Discovering the USA is exciting, but not all popular spots are worth it. Some places disappoint tourists, wasting time and money. Learn what to skip and explore smarter alternatives nationwide.
Seattle, Washington, famous for Starbucks, also has the quirky Market Theater Gum Wall beneath Pike Place Market. Started in 1993, it's covered in chewed-up gum, but it might not be for everyone, especially germaphobes. If you're in Seattle, explore other attractions instead!
Travel guides suggest visiting New York's Times Square, but real New Yorkers avoid it due to crowds, pricey souvenirs, and generic chain restaurants. Located in Manhattan, it's bustling with giant stores, costumed people, making it overwhelming, especially for those who dislike crowds. Explore other parts of the city for a more authentic experience.
South Dakota is famous for stunning national parks like Badlands, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore. However, the Corn Palace, covered in corn murals, is overrated unless you're attending a concert or event there. Skip it if you're not going to a show.
In the 1930s, a Shell Station in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was built by R.H. Burton and his son Ralph to promote the Shell brand. Today, the iconic yellow and red shell-shaped building, located at Sprauge and Peachtree streets, is the last one standing from the original eight. It's a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Boston, Massachusetts, is a popular tourist spot with many attractions. While Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are famous, locals often avoid them due to the tourist crowds. Instead, explore Boston's diverse eateries and shops for a more authentic experience.
Las Vegas, Nevada relies on tourist attractions for its charm. The Venetian gondolas, mimicking Italy, attract many, but the experience disappoints visitors, feeling more like a pricey, artificial ride than an authentic gondola journey.
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia symbolizes American history, with people waiting to see it and take pictures. While it's a popular spot, there are other exciting adventures in the city. Visiting once is worth it, but there's more to explore in Philadelphia.
Hollywood is famous for movies, drawing fans and tourists to see the iconic sign in California. Touching the sign is illegal, but it's a popular spot for photos. Instead of just tourist spots, explore LA's restaurants, shops, and museums for a better experience.
Hawaii's Waikiki Beach caters to tourists with hotels, shops, and restaurants, making it different from Hawaii's true beauty. For an authentic Hawaiian experience, explore natural wonders like Pipiwai Trail in Maui or Lanai Lookout near Waikiki.
Roswell, New Mexico, is a hotspot for alien enthusiasts, known for a 1947 UFO incident. The town caters to UFO fans with alien-themed attractions, but if you're not into extraterrestrial stuff, it's not worth your time – you can explore it all in a day.
Disney World, known as the happiest place on earth, has two main sections: Future World and World Showcase. The World Showcase features country-themed pavilions offering global foods and drinks. While it has rides, some find other Disney parks like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom more appealing due to their attractions and experiences.
Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the biggest mall in the USA, with 555+ stores, a theme park, and an aquarium. It's great for shoppers and kids, but crowded, overwhelming, and might be too much for some.
In the 1920s, Blues music was huge in the US, especially in Memphis, Tennessee, where it all started. Beale Street was once a vibrant hub for blues music, but over time, it became commercialized and lost its original charm. Now, tourists might find a more genuine Memphis experience in other parts of the city.
The Alamo Mission in San Antonio, Texas, is a famous historic site where Texas fought for independence from Mexico. Despite Texas losing the battle, the mission stands as a monument where tourists can learn about history and take photos. While The Alamo is interesting, the nearby San Antonio River Walk offers an exciting experience in Central Texas.
Chicago, the Windy City, is by Lake Michigan and boasts art, architecture, and shopping. The Magnificent Mile, akin to famous streets in Beverly Hills and Manhattan, offers shops, restaurants, and museums. For a unique Chicago experience, tourists should explore Millennium Park and Willis Tower instead.
The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta is a popular spot, where visitors can see how soda is made, taste various drinks, and take photos. However, some find it too crowded and commercial, lacking historical depth. Thankfully, Atlanta offers quieter, more authentic attractions for everyone to explore.
The Jersey Shore, especially Atlantic City, used to be a popular tourist spot, often compared to Las Vegas. But now, it's run-down with tacky shops, big casinos, and lots of tourists, losing its charm. The once vibrant boardwalk is its main attraction, but it's not as glamorous as it used to be.
Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska, is like America's version of England's Stonehenge. It's made from old cars and was built in 1987 as a tribute. While it's popular among local tourists, the real Stonehenge in England offers a more authentic experience and is worth the visit.
Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, opened in 1952 and is a dreamland for Christmas enthusiasts. It boasts a giant Santa statue, reindeer, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a Christmas shop filled with goodies. While it's a paradise for Christmas lovers, others might see it as just another overrated gift store in Alaska.
Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho might sound otherworldly, but it's actually a volcanic rock landscape. While it's beautiful with mountains and lava flows, it might only captivate visitors for about ten minutes, hinting that Idaho has more exciting wonders to explore.
The NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis offers insights into college sports, but it's disappointing and needs an update. Despite college sports' rich history, the museum has very few exhibits, and visitors can explore everything in under half an hour. Basketball enthusiasts are better off visiting the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle.
The Mysterious Viking Tower in Newport, Rhode Island, is a small, puzzling building with an unknown origin. Despite centuries of speculation, nobody knows who built it or why. While some believe it was constructed by Vikings, there's no evidence to support the claim, leaving the mystery unresolved and a bit tiresome for many.
South of the Border, near North Carolina, is a famous stop with a gas station, restaurant, and gift shop. While it's a landmark, the place isn't remarkable unless you want their food or gas. There's no need to stop unless you have a specific reason.
The Moqui Cave in Utah, often mistaken as a natural cave, is actually a sandstone structure formed by erosion, not crafted by Native Americans. Despite its title, it functions mainly as a fancy gift shop rather than a significant tourist destination or museum, offering souvenirs but lacking the depth expected from a worthwhile attraction.
Rock of Ages in Vermont is a famous quarry, often confused with a musical. It's a nice spot briefly, but not as amazing as the Grand Canyon. The tours, offered by a tombstone company, can be a bit grim, and the gift shop items are pricey and not worth buying.
Wisconsin is famous for its cheese and cheese-themed spots like the Mars Cheese Castle along I-94. Despite high prices, tourists and locals flock there for pricey cheese, sausages, and snacks, all because, well, cheese makes everyone happy!
Cannon Beach is pretty but just like any other beach, and you can see everything in a day. It's relaxed but crowded in summer, and pricey due to high-end tourism. Despite its charm, it's overrated for these reasons.
People love holiday-themed attractions, like the A Christmas Story house in Cleveland. It's where the famous movie was filmed. But, it's just a regular house in Ohio. Instead, consider exploring something more exciting and skip the long lines.
Star Trek fans flock to Riverside, Iowa, believing it's Captain Kirk's birthplace. They visit a small house with a plaque claiming Kirk's future birth in 2228. However, it's just a tourist trap, as the real birthplace is unknown.
In the 1950s, a small town in Kansas started making the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, with the whole community pitching in. However, it's not as exciting as it sounds. Visiting this giant twine ball won't be worth your time, as the experience falls short of expectations.
Ave Maria Grotto is a small park with 125 mini replicas made by a monk named Brother Joseph. It's in Cullman, Alabama, known as "Little Jerusalem." People visit to see tiny religious structures, but it's mostly for photos and prayers, appealing to religious and art enthusiasts.
Crater of Diamonds Park lets people search for diamonds openly. While it's unique and exciting, the chances of finding diamonds are slim. It's a fun experience, but exploring other Arkansas attractions might be more enjoyable.
Buffalo Bill, a famous cowboy, has a memorial site called Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum in his honor. It opened in 1921 and includes his gravesite and a museum showcasing his life and the Old West history with photos and artifacts. Though interesting, it can't capture the excitement of Buffalo Bill's real adventures.