these sites aren't much to see. 

Whether it's your home state's overrated oddity, or a place you once drove hundreds of miles to gaze upon, vote up the tourist attractions that made you ask, "That's it?"

Massachusetts - Plymouth Rock

From Redditor u/ Bawstahn123 :

Plymouth Rock.

It's... well, it's a rock. That the Pilgrims  might have  landed on.

(Hint: they didn't.)

From Redditor u/ Fargraven :

...Plymouth Rock is the most underwhelming experience you could possibly imagine, and it’s not even the original frickin rock...

Washington, D.C. - Georgetown Cupcakes

From Redditor u/ cjt09 :

I'm thinking Georgetown Cupcake takes the spot. There's always a line and the cupcakes are good but they're not going to change your life or anything. You can go down the street to Baked and Wired and get the same thing for half the cost and a tenth of the wait.

South Carolina - South Of The Border

From Redditor u/ Davipars :

[It's] like they spent all their money on the billboards rather than the place itself.

From Redditor u/ Not_MAYH3M :

The billboards on 95 are more entertaining than the actual place.

From Redditor u/ Ewalk :

Every time I've driven by this (I used to live in Fayetteville and drive to FL a lot), I've stopped, and nothing but the gas station is open. I don't get it. I just want to see why there's so many billboards but it's always f*cking deserted.

Colorado - 16th Street Mall

From Redditor u/ JingJang :

..."The 16th Street Mall" (in Denver). It's literally a bunch of chain stores and some tourist trap gift shops all owned by the same family. Out on the mall you dodge being hit by electric buses and avoid pan-handlers.

From Redditor u/ CookieMan0 :

16th Street is terrible. It's like a less interesting, bigger version of Boulder's Pearl Street, which itself has gotten much duller over the last 15 years.

From Redditor u/ Idunnodoyouwhynotme :

16th Street Mall in Denver. It’s the pits. Denver has so many gems - and they’re all in the neighborhoods around downtown.

California - Hollywood

From Redditor u/ PacSan300 :

...Too many people go to Hollywood and expect a glitzy and glamorous place, rather than the dirty, rundown, and urine-reeking place it is.

From Redditor u/ WEDenterprise :

...What a waste of an afternoon. We visited LA for the first time in May and the Walk of Fame was by far and away the worst thing we did that trip.

From Redditor u/ zoishiez :

...It’s so gross, parking is a wh*re, everything is expensive, and there’s nothing much to do besides take pics for social media, spend $25 to go to semi-entertaining museums, and eat street cart bacon-wrapped hot dogs.

Oregon - McMenamins

From Redditor u/ ThisDerpForSale :

...[I]t pains me to say this, as there is much to recommend them, but it's McMenamins... The combination of the name recognition, the decent-but-not-great-beer, the mediocre food, the terrible service, and the generally middling prices makes many of them just not worth it when there are so many other better options. I know this will seem like a hot take, but I stand by it...

From Redditor u/ WhoTookPlasticJesus :

I have to say that when I went to their school location all I could think while eating and drinking was, "Wow. This really should be a lot better than it is." It didn't feel cheesy or phony, it just wasn't really very good.

North Carolina - Billy Graham Library

From Redditor u/ Bz3rk :

The Billy Graham museum in Charlotte - churches got all their members to vote for it so it's "Number One rated attraction... on Tripadvisor in Charlotte!"

Kansas - World's Largest Ball Of Twine

From Redditor u/ lethargicbureaucrat :

The world's largest ball of twine...

(Actually, the locals have a sense of humor about it.)

New Jersey - Atlantic City

From Redditor u/ The_Paper_Cut :

If we even have one, Atlantic City. It’s such a sh*tty place and in my opinion it’s also really sketchy. NJ has some really really nice beaches that are on par with the Carolinas', and people still go to AC because “It’s got a boardwalk that Monopoly was based off of,” and “But Casinos.”

From Redditor u/ candre23 :

I'd say Atlantic City, but I think at this point hardly anybody rates it as anything more than the dump it is.

Connecticut - Mystic Pizza

From Redditor u/ tenacious_masshole :

Mystic Pizza?

From Redditor u/ Aprils-Fool :

...I'd heard that it's a tourist trap and not very good...

New Hampshire - Hampton Beach

From Redditor u/ Cal1gula :

Hampton Beach for sure.

Sorry to all the tourists who go there every summer. It's the place where we send the people who don't appreciate how the rest of the state isn't like Hampton Beach.

Iowa - Iowa 80

From Redditor u/ LeEpicMemerDude69420 :

The Iowa 80 truck stop is the world’s largest truck stop, but it’s not actually that interesting if you’ve been to a large truck stop before.

Arizona - Four Corners

From Redditor u/ 5-2blue :

Four Corners, easily. Pay money to wait half an hour in line to take a picture “in four states,” but the actual place where the states meet is over a thousand feet away.

From Redditor u/ StoopidN00b :

Four Corners, heh. Like what are people expecting? It's just an arbitrary spot where people drew lines on a map that intersect.

Arkansas - Crater Of Diamonds State Park

From Redditor u/ bella_banks17 :

Crater of Diamonds State Park. People think just because you can keep a diamond if you find it, they’ll be the lucky one. Go there to let your kids play in mud, and accept that you’ll only find rocks and mud.

Nebraska - Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

From Redditor u/ Evertonius :

There is literally no tourism in Nebraska. Our own tourism slogan is “Nebraska: honestly it's not for everyone.”

But I guess I’d still have to say the Bob Kerrey pedestrian bridge. People like to stand on it and take a photo of themselves with one foot on the Nebraska side and one foot on the Iowa side. That’s basically it.

Florida - Destin

From Redditor u/ Chls122 :

Destin, FL. Seriously, there's so many people that come here just to eat at Bubba Gump and sit out on the beach, but it takes like a million years to get to the beach because there is so much traffic. The beaches aren't even that nice because of all the trash they leave behind.

From Redditor u/ disgustipated :

We don't call it the Redneck Riviera for nuthin!

For those not familiar with Destin, it's the tourist destination for southern money. Every Spring, they flock in from New Orleans, Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta, etc., to enjoy snow white beaches and piss off the locals. With malice, forethought, and intent.

There's literally only one main road - US Highway 98 - that runs parallel to the coast, and traffic can back up from Navarre to 30-A...

Favorite bumper sticker in Destin: "If it's tourist season, why can't we shoot them?"

Minnesota - Mall Of America

From Redditor u/ larchmontvandyke : 

Mall of America. It’s literally just a mall with a couple of rides.

From Redditor u/ BunchOCrunch :

When I was a kid we moved from Hawaii to Edina. I was told about how it was the biggest mall in the world! Being from a lower income family, we never actually went to any of the stores but Camp Snoopy was amazing! I went there a couple of times when I was a kid. Alas, we moved even further north and I didn't go back until 2017.

For some reason, I thought I'd get the same magical feeling as I did when I was a kid. Nope. Really, it's just a mall with a small amusement park. It's really nothing special, unfortunately. The top levels were nearly vacant at the time which made me feel like the place was probably in decline. We ended up going to IKEA afterwards which was also a whole new experience.

From Redditor u/ JimDixon :

It's actually not the biggest mall in the world. It is not even the biggest mall in the United States anymore...

Utah - Great Salt Lake

From Redditor u/ UltimateInferno :

...Great Salt Lake. Don't go there. It smells bad. There's no fish. It's got a harbor, I guess, but I don't think you would like to go boating there. It's just a lot of water that is salty. You want a view of it? Just drive down I-80. For about 5-10 minutes it goes right up against it and [then you] turn around at Exit 99 or keep driving to Wendover.

And to tack on, the Salt Flats are very dangerous to go [to] in its usual season of the F*cking Summer. So if you want to go drag racing there, your car will overheat and it will not be fun.

From Redditor u/ lotrisneat :

Yeah, I’d have to agree about the Great Salt Lake. You can’t even really swim in it because it’s so nasty. I think some people sail on it, but you can’t fish, you can’t swim, what’s the point? There are tons more beautiful lakes in the state that you can go to...

Pennsylvania - Rocky Statue

From Redditor u/ bosscav :

...The Rocky Statue... There are fake "staff" members who yell at people to stay in line then charge you to take your picture. It's just a statue outdoors... There is no official "staff"...

From Redditor u/ st-ove :

I literally have to look down when I'm walking up to the art museum because I can't bear to watch all the tourists running up the stairs with their fists in the air.

Kentucky - Ark Encounter

From a former Redditor :

The Ark encounter, yes that's a real (fake) thing.

From Redditor u/ Shameless2ndAccount :

I was JUST there this past weekend. I can't come up with a way to succinctly describe my thoughts about it. It's like if a replica/knock-off Ark was Disney-fied and dropped on a hill. It'd also be more interesting if every exhibit had a little more substance to it other than "We don't know for sure, but we're like kinda sure it was done this way."​

Also happened to catch a Young Earth Christian give a speech arguing in favor of a 6,000-year-old Earth (by rejecting the scientific methods for dating the Earth). That was quite a trip.

Vermont - Ben & Jerry's Factory

From Redditor u/ kindaMadScientist :

The Ben & Jerry's Factory!

From Redditor u/ standardtissue :

Agreed. We walked in the door, figured out what it was about, and turned around and left. Not long after though we toured Cabot (we're cheeseheads) and that was definitely very pleasing, and more what we were looking for. No tour buses of kids parked outside, for example.

New Mexico - Roswell

From Redditor u/ otisinthedark9 :

Roswell. It's a boring little cow town with some minor alien kitsch.

North Dakota - World's Largest 'Animals'

From Redditor u/ mobius153 :

World largest [animal] all over the state. Buffalo, sandhill crane, etc...

South Dakota - Wall Drug

From Redditor u/ bheasutter :

Wall Drug. Most over-advertised truck stop ever.

Not from there but the hellhole that is Wall Drug takes the cake.

Maryland - Ocean City

From Redditor u/ Railer150 :

Ocean City, Maryland.

Amen. We only go out of state now.

Illinois - The Bean (Cloud Gate)

From Redditor u/ mp_rad :

The Bean at Millennium Park. (Chicago)... It’s a gigantic metal sculpture of a bean. I will never understand why the tourists flock to it.

Chicago is full of amazing places to check out. The Bean is definitely not one of them. I concur.

From Redditor u/ Fireheart318s_Reddit :

The Bean. It’s just a big shiny bean. It doesn’t even have any interesting light-f*ckery going on; just a smooth mirror in the shape of a bean.

If I wanted to see... beans, I’d just go over to the animal shelter or something.

Maine - Desert Of Maine

From Redditor u/ BornToDoSomething03 :

The great Desert of Maine. It's simply glacier residue.

Rhode Island - WaterFire

From Redditor u/ SkinnyHusky :

WaterFire. It's just a handful of floating baskets along the river in downtown Providence that they light on fire. But at least you're still in downtown Providence, close to some decent bars and restaurants.

New York - Times Square

From Redditor u/ Algoresball :

Times [Square] is not really that cool.

From Redditor u/ wpm :

First time I went to NYC with friends they insisted on staying in Times Square. I told them it would suck. I had seen it in mid-October. Miserable. We went in the height of summer. The crowd was so thick we felt at times like we couldn't even leave our hotel. Getting anything - coffee, breakfast, pizza, a subway, a bike, smack dab in the middle of Manhattan - felt impossible because of the crush from the crowds. Even when you finally made it somewhere, it would be packed.

And all I could think, looking out the window at the other buildings, seeing cubicles and desks, was, "God damn, some poor saps have to f*cking brave those crowds every f*cking day."

Indiana - Shipshewana

From Redditor u/ Geeves1097 :

Shipshewana, I don't know why so many people want to see the Amish and go to a sh*tty flea market.

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Lists and lists of the things that make each US State unique, from the weirdest laws to the most popular drinks and dog breeds to the shows residents are streaming most on Netflix.

Tourist traps to avoid in every state

There are few things more American than a good old-fashioned roadside attraction. After all, they’re at the heart of almost every road trip. But just because they exist doesn’t mean they’re all worth seeing.

While most states have quirky, unique attractions that are worth your while, it’s all too easy to get suckered into a veritable tourist trap, a waste of time and—even worse—money. To avoid that dilemma on your next road trip, Stacker scoured online reviews and feedback on each state’s most popular tourist attractions to find the ones that you should avoid.

ALSO:  Locals share the most overrated and underrated tourist attraction in every state

Alabama: The World's Largest Brick

This oversized ad for Jenkins Brick & Tile Company calls Montgomery, Alabama, home. The “world’s largest brick” is actually constructed from many small bricks, not one giant brick, and secondly, it can’t even boast the title anymore. In 2007, a larger clay brick, made by ACME Brick Co. in Denton, Texas, stole the honors.

Alaska: Santa Claus House

The Santa Claus House is a largely self-explanatory establishment that capitalizes on its home in North Pole, Alaska. Now, this town of 2,000 people has no relation to the real North Pole, and it’s mostly home to generic Christmas knick-knacks you can buy anywhere. Although it does have a 900-pound statue of jolly old St. Nick himself out front.

Arizona: The Thing

Anyone who’s taken a southwest road trip has probably seen mysterious billboards advertising “The Thing,” outside of Dragoon, Arizona. If the nearly 250 billboards along I-10 aren’t enough to pique your curiosity, Stacker will cue you in: “The Thing” is nothing more than an odd collection of antiquities, the centerpiece being a mummified mother and child of ambiguous origin. Save your $1.

Arkansas: Crater of Diamonds State Park

If playing around in a field of dirt appeals to you, you’ll love Crater of Diamonds State Park. As the world’s only diamond-producing site open to the public, Crater of Diamonds draws in loads of tourists who want to spend $8 for the minuscule chance of digging up a precious stone of their very own.

California: Venice Beach Boardwalk

It’s been immortalized in movies and TV shows for decades, but the Venice Beach boardwalk is mostly an overcrowded stretch of street performers, meatheads, and other eccentrics who hope to make a quick buck off an unsuspecting tourist. If you want an authentic L.A. beach experience, hit up Santa Monica Pier or drive up to secluded Malibu instead.

Colorado: Mike the Headless Chicken Festival

The tiny town of Fruita, Colorado, hosts a two-day festival each year to commemorate Mike, a Wyandotte chicken who met his untimely death in 1945 and proceeded to live for another 18 months—without a head. While Mike’s story is remarkable, the festival itself is not.

Connecticut: Wild Bill's Nostalgia Store

Wild Bill's is particularly creepy on the outside—thanks to a giant clown head. This Middletown, Connecticut, attraction is home to the world’s largest jack-in-the-box and store akin to a small-town flea market.

Delaware: Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Once you've seen one boardwalk, you’ve seen them all. While Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach is scenic, it’s boardwalk is not—unless you’re a fan of overpriced logo T-shirts and other tourist memorabilia.

Florida: St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Florida’s famous for gators, but once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm has been in existence since the late 1800s, but we’re not entirely sure. Save your time and money, unless you’re absolutely dying to zip line over a pool of the hungry reptiles.

Georgia: Jimmy Carter Peanut Statue

No disrespect to one of America's past presidents, but there are few reasons to stop at this landmark, which consists of a 13-foot statue of a smiling peanut. It was erected by the Indiana Democratic Party during Carter’s 1976 campaign, but it now lives in the former president’s hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Hawaii: Dole Plantation

Dole’s famous Hawaiian plantation is popular with those who are curious about how pineapples grow, but it’s become even more famous thanks to a sweet whipped treat called a Dole Whip. Lines for this pineapple-flavored treat can grow extremely long, so next time you’re in Hawaii, skip the Dole and try truly authentic Hawaiian shaved ice instead.

Idaho: The Spud Drive-In

While a drive-in movie theater sounds quaint in theory, they don’t work nearly as well in practice. However, this Idaho theater does boast a giant sculpture of a potato sitting on the back of a flatbed truck.

Illinois: The Super Museum

What do you get when you combine the small Illinois town of Metropolis with a rabid Superman fan? A 100,000-piece homage to the superhero. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of the fictional superhero, keep on driving.

Indiana: The Largest Ball of Paint

What was once a humble baseball is now the world’s largest ball of paint, with more than 25,000 layers and weighing more than 4,000 pounds. It’s among the state’s most-visited roadside attractions. If curiosity gets the better of you, you can make an appointment to view the ball for yourself.

Iowa: The Field of Dreams

The beloved movie was filmed here—and that’s about it. Since then, it’s hosted a baseball exhibition game and a film screening, but it’s still basically a baseball diamond surrounded by cornfields. 

Kansas: The World's Largest Ball of Twine

Yes, it’s a real thing. This Cawker City, Kansas, attraction is more than 40 feet in circumference and weighs almost 15,000 pounds.

Kentucky: Ark Encounter

This biblical theme-park opened in 2016, boasting a life-size, 510-foot-long ark among other religious exhibits. While the exhibitions might be interesting to many, the ticket price is tough to swallow. Ticket prices are $48 for adults, and between $15 and $25 for kids, so bringing the whole family here will be a pricey endeavor.

Louisiana: Bourbon Street

Louisiana’s Bourbon Street is unfailingly popular in a city with so much else to offer. There are much more interesting things to do in the Big Easy than walk down a stretch loaded with strip clubs, loud groups of partiers, and tacky drink offerings.

Maine: The Desert of Maine

In a state with so much natural beauty, why would anyone care about seeing a desert? This sandy 40-acre attraction is the result of exposed glacial silt in the middle of what was once a working farm. Admission costs $12.50 for adults to visit what is basically a sandbox.

Maryland: God’s Ark of Safety

Kentucky beat Maryland to the punch with their Ark Encounter, but at one time, Marylanders, too, wanted a life-size replica of the ark. While the project kicked off with a bang in 1976, it quickly fizzled out, leaving a steel-and-concrete skeleton alongside the interstate that nevertheless still draws curious visitors.

Massachusetts: Plymouth Rock

Want to see where the original pilgrims landed in Massachusetts? Prepare to be disappointed. While there is indeed a Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, disappointed visitors will discover it’s nothing more than an average-sized rock with a plaque next to it.

Michigan: Mystery Spot

This famed area was discovered in the 1950s by surveyors who discovered their equipment had mysteriously stopped working. Since then, it’s been regarded as, well, a mysterious spot that defies the laws of gravity. Now, it’s nothing more than a few shacks built into hillside, a mini-amusement park with a maze, mini-golf, and zip lines. Like one TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, “the only mystery is ‘where did my $9 go?’”

Minnesota: Mall of America

It’s large and has every store imaginable, drawing in more than 40 million visitors each year. But in the era of Amazon, there are better ways to spend your time and money than shopping at this chain-store conglomerate. Even a visit to some of the more unique attractions, like the aquarium or Nickelodeon Universe, will cost you, with ticket prices of $25—or more.

Mississippi: Mammy's Cupboard

This restaurant, which has its dining room set within the skirt of a 28-foot black woman, has its roots in an offensive stereotype that existed for decades in the South. While the Natchez restaurant was repainted during the Civil Rights era, it’s still hotly debated in Mississippi.

Missouri: Silver Dollar City

Branson's Silver Dollar City is no Disney World—but you still might be floored by the prices to get into this wannabe amusement park, where tickets for adults run nearly $70. With just 40 rundown rides, there are better places to spend your hard-earned money. 

Montana: Lincoln’s World Famous 50,000 Silver $ Bar

“Montana’s largest gift shop” also boasts a motel, free RV parking, and a casino. But the real attractions here are the 50,000 silver dollar coins affixed to every surface. 

Nebraska: Carhenge

Imagine that the builders of Nebraska’s Carhenge said, “Imagine Stonehenge, but with cars.” Thirty-nine painted cars are arranged to resemble the famed English monument. Instead, consider checking out some of Nebraska’s natural wonders, like the famed sandhill crane migration.

Nevada: The Las Vegas Strip

Impressive by night, this iconic stretch of Las Vegas looks more like a strip mall during the day. Hoping to get a selfie with the namesake sign? Be prepared to wait in a long queue, likely with no shade and scorching heat—this is Vegas after all.

New Hampshire: Ice Castles

Man-made ice caverns sound impressive and they are in fact beautiful, but like many roadside attractions, these just aren’t quite as breathtaking in person as they sound. If you like bitterly cold temperatures and crowds — you’ll love it.

New Jersey: Atlantic City

Natives of the Garden State won’t be surprised by this addition to the list. Atlantic City’s boardwalk is full of unsuspecting attractions that lure tourists into spend money. If you want to visit the Jersey coast, stick to the charming houses and quaint seaside in Cape May.

New Mexico: Roswell

The Land of Enchantment is also supposedly the site of a 1947 alien crash landing, which sent the town of Roswell into a frenzy. Now, the southern New Mexico town has turned the alleged event into a tourist attraction, building a museum, the International UFO Museum and Research Center, kitschy gift shops, and more.

New York: Times Square

A plaza of flashing lights and Disney characters might sound appealing on your first visit to New York, but real New Yorkers generally avoid the place. At its crux, Times Square is just a plaza surrounded by bright billboards and overpriced chain restaurants. 

North Carolina: The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers

High Point, North Carolina, holds the distinction of Home Furnishings Capital of the World, drawing interior designers, media, and manufacturers annually for its namesake festival. But the town has one other curious draw: a 38-foot statue of a dresser built in the 1920s.

North Dakota: The Center of North America

A stone obelisk marks the center of North America, located near a town aptly-named Center, North Dakota. For years, nearby Rugby claimed the title, until a geographer updated the previously used calculations. 

Ohio: Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen

This restaurant-gift shop serves hearty Amish food that is purportedly homemade, but some online reviewers report being served canned green beans and frozen dinner rolls. While the temptation of a filling country meal can be strong, Mary Yoder’s is best skipped.

Oklahoma: Blue Whale

Catoosa, Oklahoma’s blue whale won’t be seen in the ocean anytime soon. The derelict 80-foot-long replica of a sperm whale was originally part of a public swimming hole, but it quickly became a popular Route 66 attraction. Today, the whale remains in the pond, alongside a summer concession stand and, naturally, a souvenir shop.

Oregon: Sea Lion Caves

It sounds cool in theory: the world’s largest sea cave. Then, you enter a crowd freight elevator that drops to the bottom, prompting the aforementioned sea lions to dive into the water. At $11, you should keep driving.

Pennsylvania: Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey’s Chocolate World is essentially a theme park dedicated to average chocolate. While admission for the trolley tour is free, the end-goal here is to get visitors to make purchases from the overwhelming, sugar-fueled gift shop.

Rhode Island: Newport Mansions

Rhode Island’s coast is lined with breathtaking mansions that are well-worth the visit—but you don’t need to pay to get inside. While a ticket to tour the Newport Mansions’ interiors will run you about $25, you can instead take in the opulent homes from the adjacent Cliff Walk, free of charge.

South Carolina: South of the Border

This bizarre rest-stop-meets-theme-park might lure you in with its bright colors and promise of an easy attraction to satisfy restless kids, but once you’re here, you’ll find a kitschy, dated complex with a Mexican restaurant, a reptile exhibit, and a truck stop all in one. Combined with the racist bandito mascot and you’ll see why you should keep driving.

South Dakota: Wall Drug

Like Arizona’s “The Thing,” if you’ve driven through South Dakota, you may have seen a billboard for Wall Drug—after all, there are more than 300. Back in the 1930s, the drugstore served a valuable purpose, serving up free ice water to thirsty drivers. But today, it’s nothing more than a hodgepodge of stores and a random snake pit.

Tennessee: Graceland

Warning: Elvis Fans might find this addition blasphemous. “The King” left the building decades ago, but this tourist trap still rakes in the big bucks, charging nearly $40 for adults to tour his Memphis home.

Texas: Cadillac Ranch

It's hard to miss this long-standing Texan tourist trap while driving toward Amarillo, Texas. Consisting of colorful Cadillacs embedded in the sandy soil, there’s not much to see here, yet thousands of visitors stop their cars each year. Don’t waste your time at the nearby Big Texan either, a kitschy steakhouse that’s lured in unsuspecting road-trippers for years.

Utah: Hole N The Rock

While this attraction can be given credit for being more than just a “hole n the rock,” it doesn’t mean it’s worth your time. Located outside of Moab, Hole N" The Rock consists of a multi-room cave-house, gift shop, and small zoo.

Vermont: Rock of Ages

For fans of giant holes in the ground, stick to the Grand Canyon. Don’t be one of the hapless tourists who’s fallen for the Rock of Ages, a giant granite quarry you can pay to see, alongside a tacky gift shop selling granite goods, natch.

Virginia: Dinosaur Land

Opened more than 50 years ago, Dinosaur Land is home to many slightly dated fiberglass models of ferocious dinos—as well as a random shark and octopus for good measure. While charming for small kids, there’s not much that you can’t see at your neighborhood mini-golf course.

Washington: Seattle Gum Wall

One word comes to mind when describing Seattle’s gum wall: gross. For years, locals and visitors alike have stuck their gum to this unsuspecting wall, creating a colorful canvas of saliva and the sticky stuff. The wall was cleaned for the first time in 2015.

West Virginia: Mystery Hole

Like so many mystery attractions, West Virginia’s Mystery Hole is not so much dedicated to one hole, but instead a hodgepodge of random oddities, similar to Michigan’s Mystery Spot. Save $7 and let this mystery remain.

Wisconsin: Mars Cheese Castle

If there’s one thing Wisconsin’s known for, it is cheese, and the Mars Cheese Castle takes cheese to a whole new level. While mildly amusing—the building does look like a castle—it’s not necessarily worth a visit unless you want to buy some average cheese that you can probably get from the local grocery store at home.

Wyoming: Frontier Prison

This depressing stop might appeal to some with a mean streak, but for most visitors, the thought of paying money to sit in a defunct gas chamber in Rawlins, Wyoming, doesn’t sound appealing. The prison closed in 1981.

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The worst tourist trap in every state

Maybe you're touring the US as a citizen out to see your homeland . Or maybe you're coming from afar to see what America has to offer. Either way, you probably want to make the most of your travels. 

While some tourist spots across the country have become legendary landmarks that everyone should see , others are just disappointing. Some are blatant attempts to make money, others are plain weird, but either way, they should be avoided at all costs .

Save your time, money, and sanity by skipping these 50 overrated attractions. 

Follow INSIDER on Facebook .

Watch: America is more politically divided than ever, and the government shutdown only makes that more apparent

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This map highlights the worst attraction in each state in the US according to Instagram

Cue angry Twitter mobs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matt Shirley (@mattsurelee) on Aug 19, 2020 at 1:45pm PDT

Let us start by saying that this isn't really a scientifically-generated map. It does, however, provide food for thought. Instagram user Matt Shirley polled his 389,000 Instagram followers about each state's worst attraction and then grouped the results in this handy map that is sure to cause some ruckus.

Some entries make total sense, although they do happen to be tourist hotspots. Take New York's Times Square: although currently eerie and almost abandoned looking (as is the rest of the world, after all), we don't particularly like the area when filled with tourists in non-COVID-19 times either. Same goes for the Jersey Shore, Hollywood in California and Disney in Florida. 

Other responses make us question what Americans think about attractions in general. Old Man of the Mountain, for example, was voted worst destination in New Hampshire... but didn't the site actually crumble a few years ago? And as played out as Arizona's Grand Canyon and the Alamo in Texas are, we must admit we still consider them pillars of American culture. Dare we say they're actually worth-while destinations in their respective states and the country as a whole?

Needless to say, the chart caused a bit of uproar online, with folks from all over arguing about the visualization. Here are some of the funniest reactions to the map on Twitter:

Most of these are normal, some a five minute stop- but, World's Tallest Filing Cabinet? : ) pic.twitter.com/kBQxyWW0oa — Taylor Sartre (@Taylor_Sartre) August 22, 2020

Times Square is only the "worst" if you're a wimp. "It's too crowded!" Uh... what did you EXPECT, exactly, when you decided to vacation in New York City? — TomHoefWrites (@TomHoefWrites) August 21, 2020

I will not accept this Corn Palace slander pic.twitter.com/pODjBWp19c — Paul Algu (@PaulAlgu12) August 21, 2020

Anyone who thinks the Wisconsin Dells is the worst attraction has never been to the Mustard Museum. — Holly Figueroa O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) August 21, 2020

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Worst-rated tourist sites across the globe revealed: ‘grubby’ us spot tops list.

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You might want to take a peek at this list before planning your next vacation.

Stasher, a reusable storage container company, ranked 99 global tourist attractions using Google reviews, quality of local accommodations, distance from the closest international airport, tourist safety, and, of course, TikTok popularity.

These worst-of-the-worst ratings come as the post-pandemic tourism boom continues, with travelers prioritizing meaningful vacations.

“Our values have fundamentally shifted since the pandemic, and now, people want meaning in everything they do — travel included. They’re more purposeful,” Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, told Barrons this week.

“Pre-pandemic, travel was about checking off a list of destinations you wanted to see. Now, it’s about really exploring and seeing a place in depth,” she added.

4. Busch Gardens in Florida

The 335-acre animal theme park welcomes around 4 million visitors a year — many wanting to chase the thrill of roller coasters while taking stock of the majestic animals.

The Tampa Bay attraction, which lives in the shadow of Orlando-area amusement parks, was poorly rated for its second-rate accommodations.

Those earned a 6.6 out of 10.

3. Taj Mahal, India

The massive mausoleum of white marble — built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his favorite wife — is one of the most iconic and admired pieces of architecture in the world, but some argue it may not be worth the trip.

Being a whopping 136 miles from the closest airport, making it the tourist destination farthest away from an international airstrip, also contributed to the low ranking.

2. Grand Bazaar, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul may be one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, but just like with many malls across the globe , shoppers aren’t interested.

With 4,000 shops hoping to entice tourists, the Grand Bazaar scored poorly on most markers, thanks to a higher risk tourist safety score of 2.8 of 5 and a lengthy trek to the airport (28 miles).

1. Hollywood Walk of Fame, California

The famous attraction, along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street, honors Hollywood’s biggest stars.

But it didn’t earn much acclaim, with an overall ranking of 3.42 out of 10.

The hot spot received the lowest Google Reviews score, 4 out of 5.

One write-up even calls it “grubby and slightly scary!”

The United States’ poor global peace index of 3.85 dragged Hollywood Boulevard’s tourist hub even lower, with reviews describing the walk as “dirty” and “unsafe.” 

You’ll likely have more luck and a better time trying to spot a star at one of Los Angeles’ trendy spots, like Erewhon or Nobu .

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The Worst Attractions in Each State

America has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism. America is rich in culture and offers a wide range of attractions for tourists who live in and outside the country. We have numerous national parks, theme parks, museums, monuments, statues, and so much more. Some of these destinations are highly popular—enjoyed by millions every year. And when you think of tourist destinations, you might think of places like Disneyland, Yellowstone, or Washington D.C. However, there are plenty of breathtaking hidden gems in each like Mono Lake in California or the Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado–if you know where to look.

Unfortunately for you, the following tourist traps are not anything like that and should be avoided at all costs. From the downright wacky to the completely mundane, these are indeed the worst attractions in each state. Instagram user Matt Shirley polled 389,000 Instagram followers in 2020 and composed a list of The Worst Attractions in Every State. For our list of the worst attractions, we mostly pulled from this list but made our own inclusions based on our personal experiences. With that said, let's take a look!

Wyoming – Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport

The Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport certainly sounds like an ideal destination for aspiring astronomers and NASA enthusiasts, but do not let the name fool you. In truth, there has never been a space shuttle launch let alone a spacecraft at the Intergalactic Spaceport. While there have been at least 300 aircraft in operation, they were all general aviation aircraft.

If you feel compelled to visit this airport, you can find it in Green River, Wyoming. It's available for public use and the runway is mostly unattended. There are no buildings nor any facilities nearby. Enjoy!

Vermont – Rock of Ages

It sounds like something you might want to put on your bucket list, but it will actually fill you with regret. The Rock of Ages is no natural wonder nor is it an awesome classic rock concert. Nope, it's just an old quarry made of granite.

You can look at the rubble and natural pools for a little bit, and then you can head to a gift shop. From there, you can purchase some granite souvenirs for your whole family. Otherwise, you can just stop by your local home improvement and smash up some granite tile to say you went there.

Alaska – The North Pole

The North Pole is the place of many children's dreams. There are family-friendly Christmas movies about it. It's filled with magic, Santa Claus, snow, and of course, lots of toys. The North Pole in Alaska, however, is not that place. Most Alaskans would agree that it's the worst attraction in the state.

Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, the North Pole is a Christmas-themed village that is a surefire tourist trap. It features a Santa Claus House, which is actually just a gift shop. Buildings, streetlights, and street names are all Christmas themed as well. The local USPS gets hundreds of thousands of letters for Santa every year. Sometimes the community even responds. So, send your letters there, but don't bother visiting. Bah humbug, indeed!

North Dakota – Tommy the Turtle

Have you always wanted to see a tacky-looking turtle riding a snowmobile for some reason? Well, the Tommy the Turtle statue is the ideal attraction for you. Standing 30 feet tall, Tommy the Turtle is the largest turtle in the world, bar none. And with his snowmobile, he stands around 34 feet tall and is made entirely of fiberglass.

The statue was built by Boots Reynolds of Idaho in 1978 and was transported via flatbed trucks to Bottineau, North Dakota. Tommy can be found at the entrance to the park's municipal tennis courts. At least it's free to check out if you should be so inclined.

South Dakota – Wall Drug

One of America's greatest mysteries is how Wall Drug pulls in millions of tourists every year. This roadside attraction features western-themed drug stores, restaurants, and of course, gift shops. There's also an art gallery, and an 80-foot tall brontosaurus statue, because like the North Dakotans, the South Dakotans love their giant fiberglass statues.

The town has become increasingly popular since it was acquired by Ted Hustead in 1931. Since then it has shamelessly self-promoted itself into popularity. Stop by and get a free bumper sticker and a 5-cent cup of coffee. The coffee may not be good, but for that price, there's not much room to complain.

Delaware – Dover Air Force Base

If you are looking for a good nap, check out Dover Air Force Base. This base is dedicated to the members of our air force whose sole mission was to refuel aircraft in mid-flight and airlift supplies to soldiers. As incredibly important as their job may have been, it is not a particularly interesting subject matter.

You may have kids that love planes, and for that reason, it may be worth the trip. Nevertheless, for just about everyone else, this attraction is going to put you to sleep. It's certainly not worth going out of your way to visit unless you happen to live close by.

Rhode Island – Newport Tower

Montana - Lincoln's 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar

Make no mistake, Lincoln's 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar in Haugan, Montana is the worst attraction in the state. The family-owned and operated business features a bar, restaurant, motel, gift shop and gas station. The epitome of commercialism, this tourist trap is super lame.

Many reviewers on Google have reported underwhelming food and slow service to go along with it. Unless you need to stop somewhere to use the restroom or you need a quick bite to eat on the road, there's no reason to spend your hard-earned dollars at the 50,0000 Silver Dollar Bar.

Maine - Land’s End Gift Shop

There's nothing a tourist town loves more than an overpriced gift shop. The Land's End Gift Shop on Bailey island is just such a place. In terms of lobster-themed merchandise, the Land's End Gift Shop goes all-out with lobster-printed clothing, lobster bumper stickers, lobster keychains, lobster mugs, and some lobster plushies.

If you love all things lobster, why not travel hundreds of miles to spend hundreds of dollars on lobster souvenirs? Oh right—because you have to feed your family. Perhaps you can just prepare a delicious lobster dinner instead. They'll probably appreciate that a lot more.

New Hampshire - Old Man of the Mountain

It's one of New Hampshire's biggest claims to fame. The only problem is it doesn't quite exist anymore. After collapsing in 2003, the naturally occurring stony visage referred to as the Old Man of the Mountain has disappeared entirely and hundreds of years from now, no one will remember or care that it was ever there.

For those that don't know, the Old Man of the Mountain was made up of a series of granite cliffs on the Cannon Mountain, located in the White Mountain range. It was discovered in 1805 and became part of New Hampshire's state emblem in 1945. It was even featured on the back of the New Hampshire commemorative state quarter in the year 2000.

Hawaii – Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is no doubt a tourist favorite, but that's exactly what is wrong with it. When you think of a Hawaiian vacation, you might think of relaxing on the beach, sipping a Mai Tai, listening to the waves, and watching the sunset. Unfortunately, you won't find any relaxation at Waikiki Beach these days.

Waikiki Beach has become flooded with tourists. It's overcrowded and you'll struggle to find a place for your towel. On top of this, it is plagued with commercialism and is covered in trash. It also has an extensive homeless population. If you want to be depressed on your Hawaiian vacation, then, by all means, come to Waikiki.

West Virginia – Farnham Colossi

If you want more hideous fiberglass statues to look at, then travel to the Farnham Colossi in Unger, West Virginia. Owned by George and Pat Farnham, Farnham Colossi features a  Big John, Santa, Muffler Man, Bunyan, Burger Chef, and many more "interesting" characters.

Stop by Farnham Colossi and behold all the glorious kitsch. It's silly, in bad taste and totally ugly, but at least you'll have something to talk about with your friends. There aren't a ton of roadside attractions in West Virginia so perhaps it's the best and the worst at the very same time.

Idaho - Idaho Potato Museum

Idaho is the home of many exquisite natural wonders but most people that think of Idaho, think of potatoes. That said, it's no surprise that there's an entire museum dedicated to potatoes. The Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho aims to educate tourists and locals about all things potato.

At the Idaho Potato Museum, you can learn all there is to know about potato history, development, and processing. Check out all the equipment involved and talk to real potato experts. You can also visit the café for some tasty potato treats like potato ice cream and a potato cupcake. Pick up some potato souvenirs at the gift shop. Exciting stuff.

Nebraska - Carhenge

Nebraskans all agree: Carhenge is the silliest attraction in the state. Built to resemble the mysterious Stonehenge in England, the version in Nebraska is made entirely of vintage cars that have been painted gray. There are 39 cars in total, including an ambulance.

The tourist attraction was built in 1987 by Jim Reinders. He dedicated the memorial to his father. But as sweet as that is, it lacks the wonder of the real thing. If you are interested, you can find it in Alliance, Nebraska.

New Mexico – Roswell

If conspiracy theories are your thing, you'll love Roswell, New Mexico. But for just about everyone else, the town is a huge gimmick. At Roswell, almost everything is shaped like a UFO, including the local McDonalds. You can find various UFO museums, gift shops, and plenty of other attractions.

The town became a sensation ever since a supposed alien aircraft crash-landed in 1947. Those who believe the rumors that the "spacecraft" came from outer space believe there was a huge cover-up and that the aliens from the spacecraft were actually captured. So, if you subscribe to these theories, you'll likely get a kick out of Roswell today.

Kansas – The World's Largest Ball of Twine

How can you say you've really lived until you've seen the world's largest ball of twine? You can't. Located in Cawker City, Kansas, the world's largest ball of twine was started in 1953. While many are quite enthralled with this giant ball of twine, it's not worth more than a glance. Now, if there was a giant cat to go along with it, Cawker City might be onto something. 

Although other areas of the country claim also claim to have the largest ball of twine, Cawker City continues to work on their ball of twine to ensure it is the very biggest. They even host an annual twine-a-thon in the summer.

Mississippi – The Birthplace of Elvis

Big things have small beginnings, but this one is really small. The birthplace of Elvis is basically a shack. The cottage features only two rooms and is only a small part of the Mississippi Blues Trail in Tupelo. Also nearby is a chapel and the Assembly of God Church where little Elvis came to pray.

Little Elvis lived there only a few years until his family was forced to move out. You could hardly even say Elvis was raised there. That said, this is probably a destination you can skip unless you live and breathe Elvis.

Arkansas - Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum

Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum offers an extensive collection of creepy wax statues. Since 1971, it has had the same wax figures including a President Carter and Nixon, Al Capone, Ted Kennedy, and later additions like Princess Diana. If you want to meet your favorite celebrities and historical figures in a way that is going to make you extremely uncomfortable, then this is the place.

The museum features over 100 figures and has a second floor. The museum used to have a working escalator but it broke down in 2009. Now it is occupied by more wax figures to greet you upon entrance. Thankfully, if you are feeling trapped and overwhelmed, you can escape through a fake wall in the men's bathroom that was used by gangsters back in the day.

Nevada – The Venetian Gondola Rides

Sure, there are plenty of interesting attractions in Las Vegas, but there are also a lot of really bad ones. While it might seem like a really good time if you are drunk, taking a gondola ride through a casino in a pool of chlorinated water doesn't exactly capture the spirit of an Italian vacation.

To make matters worse, it's also an expensive attraction. Expect to pay around $40 per person for a ride that is about 14 minutes long. In a city that is so extra, you really have to go out of your way to go overboard, and in our opinion, this is it.

Iowa – The Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk

You know your town is in trouble when its only significance is that it's the birthplace of a fictional character. In Riverside, Iowa, Trekkies can locate the "Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk" marker with the date March 22, 2228. The Voyage Home Riverside History Center, also known as the Star Trek Museum, features Star Trek exhibits and memorabilia.

If you love movies, a better site to visit might be the "Field of Dreams" in Dubuque County, Iowa. This is the site where the movie of the same name was filmed. After shooting, the baseball diamond was left behind and has been enjoyed by tourists ever since.

Utah – Moqui Cave

Like the Newport Tower in Rhode Island, the history behind Moqui Cave is not what it seems. The name insinuates that it was inhabited or used by a Native American tribe, but that could not be further from the truth. In actuality, it is a sand erosion cave that has been turned into a gift shop.

The cave is not a naturally occurring cave. It was used as a sand mine for making glass. All Native American lore surrounding the cave is just about the general area rather than the cave itself. So, if you don't mind being played for a fool, check out Moqui Cave located north of Kanab, Utah.

Connecticut - St. Edmund's Severed Arm

There's no better way to spend your time off than to gawk at a severed arm! In Mystic, Connecticut, you can do this oddly specific activity. The mummified arm belongs to Archbishop Edmond Rich, who died in 1240.

By 1246, Edmund Rich was made a Saint and his body was put on display. Eventually cut off St. Edmund's arm and it was recovered by the Society of the Fathers and Brothers of St. Edmund. Later on, in 1903, it was taken to England and then to America in 1952. By 2002, the arm ended up in Connecticut to be admired by millions of children and parents.

Oklahoma - Pops

It's fizzy, it's sugary and totally bad for you –it's soda, or pop, or soda pop, or whatever else you want to call it. In Oklahoma, you'll find the largest selection of it at Pops. But don't be fooled, it's the same soda you'll find at your local grocery store, except here, you'll pay more for it.

Located on the Route 66 highway, Pops features a giant neon soda bottle on top of the building. The walls of the store are decorated with soda bottles and arranged by color. You can purchase your soda at room temperature or refrigerated. But really, you don't need it, so it's probably best to skip.

Oregon - Portland Dog Bowl

Easily one of the most boring attractions in the country, the Portland fountain is in the shape of a small dog bowl sitting atop a checkered granite tile field. William Wegman designed this fountain at the exact size of a typical dog bowl. We wouldn't recommend that your dog try to drink from the fountain or you may have an upset dog, or at least, a very wet one.

Alternatively, you could check out a chocolate fountain in Portland at the candy basket. But again, we wouldn't recommend drinking from this fountain, particularly if you are a dog, but even if you are a human as it is not the most sanitary source of chocolate.

Kentucky – Ark Encounter

The Bible is one of the oldest surviving religious texts we have. It brings joy and comfort to billions of people all over the world. But more than that, it brings in a whole lot of moolah, especially if you are the owner and operator of Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky.

Ark Encounter is a religious theme park that measures 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high. It features 132 bays and three decks. Although it's certainly not the worst attraction on this list, at around $50 per head, it's only going to be worth your money if you are a true-blue creationist.

Louisiana – Bourbon St.

Louisiana offers a fascinating landscape, rich culture, amazing food and much more. Nevertheless, if all you have seen of Louisiana was the infamous Bourbon St., you wouldn't know it. You've probably seen numerous films depicting this attraction in New Orleans, but it doesn't make for the most authentic real-world experience.

There are plenty of other areas to explore in New Orleans, so look for some authentic cuisine or check out a local jazz club. Stay clear of the crowds, gimmicky bars, and the neon signs, because that's where the drunks hang out. Personally, we prefer not to get thrown up on.

Alabama - Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens

Slavery is among the most shameful things about America's past. The Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens in Birmingham, Alabama glorifies a time period that has long passed. Built by Judge William S. Mudd and a group of slaves after acquiring it in an auction in 1842, it was originally called the Grove and changed to Arlington in 1886.

 If a slave plantation isn't something you want to celebrate you can safely pass this one up. While there are some 19th-century vintage pieces of art, décor and clothing to admire, the site is surprisingly lacking in any kind of gardens considering it's called "Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens."

South Carolina – South of the Border

It's one of the most famous roadside attractions in South Carolina, and it's also one of the most offensive. The culturally insensitive welcome sign features a mascot called Pedro sporting a sombrero. It's campy and in bad taste, so it's sure to make you uncomfortable. Activities at South of the Border include shopping, dining, and a few attractions.

South of the Border was started by Alan Schafer in 1950. He created the South of the Border Depot which was a beer stand and later started selling kitsch items imported from Mexico and trinkets. Later it would offer a motel, gas station, lounge, and souvenir shop.

Minnesota – Nickelodeon Universe

How do you turn the idea of an amusement park into a terrible idea? You put it indoors and you make it only for kids. If you have never heard of it, Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota has two indoor amusement parks and one of them is Nickelodeon Universe. The park was originally Camp Snoopy but in 2007 it was transformed into an obnoxious Nickelodeon-themed indoor park.

Removing all possibility of getting your kids outside and away from their screens, Mall of America's Nickelodeon Universe will cost you $20 for two hours of unlimited rides that are vaguely Nickelodeon themed. There are 27 rides and attractions total, so you know there won't be enough time to go on all of them, so your best option is to purchase an annual pass. But that's $150 and chances are you aren't going to want to go back anyway. At least, for now, you have COVID-19 as an excuse.

Colorado – Four Corners Monument

This is the epitome of lame. The Four Corners in Colorado offers a large plaque that you can stand on so that you can say you are in four states at once. Unless you have the sensibility of a 7-year-old or you are indeed a 7-year-old, you aren't going to get much enjoyment out of this activity.

The Four Corners Monument marks the exact quadripoint where Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico meet. The attraction is maintained by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department, in part, because it marks the boundary between the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

Wisconsin – Mars Cheese Castle

Wisconsin is the nation's largest producer of cheese. It produces approximately one-quarter of the nation's cheese. If you know anything about Wisconsin at all, you probably know that already. That's why millions of cheese lovers come to meet like-minded cheese lovers, and well…buy cheese.

Mars Cheese Castle is one of the oldest cheese stores in the country. But to be fair, there are not too many cheese stores dedicated to cheese. In addition to overpriced blocks of cheese, you can purchase buckets of cheese spread featuring all manner of shady ingredients. Fortunately, if you are lactose intolerant, you can pick up some cured meats and popcorn. Check it out at Kenosha, Wisconsin, or just go to the supermarket to save time and money.

Maryland – Ocean City

It's difficult to fathom how Ocean City attracts tourists let alone any locals. The water is dirty, it's overcrowded, and it's riddled with crime.  Some visitors have complained that it smells bad too. To make matter worse, it was recently labeled a coronavirus hotspot.

For some reason, Ocean City attracts thousands of visitors every summer weekend and around 8 Million people annually. The first beach cottage in the area was built in 1869 and the first major hotel opened in 1875. Now Ocean City extends up to 9 miles.

Missouri - Ozarkland

The unabashed tourist trap, Ozarkland, features wall-to-wall 50's and 60's kitsch. Find souvenirs commemorating Route 66, Elvis, vintage diners, and more. There are a total of five Ozarkland General Stores in Missouri but the most popular is the one in Kingdom City.

You can find candy, hats, shirts, jewelry, Moccasins, fireworks, and plenty of touristy souvenirs that will really let your campy flag fly.  You can come to Ozarkland if you need a place to waste away your next paycheck or soon you'll be able to do all your shopping online as a website is in progress.

Indiana – NCAA Hall of Champions

Dedicated to college athletes, the NCAA offers a variety of exhibits with very little memorabilia to show off. The Museum is so barren that the website shows almost no pictures on their website. At $5 per adult guest, you can't expect much.

Still, if you are bothering to drive down to Indianapolis, Indiana, you want something to see. However, walking through the museum will take you under a half hour. If you are dying to learn more about college athletes, go ahead and see for yourself.

Tennessee - Nathan Bedford Forrest Statue

In the 1993 film, "Forrest Gump," the titular character claims he was named after Nathan Bedford Forrest as a reminder that "sometimes we all do things that just don't make no sense." Undoubtedly, one of those things that doesn't make any sense is putting up a hideous Confederate statue of someone associated with the KKK.

This privately-owned is arguably one of the ugliest in the world, and not just because of whom it depicts, but because of its poor craftsmanship. You can find this statue in Nashville, Tennessee. Although attempts to remove the statue were thwarted, the statue was successfully vandalized with pink paint.

Massachusetts – Salem Witch Museum

Salem, Massachusetts is among the most infamous towns in the country. Known for the Salem Witch Trials which occurred over 400 years ago, nineteen innocent people were hanged and one was pressed to death due to accusations of witchcraft and influence by the devil. Today, you can learn all there is to know about the trials in Salem and explore the numerous museums the town has to offer.

Although there are plenty of interesting historical places to explore like the Witch House and the House of the Seven Gables, some are not so great. One of the worst is the Salem Witch Museum which many visitors find too small and underwhelming. The museum features recreations of hangings with dummies and other boring exhibits. The clothes and furniture pieces are recreated rather than authentic, so you are better off watching "The Crucible" with Daniel Day-Lewis if you want to know what it was like to live back then.

Arizona – Phoenix Trolley Museum

If you are a trolley enthusiast, apologies, but the Phoenix Trolley Museum is extremely boring. Located in, of course, Phoenix, the museum was started in 1975 with the sole purpose of preserving trolley cars from Phoenix. You can't ride in them but you can look inside them – at least some of them.

Among the historical trolleys available for viewing are the Streetcar #116 from 1928 and the Calcine Electric Locomotive, all the way back from the mid-80s (wow, feel old yet?). And if one visit is not enough to take in all the excitement, you can get an annual membership for just $20 per year. You're welcome.

Washington – Market Theater Gum Wall

It's difficult to decide if this is the worst attraction or the most revolting. If you went to any public school, you've probably experienced the horrifying sensation of touching somebody else's chewed up gum under your desk. That said, we can't imagine why anyone would want to look at or admire an entire wall decorated with used chewing gum.

The disgusting wall can be found in Post Alley at Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle. The Market Theater Gum Wall tradition has been going on since 1993 and became an official tourist attraction in 1999. In 2015, the gum wall was cleaned up and over 2,000 pounds of gum was removed to prevent erosion of the brick wall. Nevertheless, tourists and locals have continued to add to the gum wall despite the effort. Some traditions never die.

Virginia - Foamhenge

Yes, there is unfortunately more than one mock Stonehenge in existence. Foamhenge, in Centreville, Virginia, is a roadside attraction that is a full-scale replica of Stonehenge. It was created by Mark Cline in 2004. Originally it was in Natural Bridge, Virginia until the area became a state park and Foamhenge had to move.

Again though, we'd like to stress that before you take time out of your busy schedule to stare at some pieces of foam, that there is a real Stonehenge that is believed to be over 5,000 years old and is a lot more impressive. Just something to think about.

New Jersey – Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City in the 1920s was a booming town filled with luxurious hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants, but definitely not any liquor because that was illegal at the time and was for sure a law everyone followed, ahem...Anyway, the 20s is largely considered the golden age for Atlantic City, while now it's anything but that.

Today, on Atlantic City Boardwalk, you will find a miniature Vegas filled with tacky casinos, cheap souvenir shops, terrible hotels, and a polluted ocean to boot. On top of all that, there is limited public transportation. So, hope you like walking.

Michigan - Abandoned Acres Farm Haunted Attraction

A popular Michigan attraction during Halloween, the Abandoned Acres Farm Haunted Attraction is a huge disappointment. And excuse us for picking nits, but if the Farm House is abandoned, who is charging for admission? And what on Earth does a circus theme have to do with corn mazes?

The Abandoned Acres Farm Haunted Attraction is made up of two corn mazes: one with evil killer clowns and the other with other scary…things. But if you are dying (ha, dying) to go, you'll have to wait till next fall because this thing runs from late September to early November – weekends only.

North Carolina - World Record Largest Blue Marlin

It was once the world's largest Blue Marlin on record until someone killed it. The fish was 14 feet long and weighed nearly a half-ton. It was caught on July 26, 1974.

Now you can travel to Nags Head, North Carolina to go look at a dead fish – if you are into that sort of thing. It's sealed in a glass case, outside of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. If you love fishing, you might want to check it out. We aren't here to judge. Well, we are in a way but…just do what you want.

Georgia – World of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is one of the nation's favorite sodas, at least, unless they prefer Pepsi for whatever reason. Anyway, as popular as Coca-Cola may very well be, someone should have informed the company that an entire museum dedicated to it may not be the best idea. The museum features numerous exhibits, a Coca-Cola Bear photo op, and a 3D movie.

Sure, it somehow attracts visitors that don't realize they are walking into an advertisement trap, but once it is over, they most likely aren't coming back. And at almost $20 per adult, this museum is way overpriced. Seriously, there are numerous art museums that are free to go to and you will actually learn something worthwhile.

Ohio - BibleWalk and Living Bible Museum

Yes, there is another wax museum on this list. Why? Because they are creepy and weird. That's why. And the BibleWalk and Living Bible Museum is super strange and exceedingly horrifying.

At the BibleWalk and Living Bible Museum, you can see some exhibits dedicated to the most uncomfortable parts of the Bible, like when Abraham is going to burn his son alive and the death of Christ. You can also check out Job covered in hideous pus-filled skin sores. The museum features over 300 dummies and will set you back $33 if you want to see everything.

Illinois – Woodstock

Woodstock, Illinois is the actual town where "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray was filmed. If you are a huge fan of the film, you'll probably get a little kick out of being there. Unfortunately, there's not much to do. There is certainly no Bill Murray nor a Groundhog. You can, however, check out an ugly mural dedicated to the movie.

And of course, if you have seen the movie like 20 times, it's all going to seem quite familiar. During January through early February, you can catch a showing of Groundhog Day in the Harold Ramis Auditorium at the Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre. Otherwise, you can stay at home and watch it on your TV.

Pennsylvania – Mister Ed's Elephant Museum

The Mister Ed you are probably thinking of was horse, of course, but Mister Ed Gotwalt is a mere man with a museum dedicated to elephants, or rather, manufactured elephants. Mister Ed has a collection of over 12,000 elephant figurines, toys, and much more. . The man needs help, so please don't encourage him.

According to the official website, Mister Ed received his first elephant on his wedding day, collected a few more during his honeymoon, and has become a full-fledged addict ever since. In addition to elephants, Mister Ed offers a candy emporium that is sure to hype up your kids. Just keep them away from the elephants.

New York – The Museum of Relations

The name alone might have you intrigued, but make no mistake, this museum is unstimulating in every way. It's low on exhibits and many of them are…a little weird. To make matters worse, normal ticket prices are almost $60 per head.

Right now, the Museum of Relations is hosting some bizarre displays like a Cam Life exhibit and the Superfunland: Journey into the Carnival – whatever that is. Past exhibits included ones dedicated to pornography, contraception and some unsavory depictions of Disney cartoons.

Florida – Magic Kingdom

If you have ever seen the real thing, Disneyland, then you know that the Magic Kingdom at Disney World is just a sad attempt to recapture the same magic. The creators of the Magic Kingdom seemed to have attempted to create a replica of Disneyland on a more depressing scale. The rides are shorter and the wait times somehow seem longer when you are standing in the humidity.

In simpler terms: the Magic Kingdom is like drinking off-brand cola. The taste may vaguely resemble cola, but something is not quite right. Of course, if you've never tried the real thing, then you probably won't even notice. And if you can't make it out to California, then, you'll have to settle for the Magic Kingdom regardless.

Texas – The National Museum of Funeral History

To satisfy your morbid curiosities, the National Museum of Funeral History is indeed a thing. The museum features 16 permanent exhibits that will teach you about the history of cremation, embalming, coffins, caskets, hearses, and other funeral essentials. On top of all this, you'll find displays dedicated to dead popes, inventors, presidents, and fallen heroes.

In addition to permanent exhibits, there are limited-time special exhibits throughout the year. Pricing is just $10 per adults and kids 5 years and under get in for free. So you can bring the whole family!

California – SeaWorld

Ever since the mistreatment of its animals came to light, SeaWorld in San Diego has never been the same for anyone. Between Orcas being taken from their mothers, and penguins getting shipped in plastic crates as if they were a FedEx package, SeaWorld doesn't seem to care about marine life.

If you are looking for a good aquarium, you might try the Aquarium of the Pacific in California.  It is the largest aquarium in Southern California and is one of the most popular in the country. The attraction offers a variety of activities for kids and features over 50 exhibits. Plus, if you are dive-certified, adults can swim with fish in a tropical reef habitat.

Read these next

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Top 100 biggest tourist traps worldwide

Glen Luke Flanagan

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 7:25 p.m. UTC Nov. 21, 2023

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When you’re planning the perfect vacation, you don’t want to spend your time or money on a tourist trap that disappoints. To help you avoid a case of destination letdown, we turned to the treasure trove of data found in online reviews that can help savvy travelers make the most of their vacation planning.

In July 2023, we analyzed 23.2 million Google reviews of the 500 most popular tourist attractions in the world, spanning 65 countries in six continents. For each attraction, we asked a simple question: How frequently do the reviews mention the terms “tourist trap,” “overrated” or “expensive”?

We compared attractions to one another by measuring the relative frequency of these mentions, dividing the number of mentions in each case by the total number of reviews for that attraction. We break down our findings, so you are armed with the information you need before planning to visit a popular tourist destination, and offer tips on how to travel in a way that’s good for your wanderlust and your wallet.

Key findings

• The Four Corners Monument (in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah) is the No. 1 tourist trap in the world, according to our analysis.
• The Blue Lagoon in Iceland and Penang Hill in Malaysia are the top tourist traps in Europe and Asia.
• The Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia had 397,905 reviews on Google, as of our analysis, and not a single one mentioned “tourist trap.”
• The California Academy of Sciences, Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the South Carolina Aquarium are the most overpriced attractions in the United States.
• Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon, is the most overrated tourist attraction in the world.

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Top 100 tourist traps worldwide

With the distinction of being the only place where four states meet — Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah — the Four Corners Monument sounds pretty cool. It’s also 30 miles from the closest gas station, so it might appeal to travelers seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, this attraction also topped our list in terms of the percentage of disgruntled reviews. Of 10,839 reviews analyzed, 139 flagged this spot as a tourist trap.

Meanwhile, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin got the most mentions of “tourist trap” in the reviews we analyzed of any tourist attraction in the world, with 400 out 76,269 reviews flagging it as one. This spot is a popular stop for travelers because of its historical significance as a border crossing during the Cold War, when the city was split in half between West Germany and East Germany.

Top 25 tourist traps in the U.S.

Eight of the top 10 tourist traps in the world, as determined by our analysis, are in the U.S. Three of the top tourist traps involve paranormal phenomena — witches, ghosts and UFOs.

Those spots are the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts, Calico Ghost Town in California and the International UFO Museum and Research Center in New Mexico. Each location had a number of reviews mentioning "tourist trap," so it seems some visitors left feeling disenchanted.

Most overpriced attractions worldwide

The U.S. is home to the third most overpriced attraction in the world, according to our analysis of reviews mentioning the word “expensive,” with spots in Iceland and Canada taking first and second places. Coming in at most overpriced is the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, with prices starting at $67 per person but nearly doubling during peak times. This is followed by the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver where tickets are $69.95 per person when you purchase them at the ticket window. The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco comes in third for an entry fee that makes consumers grumble at $49.75 for an adult ticket during a peak visiting time.

It seems that Americans feel aquariums are overpriced in general, with aquariums in South Carolina, Maryland, California and Georgia making the top 50 in our list.

California has seven of the top 25 most overpriced attractions, with Tennessee coming in next with three spots in the top 25 — including Elvis Presley’s Graceland, at No. 5 in the world.

Most overrated attractions worldwide

Unless you just really love doughnuts, one spot you might want to skip on your next vacation is Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon. At least, you might want to skip it if you care about reviews, because our analysis found it to be the most overrated attraction in the world.

Rounding out the top five most overrated attractions are the following:

• The Little Mermaid in Denmark.
• The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Japan.
• The Manneken Pis sculpture fountain in Belgium.
• The Hollywood Walk of Fame in California.

Tips on how to avoid tourist traps

Get recommendations from your travel card concierge.

Your travel card may provide access to a concierge which can help with travel research, planning and booking. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees ) is a luxury travel card (as evidenced by its $695 annual fee) with a slew of perks and protections, including a highly regarded concierge service. Contact your concierge early on in your vacation planning and tell them you want to go off the beaten path and enjoy unique experiences rather than known tourist traps.

Consider where your rewards can take you

It’s no secret that credit card rewards can help you see the world. But are you getting the most out of your stash? Let’s consider an example using American Airlines miles.

As of the time of this writing, a flight from New York to Honolulu and back at the end of October 2023 might run you anywhere from about 53,000 AAdvantage miles to well over 100,000 AAdvantage miles. By contrast, if you were to fly from New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico and back in the same time period, you might find deals in the ballpark of 24,000 or 31,000 miles. While many variables impact the exact cost, being flexible with your vacation options can save you substantially.

Plus, when opting for destinations with less sticker shock, you can still find activities and sites that are every bit as amazing as you'd find in a pricier locale. Continuing our example from above, if Hawaii's stunning rainforests initially attracted you to Honolulu, consider that Puerto Rico is home to El Yunque National Forest — the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.

If you’ve piled up the points on a card that earns transferable rewards, rather than one that’s specific to a certain airline or hotel chain , you can do even more shopping around. Compare the cost of booking award travel on the loyalty transfer partners your card offers before you commit, because the number of points or miles required can vary dramatically between different airlines.

Plus, savvy travelers know that travel credit cards sometimes offer deals, such as double value when transferring points from your card to a specific airline partner. For instance, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® offered a deal on Aug. 1, 2023 where cardholders with Bilt Silver Status could get double the number of Virgin Red points for their Bilt points when transferring their rewards to the airline. Keeping a sharp eye out for deals like this could help your earnings take you farther than you’d normally go.

Finally, great deals on award travel aren’t just for people willing to pay an annual fee for luxury cards, either. See our list of best travel cards with no annual fee for budget-friendly options.

If you’re going abroad, it’s best to use a credit card without foreign currency surcharges. Check out our picks for the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees .

Follow a trusted travel newsletter

What better way to avoid tourist traps than by getting curated recommendations from a trusted source? By getting a travel newsletter in your email inbox, you can make note throughout the year of enticing destinations and enriching activities, and plan your next vacation accordingly.

For example, people with an Amex Platinum or the invite-only American Express Centurion Black Card * The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. can receive the Departures newsletter, which the issuer describes as a “lifestyle resource”. Examples of the content you can expect, based on a recent issue of Departures, include "7 Hotels Worth Planning Your Whole Trip Around" with recommendations for stays in Paris, New York City and more, and "How I Escaped City Life and Moved My Family to a Mexican Surf Town".

All information about American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

In short, smart travel recommendations are just a few clicks away — and can help you craft the dream vacation while avoiding tourist traps that might not leave you feeling fully satisfied.

Seek out lodging that isn’t part of a mega-chain hotel collection

If you have a travel rewards credit card , check if it grants you special access to a hotel collection. For example, Capital One announced the Lifestyle Collection in mid-2024, designed to be exclusively available via Capital One Travel for people with specific Capital One cards .

The Lifestyle Collection is a list of curated boutique hotels allowing guests to stay in popular destinations but avoid the crush of an overcrowded megahotel lobby.  While your choice of lodging won’t necessarily prevent you stopping by a tourist trap, finding a great stay can make it easier for you to have a wide selection of possible vacation activities.

If picking the right credit card has you overwhelmed, we’ve got you . Here are our picks for the best credit cards for every type of person.

Methodology

In July 2023, we analyzed 23.2 million Google reviews of 500 popular tourist attractions in the world, spanning 65 countries in six continents.

We focused our analysis on mentions of certain keywords that indicate a common negative sentiment among visitors. Those keywords are: “tourist trap”, “expensive”, and “overrated”.

It’s true that a few uses of these keywords do not fit in a negative context (e.g. “It’s kind of a tourist trap but we loved it!”). Based on our analysis, these positive instances of usage were not frequent enough to be statistically significant, and in any case, they are consistent enough across attractions to cancel each other out.

We began with a list of 1,600 tourist attractions for consideration, before narrowing to our final 500. We removed from this list, with only a few exceptions, all national parks, state parks, lakes, and mountains. We also removed sports stadiums. The list was further reduced based on the total number of reviews submitted for each attraction.

All reviews analyzed were written in English.

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page .

*The information for the American Express Centurion Black Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Glen Luke Flanagan is a deputy editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint credit cards team. Prior to joining Blueprint, he served as a deputy editor on the credit cards team at Forbes Advisor, and covered credit cards, credit scoring and related topics as a senior writer at LendingTree. He’s passionate about helping people understand personal finance so they can make the best decisions possible for their wallet. Glen holds a master's degree in technical and professional communication from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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18 Tourist Attractions in the US You Won’t Feel Bad Skipping

Posted: May 15, 2024 | Last updated: May 15, 2024

Are you planning a trip across the United States? While there are so many places to see and things to do, there are also plenty of things that aren’t worth your time or money. In this article, we’re sharing 18 of the most overrated tourist attractions that you should skip to avoid disappointment.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles

If this is on your bucket list of places to visit, cross it off right now. It’s really not all it’s made out to be—typically crowded with tourists and street vendors, and far less glamorous than you’d expect. Many visitors also find the area surprisingly dirty and not that safe, particularly at night.

Times Square, New York

New York is a fantastic city to visit, with many more interesting things to see and do than Times Square. It may be impressive at first glance, but it’s overcrowded with tourists and street performers, which can feel overwhelming. It can get really noisy, and most shops and restaurants nearby are overpriced. 

The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia

As shared by the National Park Service , “The State House bell, now known as the Liberty Bell, rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House.” While the historical significance is interesting to some, you’ll likely find a visit underwhelming. The bell is smaller than expected and often overcrowded, meaning visitors are lucky to get a brief glance and a photo.

Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts

We’re going to be real with you—this is basically just a rock in some sand. If you think it’s anything more, you’re going to end up disappointed. Since this is a popular spot for school trips, you might also end up being part of a crowded visit if you go, making it even less enjoyable. We vote you skip this one!

Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Famous for its nightlife, Bourbon Street does have a pretty cool vibe but can be excessively noisy and crowded. If you’re not heavily into the party-drinking atmosphere, you might find it over-the-top and rowdy. Not to mention, it can get pretty dirty. 

Lombard Street, San Francisco

This famous street is cool for a second but we don’t believe it’s worth the trip. The tight hairpin turns are unique, that’s for sure, but the area is often congested with cars. The experience of driving down it can be either quick and unremarkable or extremely slow and boring due to traffic.

Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

Travel Weekly says that “40.8 million people visited Las Vegas in 2023, a 5.2% increase over 2022.” The area, including the strip, gets extremely crowded and can feel superficial with its replicated global landmarks. In terms of dining, entertainment, and accommodation, it’s also going to cost you a pretty penny if you decide to visit. It’s definitely not for everyone!

Empire State Building, New York

This may be a controversial take but we don’t think the Empire State Building is a must-visit in New York. It’s basically a long wait for a view that’s comparable to that of other tall buildings in the city. If it weren’t for the high entrance fees, we might consider it worth the trip—but considering this and the crowds, don’t feel bad about skipping it.

Santa Monica Pier, California

Santa Monica Pier isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially in the summer when it gets extremely crowded. Ask previous visitors and you might just be told that the pier is run-down and the food options are mediocre. The pier’s attractions are also seen as overpriced and not very unique.

Four Corners Monument

This is the only spot in the U.S. where four states intersect, which in itself is pretty cool, but the actual site is underwhelming. It’s located in quite a remote area, making it a long trip for a quick visit. Aside from standing in the spot and snapping a pic, there isn’t much else to see or do here.

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

“From 1934 to 1963 it served as a federal prison for some of the most dangerous civilian prisoners,” as per Britannica . This is largely where the fascination with visiting comes from, but while historic, the tours here can feel rushed due to the high volume of visitors and supposedly aren’t that enjoyable.

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

This place is often described as a tourist trap, filled with pricey restaurants and shops. It’s now crowded and commercialized, has lost much of its local charm, and definitely isn’t a must-visit in the city. Better seafood can be found in less crowded areas nearby. Give it a miss!

The Bean (Cloud Gate), Chicago

Aside from a cool photo, you’re not going to get much out of a visit to “The Bean” in Chicago, so don’t feel bad about skipping it. There’s no interactive value, it’s overcrowded, and you may not even be able to get a photo without other tourists in the background. 

Wall Drug Store, South Dakota

It may be known for its quirky advertising, but the attraction itself can largely be considered a tourist trap. Many of the items for sale in the store are tacky souvenirs rather than the special, unique finds most people are looking for. When you combine this with the fact that the store is quite remote, it’s not a very attractive visit.

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

According to Go Hawaii , “Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikīkī was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty.” Unfortunately, it’s often extremely crowded, which can detract from the area’s natural beauty. It’s very commercialized and surrounded by high-rise hotels and shops. There are far more beautiful sights to see on the island!

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore, for many people, is said to be smaller than expected, and viewing areas can be crowded. Besides viewing the sculpture, there’s not much to do here and it’s a considerable distance from other attractions. If you’re not in the area for long, we suggest skipping it. 

Graceland, Tennessee

Unless you’re a huge fan of Elvis, the high entrance fees to visit Graceland may not be worth it to you. Unfortunately, the area around Graceland isn’t very well-maintained either, which detracts from the overall experience. It can also get pretty crowded. 

The Space Needle, Seattle

Despite its iconic status, some visitors find the Space Needle to be overpriced for the views it offers. The observation deck can be extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist season, and it’s said that similar (or better) views of Seattle can be had from other less expensive locations, like Kerry Park.

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17 American Attractions That Not Even Americans Want to Visit

The United States of America—land of the free, home of the brave, and the location of some of the most ‘unique’ tourist attractions you’ll ever lay eyes on.

Get ready to chuckle, scratch your head, and maybe even facepalm as we look at 17 American attractions that not even Americans think are worth visiting.

17 Fairy Tales That Are Now Considered Racist

While fairy tales weave magical narratives that span generations, many emerge from historical and cultural contexts tinged with biases. Hiding in many of these tales, racial undertones can be found. Let’s look at 17 fairy tales that have deeper implications.

18 Common Traits Found in Adults Who Had Unhappy Childhoods

Being a parent is a hard job, so even those who are truly trying their best will often miss the mark on creating the best environment for their children. Unfortunately, this means that many of us grow up with far-from-perfect childhoods that affect us into adulthood. Here are 18 common traits found in adults who had unhappy childhoods.

18 Things Old People Just Can’t Get On Board with Today

Over the past few decades, society has evolved, and with it, so have a few things that older generations find it uncomfortable to get the hang of. While younger generations are easily able to adapt to these changes, some of which are drastic, others may be struggling slightly. Here are 18 things the elderly may have difficulty learning.

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Money blog: 'Extremely worrying' mortgage trend revealed in new report; a third of people make this mistake when booking their holiday - and how to avoid it

A third of travellers are making the same mistake when going on holiday, figures show. Read about this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Thursday 16 May 2024 20:00, UK

• 'Extremely worrying' mortgage trend revealed by new government data
• Almost a third of travellers make this insurance mistake - here's what you need to know
• How much the price of packed lunches has soared - and the cheapest supermarkets to buy a healthy one
• Major firms release financial updates
• UK economy in safe hands 'whoever wins' election, top bank chief tells Sky News

Essential reads

• How much do buskers actually make - and what's it like?
• The best bank accounts for your kids
• Basically...  What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• Cheap Eats:  Michelin-star chef reveals his top steals in London - including an unbeatable sub sandwich
• Money Problem: My workplace wants to pay us by the minute - what can I do?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Landlords selling properties "represent the single biggest threat to renters", according to the UK's landlord association.

Government data shows 5,790 households were threatened with homelessness between October to December last year due to receiving a notice to end an assured shorthold tenancy (this ends a person's tenancy).

And the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has said 45% have been left needing help because their landlord planned to sell the property in the second half of 2023.

Separately, data from Rightmove found that 50,000 rental properties were needed to bring the supply of rental homes back to pre-pandemic levels.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said the only answer was to "ensure responsible landlords have the confidence to stay in the market and sustain tenancies".

He said it was "vital" the Renters Reform Bill, which is currently being debated in the House of Lords, "worked for landlords as well as tenants".

"Landlords selling up is the single biggest challenge renters face," Mr Beadle said.

Around 16% of high net worth shoppers have cut spending on luxury goods, research shows - with Burberry among the companies seemingly taking a hit.

Data from wealth management firm Saltus , which surveyed 2,000 Britons who had assets of more than £250,000, found 16.29% of respondents had cut down on their personal spending in response to the current high interest rate environment and/or the impact of the rising cost of living.

And 15.78%, said they had cut down on luxury items and designer clothes. 

Meanwhile, just 9.42% of respondents said the current environment had not impacted their lifestyle.

The figures follow data this week from designer store Burberry - which reported a 34% drop in annual operating profit.

Mike Stimpson, partner at Saltus, said high net worth individuals were having to "prioritise spending on essential costs including mortgages and supporting their families". 

"While this reduction is not limited entirely to personal spending on luxury items, it is inevitable that brands like Burberry feel the impact, although different businesses will clearly respond differently to these pressures," he said.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is hiring 2,500 "external agents" to crackdown on "benefit cheats".

The extra staff will check millions of Universal Credit claims for accuracy as part of the government's new fraud plan.

Combined with the DWP's own internal agents tackling fraud, this will take the headcount to nearly 6,000 people.

In addition to this, the DWP is introducing a new civil penalty to punish fraudsters, and investing £70m into advanced data analytics to catch those who "exploit the natural compassion and generosity of the British people".

Work and pensions secretary Mel Stride, said: "We are scaling up the fight against those stealing from the taxpayer, building on our success in stopping £18bn going into the wrong hands in 2022-23.

"With new legal powers, better data and thousands of additional staff, our comprehensive plan ensures we have the necessary tools to tackle the scourge of benefit fraud."

With the new 15 hours a week free childcare funding coming into effect this week for children aged between 9-23 months, research shows grandparents still play a key role in helping with costs.

In April, all two-year-olds from eligible working families became entitled to 15 hours free childcare each week. 

And as of this week, eligible working parents of children aged between 9-23 months are also able to apply to claim the same from September.

The government plans to increase this to 30 hours a week from September 2025.

However, grandparents still play a key role and therefore are still likely to be called upon for help from parents, according to data from the finance firm SunLife .

Data shows that half of the UK's 14 million grandparents provide childcare for their grandchildren during the working week and this rises to 55% of those with grandchildren under the age of one.

On average, the UK's grandparents spend between 22-24 hours a week providing free childcare for grandchildren under three-years-old.

So how much are grandparents saving their families and what if they were paid?

Research suggests grandparents are saving parents around £250 a week in childcare costs on average - this means that collectively, grandparents are saving their families £96bn in equivalent childcare costs every year. 

SunLife's grandparent salary calculator, which uses the average pay for the many roles grandparents are taking to calculate what their "grandparent salary" would be, has also found that if grandparents were paid for the 22 hours a week they would receive an annual salary of £13,188.

Victoria Heath, chief marketing officer at SunLife, said it was   "no wonder" one in five grandparents felt their children would struggle financially without their help.

She said research showed that 13% of grandparents felt they were relied on too much for childcare, and 14% loved doing it but felt it was too much at their age.

"Having said that, most (59%) grandparents who do provide childcare say they love helping out, so it is likely they will still play a key role, because whether they are still 'needed' or not, they are certainly still wanted, and most are more than happy to do it," Ms Heath added.

How can you apply for the 15 hours free childcare?

To apply for the funding you'll need the following: 

• National Insurance number;
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you're self-employed;
• the UK birth certificate reference number of any children you're applying for;
• the date you started or are due to start work.

Then, you'll need to go onto the gov.uk website and start an application.

It usually takes 20 minutes to apply and once your application has been approved, you'll get a code for free childcare to give to your childcare provider.

Mortgage possession actions have continued to rise and are currently above the previous year's levels, according to data from the Ministry of Justice .

The latest data shows mortgage claims, orders, warrants and repossessions have continued their gradual upward trend and claims are at their highest since 2019.

When compared to the same quarter in 2023, mortgage possession claims increased from 4,035 to 5,182 - this is a rise of 28%.

Meanwhile, mortgage orders increased from 2,532 to 3,019, warrants from 2,636 to 2,881 and repossessions by county court bailiffs from 729 to 759.

Landlord possession claims also increased from 23,389 to 24,874 when compared to the same quarter last year.

Craig Fish, director at Lodestone mortgages and protection, told Newspage things "need to change and quickly before it's too late".

"Though this data makes hard reading and is extremely worrying, it's not unexpected due to the significantly higher interest rate environment in which borrowers now find themselves," he said.

And Ben Perks, managing director at Orchard Financial Advisers, said he was "concerned these figures will continue to rise". 

He told Newspage: "The Bank of England seems totally oblivious to the plight of the average mortgage borrower, but hopefully this data will kick their hesitancy to drop the base rate firmly into touch. The time to act is now."

Tesco has recalled its sandwich pickle over fears it may contain glass.

The supermarket has pulled its 295g jars of Tesco Sandwich Pickle with the batch code 3254 and best before date of 11 September 2025 due to the concerns of glass traces.

The Food Standards Agency has said on its website: "This product may contain pieces of glass which makes it unsafe to eat."

Last year, the supermarket chain had to recall pastry products, including sausage rolls and steak and ale pies, over fears they contained pieces of metal and plastic.

A Tesco spokesperson told Sky News: "We've been made aware that a specific date/batch code of Tesco Sandwich Pickle may contain small pieces of glass. Therefore, this product could pose a safety risk if consumed.

"Please do not consume this product and instead return any affected product to store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.

"Tesco apologises to our customers for any inconvenience caused."

By Ed Clowes, news reporter

The FTSE 100 has remained stable out of the gate this morning after hitting a record high on Wednesday as better-than-expected inflation data in the US raised hopes of an interest rate cut in September.

It's been a busy start to the day with financial updates from BT Group, Premier Foods, Sage Group, and easyJet.

We'll start with easyJet, after the airline announced that its chief executive officer, Johan Lundgren, would step down in January 2025.

Mr Lundgren, who has served as CEO since 2017, will be replaced by the carrier's finance boss Kenton Jarvis.

In a financial update on its performance throughout the first half of the year, easyJet reported slightly higher revenues than anticipated, while cutting its losses compared to the same period last year.

The airline's share price fell by 6% in early trading this morning.

Elsewhere, telecoms giant BT said it had completed a £3bn cost-cutting programme ahead of schedule, and announced a further £3bn in planned savings by 2029.

The company told Sky News that the planned reductions in spending would not lead to more job losses, after BT announced last year that it would eliminate 55,000 roles.

Incoming boss Allison Kirkby said she wanted the business to prioritise the UK, with some analysts expecting BT to look at the futures of its Italian, Irish, and American divisions.

And last but not least, one of Europe's largest sellers of Rolex watches has said that sales in the UK are still down because some tourists don't want to buy here "due to the lack of VAT free shopping".

Nice for some.

The price of a healthy packed lunch has soared by around 45%, according to new research.

A lunch of wholemeal bread and fruit is more expensive for parents to put together than less nutritious versions with chocolate spread and crisps, The Food Foundation charity has found.

Unhealthy lunches for the research were made up of white bread with chocolate spread instead of wholemeal with cheese, flavoured yoghurt rather than a plain, unsweetened version and snacks such as crisps as opposed to the four portions of fruit and vegetables incorporated into the healthy lunch.

And when it came to the cheapest supermarket to buy a healthy packed lunch, Tesco topped the list with a weekly cost of £8.56 as of this month.

Morrisons was the most expensive retailer, with the price of a healthy packed lunch per week coming in at £11.72, although this was down slightly from £11.80 in October.

The equivalent cost at Sainsbury's was £10.47, Aldi was £10.08 and Asda was £9.18.

Research also showed the largest price rise in recent months was at Sainsbury's, where customers have to spend 9% more than they did at the start of the academic year in September (£9.61) for the same packed lunch.

Shona Goudie, policy and advocacy manager at The Food Foundation, said, the government's stringent eligibility criteria to qualify for free school meals was "leaving hundreds of thousands of children" who are living in poverty "at risk of malnutrition".

"No one should be priced out of being able to provide healthy food for their children and retailers need to do more to support families to afford the food they need," she said.

By Bhvishya Patel , Money team

We spoke to three buskers to find out what it's like performing on the street in the UK.

Amir, 29, came to UK from Pakistan with passion for music

Amir Hashmi moved to the UK in 2022 to study, said he began busking in central London 10 months ago because "music was his passion".

"In Pakistan there are many problems so I decided to leave and move to London. I feel I can do better in London than my country," he said.

He said busking was now his primary income but at times he did jobs at warehouses to get by.

"I never started this for money, I started because it is my passion but now this is my main job as well," he said.

Amir, who often performs in the capital's Piccadilly Circus or along Oxford Street, said often he returned home with just £10-15 in his pocket after a day's busking.

He said: "Many times I sleep without food and sometimes I sleep on the floor of the road when I have no shelter.

"I don't have my own place to live but I have friends who often let me stay with them. They don't charge me any rent - they look after me.

"Sometimes I do private shows for income but it's very hard because the cost of living is increasing. If I go somewhere then most of the time I prefer to walk. I walk with my speakers and carry my gear."

Despite his financial struggles, Amir said he wanted to continue performing on the street as his "goal was to make people happy".

He said: "With busking, there is no stage and you can just start performing. Whenever I am performing, I connect with the people who have come to listen. If I feel people are not enjoying it, I change the song and try and make them happy."

Earlier this year, Amir recorded a song with Neha Nazneen Shakil, a Malayalam actress from India, who approached the singer three months ago in Oxford Street.

"I wrote that song 12 years ago and after all these years my song has been recorded now in London," he added.

Jade, 24, quit retail to busk

Jade Thornton, from Amersham, started busking in 2017 with a friend after leaving college at the age of 17 and quickly realised it was something she enjoyed doing and could make a living from.

She began doing it full-time at the end of 2018 but when the pandemic hit she described becoming "unemployed overnight" and having to take up retail jobs to support herself.

"I chose not to go to university - I just thought it wasn't for me so I went straight into some part-time retail jobs," she said.

"I take my cap off to anyone who does retail - it is one of the most gruelling jobs. People who do retail don't get nearly as much respect as they deserve. 

"Some of the customers I was facing were not that kind and I thought this is making me miserable, so I just thought 'if I don't leave now then when?'"

As the global economy slowly began to recover, she decided to leave retail and pursue music full-time in 2022.

"It is hard to switch off - I do busking but I am constantly messaging clients, writing set lists and learning songs," she said.

When it came to finances, Jade said there was no average to how much she could earn but it could fluctuate from £15-100 day-to-day depending on a number of factors.

"It relies on the time of month, whether the sun is out, if people have been paid, if Christmas is on the way or if Christmas has just passed," she explained.

The musician said she did struggle initially when she began busking but her parents were always supportive.

She said: "You obviously get a few questions from people asking 'are you sure you want to quit your job and sing on the street?'

"I lived at home for a long time and I'm grateful my parents could support me in that way because I know not everyone has that opportunity."

While performing outdoors is now Jade's full-time job, she said some months were more difficult to make money than others.

"If I'm being brutally honest in months like January and February it would be super difficult. This year I had enough gigs in December to cover me for January," she said.

"Last year from June-July and December I did not have to go busking because I got so many gigs through busking. I'm part of a lot of online agencies and I also do lots of pub gigs, weddings, birthdays and other events."

Jade noted though that the cost of living crisis had made things harder.

She said: "A few pub gigs I've had have been cancelled because they've had to rethink their strategies but if somebody cancels then I can just go out busking. There has been a slight dent when it comes to finances but that's from COVID as well - with COVID I was unemployed overnight."

The young musician went on to say she was "very grateful" when somebody did tip her and even small gestures like sitting, listening or just a smile were "currencies in themselves".

"It's escapism for me as a singer and then it's escapism for the audience as well," she added.

"Children also have such a great time listening to buskers and some may not have an opportunity for many reasons to go and see live music so if they can come across it in the street and that can spark something that's a wonderful thing to think I'm a little part of that."

Charlotte, 34, long-time busker

Charlotte Campbell, 34, who usually busks along the Southbank or in the London Underground, said she started busking during the 2012 London Olympics and while "busking used to be enough", more recently she has had to take on more gigs in the evening.

"A typical day is usually busking until around 6pm and then a gig in the evening - 8pm onwards," she said.

"I could still probably make a living from busking but I've taken on more paid gigs since the pandemic because everything became so uncertain. I think that uncertainty has just carried through now - that seems to be the way of life now."

The musician said tips for her CDs, which she puts on display during her performances, ranged between £5-10 and in the current cashless climate a card reader was "essential".

She said she pre-sets her card reader to £3 when playing on the Southbank and £2 when busking inside the London Underground "because people are rushing".

While she described her earnings as a "trade secret", she said the busker income had "definitely gone down" but this was due to a few factors - the pandemic, people carrying less cash and the cost of living crisis.

"Also, a lots of pitches have closed which means there are a lot more buskers trying to compete for one spot so all of those things have impacted my living as a busker," she said.

"I would say even though my income is primarily from busking I have had to subsidise it with more paid gigs than before. I just haven't felt as secure in my living from busking in the last couple of years.

"Most of the gigs I have are booked by people who have seen me busking so indirectly busking is my entire career- if I don't busk I wouldn't get the gigs I play in the evening. So directly and indirectly busking is my entire income."

In spite of uncertainty, she said it was freeing to be able to go out and perform for people in an intimate way.

"You are not up on a stage and there is no separation between you and them.  It's a really great connection you can make - I want to be able to hold onto that," she added.

Every Thursday  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  gives us an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money. Today she's focusing on children's accounts...

While the rates on adult savings accounts have risen and fallen over the course of 2024, the top rates on accounts for children have remained stable - but are pretty competitive once again, as other account rates have started to fall. 

And there are plenty of different types of savings accounts to choose from, from the tax free Junior ISA, to children's regular savings accounts, fixed term bonds and easy access accounts.

Those who are able to start saving for their children early, could significantly improve their financial health in the future – especially when taking compounding interest into consideration.

If you were to save £50 a month from birth, you could give them a gift of more than £17,250 at age 18, assuming a tax-free interest rate of 4.95% - which is currently the top Junior ISA rate available.

If you, your friends and family were able to gift a total of £9,000 a year to a child (the current Junior ISA allowance), at the same rate, you could give them almost £265,000 when they reach 18. 

Now that's a gift worth having!

Children have their own personal allowance, so for the majority there will be no tax to pay on their savings interest. 

However, parents should be aware that there may be a tax liability to themselves on the interest earned on any money they gift to their children, until they reach the age of 18. 

If the gross interest earned is less than £100 for each parent's gift, it will be treated as the child’s under a 'de minimis' rule. 

This means that provided the interest earned does not make the child a taxpayer, they will be able to offset this against their personal tax allowance, so it will often be free of tax. 

But if the interest is more than £100 for each parent's gift, then it will be treated as that parent’s interest for tax purposes and therefore they may need to pay tax at their marginal rate - if it takes them above their Personal Allowance and/or Personal Savings Allowance.

Gifts from any other family members or friends will not be viewed in the same way. Instead, any interest earned will be treated as belonging to the child themselves and therefore can be earned tax free if they are non-taxpayers.

The exception to this rule is on funds deposited into a JISA, Child Trust Fund or NS&I Premium Bonds.  The returns from these are tax free for all.

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