After reading this article, many of you are likely to go back to your bucket lists and rethink your life choices. You see, America boasts an incredible collection of worthwhile destinations and glorious once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Be that as it may, a lot of these places are nothing but fluff pieces, that are not worth your money or your time. Today, we take a look at the spots that everybody is raving about and dish out the real tea on whether they are worth your coins or not.
Liberty Bell
This one is for the patriots and history lovers. The bell, which is an important part of American history, has attracted many visitors. The bell was first rung at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and became a signal for the abolition of slavery. While the history of the bell makes it a big part of every American’s history, it does not need to be part of their road trip plans. A beautiful symbol does not make for the most exciting tourist spot! The next one will save some coffee lovers their money!
William Zhang, CC BY 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons
The Original Starbucks, Washington
This is a failed attempt to monumentalize a spot with nothing going for it. The first Starbucks ever opened is currently a tourist spot that Americans can visit to experience the original Starbucks feeling. Being the first to do something does not make you a historical landmark, at least not on the level that it’s been hyped to. Let me tell you a little secret; the coffee at this Starbucks in Washington tastes exactly the same as the one in your hometown, so do yourself a favor and stay at your local coffee spot. The next one should be a no-go for the shopaholics!
Mall Of America
The Mall of America is seemingly every shopaholic’s dream. Its sheer size makes it a retail heaven, and numerous tourists flock to it to shop for their favorite products. However, the overcrowding and noise in the mall make it very unattractive and a safety hazard. It also puts some truth to the phrase ‘shop till you drop’ as its size means a trip through the mall will leave many shoppers exhausted. The hype is not worth the experience, and you can likely get that same pair of sneakers at a mall near you.
jpellgen (@1105_jp), Flickr
Bourbon Street
New Orleans is a city so richly blessed with history and culture and has many offerings for you. Do not limit your experience of it to this run-down street. The street does not even properly showcase the New Orleans entertainment scene, and the food is ridiculously overpriced and underwhelming. Again, with everything that is overrated, there is the risk of crowding and many tourists will find that they will be more worried about their purses in this area than if they had actually gone to the places worth visiting. If you are looking for a beach, do not visit this tourist trap!
Myrtle Beach
With all the beaches America has to offer, this is the last one that should be receiving traffic. Surprisingly, people still frequent this one. The beach has been nicknamed Dirty Myrtle because it is polluted and normally overcrowded. Listen, skip the disappointment and visit a sunny beach in Florida or chill by the pool in your backyard, if you have one. Trust us, it’s a lot better that way.
David R. Tribble, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Santa Monica Pier
What the spot is selling and what you are getting is not even remotely comparable. Santa Monica has lost its thrill and feel due to the area becoming over-priced and crowded. Let’s not even begin to talk about the food that has left many tourists with a sour taste in their mouths! The verdict on this site is that it is an epic fail. Here is another lakefront that is not worth your money!
Navy Pier
This lakefront attraction is known for its amusement parks and restaurants, but many tourists have been feeling underwhelmed by it. The biggest problem is that its numerous activities pull a large crowd, and the lakefront is crowded on most days. The popular Chicago Wheel is expensive to get on and the food could be bought anywhere else in Chicago. It is safe to say this tourist destination is tanking and it is skirting the borders of being a trap.
Mount Rushmore
While the workmanship of the presidents’ heads is impressive, it is just a stone carving at the end of the day. The long trip, parking fees, and various small inconveniences that tourists endure should make people question whether it is really the destination for them or not. It is also a little creepy to still be idolizing dead presidents in this way, don’t you think? View mount Rushmore on TV or in your books, but save the trip for someplace else. Sculpture lovers should skip out on this one!
The Bean (Cloud Gate)
The Bean is a famous reflective steel sculpture found in Millenium Park, Chicago. Many tourists frequent the spot for its great photoshoot potential. Unfortunately, after a few snaps, the thrill is gone. It is not the spot to go for some fulfilling tourist experiences, and many art museums can provide the same aesthetic that tourists come here searching for. Do not stretch yourself for content by traveling all the way to this monument. We don’t think that it’s worth it.
Four Corners Monument
The idea of standing at the point where four states meet is exciting, but only in theory. This spot is for you if you are all about symbolism and finding meaning in the insignificant. If you are about getting your money’s worth, take your time and coins elsewhere. Keep reading for more tourist fails!
Fisherman’s Wharf
Seafood lovers everywhere fall into the trap of thinking that the pier will be the place to satisfy their food cravings. Unfortunately, the price of that lobster is not worth the crack in the bank. The beautiful views can be found at any harbor, and your local fishmonger can hook you up with some ocean goodness, so save the trip.
South Of The Border, South Carolina
This tourist “haven”, packed with restaurants, amusement parks, and gift shops, was set up with the sole purpose of sucking people’s pockets. The gifts and food are severely overpriced, and the attempts at displaying Mexican culture are half-baked. If you take a trip there, make sure it's just a stop before your real destination. This is not the spot to go to if you are looking for that Hawaii feel!
Waikiki Beach
It is unfair that this beach gets a bad name because it is such a “fantastic place!” Tourists flood the beach, making the sunbathing experience more like the feeling of being stuffed in a can of tuna. If you want to feel the way boxes feel in an Amazon truck then go to Waikiki beach. But if you are looking for a relaxing and tranquil experience, stick to more underrated beaches.
Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plymouth Rock
Frankly speaking, there might be more impressive rocks in your garden than this. With its historical significance being questionable, it is understandable why many people have not gotten the hype behind this supposed monument. With more authentication, tourist feelings may change, but for now, the verdict is that it is a tourist trap. After all, without trying to offend anyone, a rock from 1620 is still just a rock in 2024. This next spot is the title of a famous movie, but it is not worth the hype!
Beale Street
America has a problem. It manages to turn spaces with history and heritage into corny tourist sites and money-grabbing schemes. The tourism industry has managed to cheapen the birthplace of artists like Louis Armstrong and the home of Memphis blues. The street is overcommercialized, and the expensive food and drinks can only be afforded by the richest of tourists.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
The ranch is an artistic piece that will definitely fly over the heads of the average tourist. The ten Cadillacs buried in the field are a comment on the decay of consumerism. If you are not part of the elite art seekers and lovers, ten cars in a field is a sore site and a waste of money. It drums up a lot of talk but falls short in its experience. If you have an obsession with past convicts, keep away from this next disappointment!
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
The famous maximum security prison has been turned into a national park. It is unclear why a prison that did not house political heroes or historically relevant figures has as much popularity, but tourists are excitable. The tickets to the prison are overpriced considering the underwhelming experience and the experience is all hype, no glory.
Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Alamo, Texas
This Spanish historical site is a big part of the Texas Revolution, but its size is underwhelming. Tourists travel to the spot expecting an epic battleground but find a small patch and building in the middle of Texas. This makes the souvenirs the main attraction, which is never good for any tourist site. The next spot is a hiking fail!
Freedom Trail, Boston
If you are looking for some extra cardio, this is the destination for you. It is a walking trail through famous sites for the American Revolution. The trail has been called a glorified walking route with not much on offer for tourists except fake museums and recreations of other sites. Many other places are better to visit if you want to immerse yourself in American history.
Hard Rock Cafes
This restaurant chain has cleverly managed to package itself as a part of American history and rock and roll. It serves typical American-style food and displays rock and roll mementos around its restaurants. Tourists will be disappointed to learn that the food is underwhelming and the prices are ridiculous. Eating American truck-style food is a better eating experience with prices that make sense.
Mkp20000, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Venice Beach Boardwalk, Los Angeles
This is in LA, so the first complaint is going to be the prices. The promenade is littered with street performers, markets, and restaurants, making it an attraction for tourists. Unfortunately, tourists will find it difficult to enjoy the space as overcrowding makes it a difficult space to navigate. The vendors are in your face, and many tourists have complained about pick-pocketers on the boardwalk. Does that sound like a place you want to visit? All the Mickey Mouse lovers will be disappointed by the next spot.
Disneyland
This opinion will definitely ruffle a few feathers, but hear us out. Adults dressed up as the princesses we loved in our childhood do more to kill the fantasy than sustain it. On top of that, the theme parks are expensive in comparison to numerous other amusement parks that provide the same experience. Another issue that annoys us is the overcrowding and we honestly think that it would just be wiser to skip the hustle for you and your family. Keep going if you are down for more disappointment!
Hollywood Walk Of Fame
This is as close as some people will get to their favorite celebrities unless they are creepy stalkers. The Walk of Fame houses the stars of some of the most monumental people, but it is an underwhelming site for most tourists. The sidewalk is not always kept clean, making it the same as any of the streets in America. Tourists should leave the appeal of their favorite celebrities to their television screens, it’s better that way.
Empire State Building
The architectural pull of the Empire State Building and its height make it a noteworthy landmark. Unfortunately, its appeal is its downfall, as people flocking to see it overcrowd the building. The touristy feel of the building takes away from its historical significance and reduces it to a simple tick on most people’s bucket lists. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and trust us it is not worth the trip!
National Archives and Records Administration, Wikimedia Commons
Las Vegas Strip
Is the world-famous strip worth the hype? The strip is exciting and eye-catching with its bright lights and entertainment, but it is a navigation nightmare. The sidewalks tend to be covered by many tourists who are eager to get a feel for Vegas life. Going to the casino or attending a show would be a better use of your time in Las Vegas.
King of Hearts, CC-BY-SA-4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Niagara Falls
Many people are going to be against this spot being on the list, but a strong case can be made. Firstly, the roar and the spray of the waterfalls are not as enjoyable as the views. The place as a whole is also highly commercialized, with many taking advantage of the hype to price souvenirs, food, and the all-essential raincoat at the most ridiculous cost. Many solidly argue that it is best as a picture on a postcard ad that’s it. The beauty of the falls is also limited to specific seasons when the water is roaring in all its greatness so for the most part, it’s entirely not worth it.
Washington Monument
This monument is an example of making a big deal out of underwhelming things. The monument was set up in honor of George Washington and is located at the National Mall. Although the monument is heavily protected and overly glorified, its historical significance does not rival many other spots like the Lincoln Memorial. The best part of this site is the souvenir shop, but its prices will send any out of the door! The President’s home is next on the list!
The White House
In recent years this site has become the symbol of America’s failing political landscape. If you are taking a trip there, you might as well go dressed in funeral clothes as you mourn the loss of the nation’s political integrity. The numerous security checks and limited viewing opportunities make the overhyped trip a waste of time and money.
Meghana Arvind, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
The suspension bridge is an architectural marvel and the views of the city’s skyline are to die for. Its popular orange color has made it the Beyonce of Bridges and a popular tourist site. Despite this, the overcrowding that occurs at the site makes it impossible for tourists to justify going there. The parking nightmare and other inconveniences make it a trip to miss. This final destination has made a lot of noise but falls short!
Easy There Tiger Productions, The Bridge (2006)
Times Square, New York
Unless you are looking to shoot an iconic music video or see a gigantic Christmas tree light up, this tourist destination is more of a headache than a breeze. For starters, everybody is rushing there for a quick picture moment, leading to overcrowding. That means you’ll have random strangers bumping into you all day. Also, every building has a billboard on it, making it an advertising bad dream, while the noise and bright lights surely cannot be safe for anybody.
Armando Olivo Martín del Campo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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