The Most Horrible Tourist Traps In America, Ranked In Order

The Most Overrated Tourist Attractions In The United States - Explored Planet
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Some People Consider These To Be The Most Overrated Tourist Attractions In The United States
Sara Portnoy | Info | 4 May 2026
There are countless tourist attractions scattered throughout the United States that draw in new visitors every year. Several are considered the best tourist attractions in the country, but when travelers get there, they are severely let down.
Instead of wasting time and money going to places such as Roswell, New Mexico, and Graceland, it may be better to skip them altogether. Read on to learn which spots people say travelers should avoid.
Waikiki Beach Isn't A Good Reflection Of Hawaii
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There isn't too much of a downside to visiting Hawaii, but there are certainly areas that are more designated for tourists. One example is Waikiki Beach in Oahu, because it's essentially a strip of luxury hotels, expensive stores, and chain restaurants on a crowded beach.
The majority of what can be found at Waikiki Beach is already at most beach towns across the U.S. Instead, visitors should find areas that show off Hawaii's natural beauty such as the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Lanai Lookout in Oahu, or Pipiwai Trail in Maui.
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You'll Have Trouble Relaxing At The Mall Of America
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The aptly-named Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States with a total of 555 stores, a theme park, aquarium, and many more attractions. Any avid shopper would be able to spend multiple days here on a spree, but it may be too much to handle for others.
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Since it's so big, the Mall of America is constantly overcrowded with people coming to check out what it has to offer. With the heavy crowds, a loud theme park, and daily events, a trip to this mall can feel like sensory overload.
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South Dakota's Corn Palace Isn't Worth The Trip For Many
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Around half a million people make their way to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota every year. The building is covered in murals made from corn and other grains, and the facility is used as a multi-purpose venue for concerts, sports games, exhibits, and more.
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Those who come to the Corn Palace say they don't really have much to do other than look at the corn murals and take some photos. When there aren't any events going on, the inside is just a conference center so there isn't much to see there, either. Most reviewers report that once they got to the Corn Palace their visit wasn't any longer than 10 minutes.
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What To Do Instead Of Visiting The Hollywood Sign
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Hollywood is the movie-making capital of the world, so it's only natural that tourists would want to see the iconic Hollywood sign in person. While it may seem enticing to get as close as possible it's actually illegal to touch it. The closest visitors can get is through certain hiking trails that take people up and above the sign.
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Similar to a lot of tourist attractions, it's only something to look at from afar for photo opportunities. Those who find themselves in Los Angeles and want to get the most out of the city should check out the world-renowned museums, restaurants, and clothing stores instead.
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Times Square May Be Too Much To Handle
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Almost all travel guides recommend that people visiting New York for the first time go to Times Square. It's smack dab in the middle of Manhattan and features streets lined with chain restaurants and stores, people dressed in outrageous costumes, and towering advertisements that are lit up at all times.
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This may seem very overwhelming, and that's one of the reasons to avoid Times Square. It's considered to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, so there will most certainly be huge crowds. Also, the stores and restaurants there can be found in most American towns.
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Some People Think North Carolina's Shell Service Station Is A Big Let Down
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The Shell Service Station is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and has been around for 90 years. It was constructed to bring brand awareness to Shell, with bright yellow and red shell-shaped service stations. It is the only one remaining out of the eight that were built in the area and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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This landmark may be interesting to look at, but there isn't much else for visitors to do. The Shell Service Station is now only being used as a satellite office and a museum for Preservation North Carolina.
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Boston's Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market Aren't Like They Used To Be
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Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market is a staple of downtown Boston, Massachusetts, but real Bostonians know that it's mainly a tourist hub. These buildings serve as a festival marketplace where visitors can grab a bite to eat at the food hall or go shopping at the surrounding stores.
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As time has passed Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market have become filled with food stands that only cater to tourists and chain stores that can be found in most malls. Also, it can frequently be crowded with people going from one end to the other, and frustratingly long lines.
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The Venetian Gondolas In Las Vegas Are No Italian Paradise
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Las Vegas, Nevada, has plenty of tourist traps, and the Venetian gondolas are included in that list. These are modeled after the famous gondola rides in Italy and have costumed paddlers taking riders around the surrounding hotel and shops.
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Unfortunately, it couldn't be further from the Italian experience. Past riders have described it as floating through chlorinated, blue pool water for less than 15 minutes. The only things to look at are the other tourists who are either betting or shopping in the mall. Even though the ride is short, the cost isn't cheap, with a private ride for two costing $116.
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The Four Corners Monument Is Basically In The Middle Of Nowhere
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The reason the lady in the photo is splayed out on the ground is because she's in four states at once. The Four Corners Monument connects Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico where they border each other. It's the only area in the United States where at least four states come together.
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The reality of the Four Corners Monument is that it's in the middle of nowhere, so all there is to do is take photos and stand around without cell phone service or wi-fi. Also, there are reports that the monument lines are inaccurate with the real borders, which kind of takes away from the thrill.
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Philadelphia's Liberty Bell Is Historic, But Boring
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Anyone familiar with American history would know that the Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom and it became famous when it was rung after the reading of the United States Declaration of Independence. The bell dates back to 1752 and has a signature crack down the middle that was formed in the early 19th century.
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Tourists who wish to visit it can find it at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fans of colonial American history might get a kick out of the trip, but for some others, it's just a place where they can observe and take photos of an old piece of metal.
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Roswell, New Mexico Is A Creepy Alien Sanctuary
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