Overhyped or Just Misunderstood?
Let’s be honest we’ve all been there. You show up to a world-famous attraction, brave the crowds, pay the overpriced entry fee… and walk away wondering, “Was that really it?” Whether it’s a boardwalk filled with chain restaurants or a museum that feels more like a gift shop, some places just don’t live up to the hype.
So what exactly makes a place a “tourist trap”? A recent study from Nomad eSIM tried to answer that by analyzing thousands of TripAdvisor reviews. Their researchers combed through reviews to find the most common places where visitors actually used the phrase “tourist trap.”
The result? A full list of the most disappointing attractions in every single U.S. state, based on real traveler opinions.
What Counts as a Tourist Trap? (And How to Recognize One Before You Go)
“Tourist trap” is one of those phrases we throw around in travel conversations, but what does it really mean? According to the TripAdvisor reviews analyzed in the study, certain patterns popped up again and again clear signs that an attraction left people feeling disappointed, taken advantage of, or just plain bored.
Here are the biggest red flags that signal a tourist trap:
1. Overpriced Admission Fees (for Underwhelming Experiences)
Many of the so-called traps charged high entry fees without offering much value in return. It’s one thing to pay $40 for a guided tour or immersive exhibit, it’s another to pay $25 just to walk through a glorified gift shop.
Example: Graceland’s $84 ticket raised a lot of eyebrows, especially for visitors who didn’t feel the experience matched the price tag.
Tip: Always compare prices before you go. Look for combo passes, skip-the-line tickets, or free days that can make the visit more worthwhile.
2. Overcrowded Spaces with Little to Actually Do
A big reason many travelers leave feeling disappointed is that the place is packed, but there’s not much to engage with once you’re inside. Think long lines, shuffling crowds, and just a few photo ops but no real depth or activity.
Example: Fisherman’s Wharf and Times Square both topped the list for being overwhelmingly busy and chaotic, with little beyond shops and selfies.
Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or weekdays), or consider walking a block or two away sometimes; the magic is just outside the crowd.
3. More Gift Shops Than Experiences
If the highlight of an attraction is buying a keychain, it’s probably a trap. Many low-quality attractions fill space with retail stalls, hoping to make money off tourists rather than offering a memorable experience.
Example: Wall Drug in South Dakota is known more for its signs, shops, and quirky photo ops than for any real historical depth.
Zee Tip: Look for destinations with educational elements, interactive exhibits, local storytelling, or natural beauty not just merchandise.
4. Low-Quality Food at Inflated Prices
One of the biggest complaints? Paying $17 for soggy fries and a bottle of water. Tourist-heavy zones often hike up food prices while skimping on quality. Restaurants cater to one-time visitors rather than loyal customers, so there’s less incentive to impress.
Example: Duval Street in Key West and Bourbon Street in New Orleans are fun for atmosphere but reviewers often mention overpriced, mediocre meals.
Venture a few blocks away from the main attraction. Ask locals or use Google Maps to find hidden gems with great reviews.
5. Attractions That Don’t Match the Marketing
Some places look magical in photos or ads but when you arrive, the magic fades. Maybe the waterfalls are dry, the famous viewpoint is underwhelming, or the museum is more hallway than history. Many “traps” feel like places that promise more than they deliver.
Example: Four Corners Monument sounds iconic, but many visitors noted that aside from standing in four states at once, there’s not much to do (except shop for souvenirs).
Check recent reviews and photos on TripAdvisor or Google. Things change fast, and what was exciting five years ago may not be worth the trip today.
Tourist Traps Aren’t Always Bad, But They Shouldn’t Be Your Whole Trip
Some “tourist traps” are still fun in small doses. They can be kitschy, nostalgic, or even hilariously bad. The key is to know what you’re getting into. If you’re aware that you’re visiting for the photos, the experience, or the novelty and not expecting a deep cultural moment they can still be worth a quick stop.
The Biggest Offenders: Fisherman’s Wharf & Wall Drug
Two names showed up more than 1,000 times in reviews complaining about tourist traps:
- Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA
- Wall Drug, South Dakota
Despite their popularity, these attractions left many visitors feeling underwhelmed. Fisherman’s Wharf is known for sea lions, seafood, and souvenir shops, but reviewers slammed it as “dirty,” “overcrowded,” and “way too commercial.” Meanwhile, Wall Drug, once a humble pharmacy, has evolved into a sprawling roadside attraction packed with Western-themed novelties, a giant jackalope, and 5-cent coffee.
The Most Expensive Tourist Traps in the U.S.
The study also highlighted attractions that not only disappointed travelers but also emptied their wallets.
- Graceland (Tennessee): With a ticket price of $84 and over 200 mentions of the term “tourist trap,” Elvis’s famous estate topped the list of overpriced attractions.
- Biltmore Estate (North Carolina): While undeniably grand, the $130 ticket led 99 reviewers to warn others about what they felt was a poor return on investment.
Complete List: The Worst Tourist Trap in Every State
Here’s the full list of top-rated letdowns by state, according to TripAdvisor data:
| State | Tourist Trap |
| Alabama | Point Mallard Water Park |
| Alaska | Goldbelt Tram |
| Arizona | Grand Canyon Skywalk |
| Arkansas | Ka Do Ha Indian Village |
| California | Fisherman’s Wharf |
| Colorado | Royal Gorge Bridge & Park |
| Connecticut | Olde Mistick Village |
| Delaware | Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk |
| Florida | Duval Street |
| Georgia | Historic River Street |
| Hawaii | Dole Plantation |
| Idaho | Yellowstone Bear World |
| Illinois | Navy Pier |
| Indiana | Motor Speedway Museum |
| Iowa | Antique Archeology |
| Kansas | Boot Hill Museum |
| Kentucky | Louisville Mega Cavern |
| Louisiana | Bourbon Street |
| Maine | Perkins Cove |
| Maryland | Ocean City Boardwalk |
| Massachusetts | Salem Witch Museum |
| Michigan | Mystery Spot |
| Minnesota | Mall of America |
| Mississippi | Elvis Presley Birthplace |
| Missouri | Titanic Museum |
| Montana | Montana Vortex and House of Mystery |
| Nebraska | Fort Cody Trading Post |
| Nevada | Fremont Street |
| New Hampshire | America’s Stonehenge |
| New Jersey | Atlantic City Boardwalk |
| New Mexico | McGinn’s PistachioLand |
| New York | Times Square |
| North Carolina | Biltmore Estate |
| North Dakota | Enchanted Highway |
| Ohio | House From a Christmas Story |
| Oklahoma | National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum |
| Oregon | Oregon Vortex House of Mystery |
| Pennsylvania | Pat’s King of Steaks |
| Rhode Island | Thames Street |
| South Carolina | Hyman’s Seafood |
| South Dakota | Wall Drug |
| Tennessee | Graceland |
| Texas | The Alamo |
| Utah | Four Corners Monument |
| Vermont | Ben and Jerry’s Factory |
| Virginia | Virginia Beach Boardwalk |
| Washington | Pike Place Market |
| West Virginia | Tamarack Marketplace |
| Wisconsin | Mars Cheese Castle |
| Wyoming | Devils Tower National Monument |
Why Do We Keep Visiting Tourist Traps? (Even When We Know Better)
If so many travelers walk away feeling disappointed, you’d think tourist traps would be ghost towns by now. But year after year, millions of people still flock to these crowded, overpriced, and sometimes underwhelming destinations. Why?
Here’s what keeps us going back even when we know what we’re signing up for:
1. FOMO: Fear of Missing Out
Tourist traps often double as bucket-list landmarks. Whether it’s Times Square, the Alamo, or Bourbon Street, many of these places are world-famous and skipping them can feel like skipping a rite of passage.
We grow up seeing these locations in movies, magazines, and travel shows. Visiting is often more about saying you’ve been there than having a deep or authentic experience.
Go for the photo, but manage expectations. Treat it as a quick stop, not your whole day.
2. Convenient Location
Many tourist traps are located right where travelers tend to be near major airports, cruise ports, hotels, or downtown hubs. When you’re tired from a flight or only have a day in a city, the closest attraction often wins.
They’re easy to access, walkable, and often included in city tour packages.
If you’re short on time, consider pairing a “trap” with a nearby local favorite a farmers market, small museum, or neighborhood café just a few blocks away.
3. Relentless Marketing
From glossy brochures in your hotel room to influencers on Instagram posing at the same neon-lit sign, tourist traps are often backed by huge tourism boards or big marketing budgets.
You see the same places over and over online, making them feel “must-visit.” Plus, many travel guides and hotel concierges still recommend them because they’re safe and familiar.
Cross-reference social media with local blogs, Reddit threads, or Google Maps reviews to find spots that real travelers (not marketers) actually enjoyed.
4. Pop Culture & Nostalgia
Sometimes we visit a spot not because it’s amazing but because it’s iconic. The place might have been in your favorite movie, linked to a historical figure, or tied to childhood memories.
Why it happens:
The connection is emotional. Think Graceland for Elvis fans, the House From a Christmas Story in Ohio, or Salem’s Witch Museum.
Go for the nostalgia, but combine it with a deeper dive like a themed walking tour, interactive exhibit, or nearby hidden gem that gives you more than just a snapshot.
5. They’re Designed for Tourists, Not Locals
Tourist traps cater to the masses. They’re often walkable, stroller-friendly, filled with souvenir shops, and have everything from bathrooms to fast food. If you’re traveling with kids, older relatives, or large groups, convenience sometimes trumps authenticity.
Use them as a jumping-off point. Start your day there, then venture out to places locals actually recommend, whether that’s a neighborhood gallery, hole-in-the-wall diner, or secret park with skyline views.
Tips to Avoid Tourist Trap Disappointment
Here’s the good news: tourist traps aren’t always bad. They just require a smarter, more intentional approach. Here’s how to enjoy them without the letdown:
1. Go Early (Or During Off-Season)
Most tourist-heavy spots are infinitely more enjoyable before the crowds arrive. Visiting first thing in the morning (or in the shoulder season) can completely change the experience.
- Example: Times Square at 7 a.m. is peaceful and surprisingly photogenic.
- Bonus: Prices may be lower, too, especially for tours or parking.
2. Pair It with a Local Alternative
Instead of spending your whole day at a tourist trap, use it as a launching point. Research a nearby park, café, or historical site that locals recommend.
Example: After visiting Pike Place Market in Seattle, walk 10 minutes to the lesser-known Post Alley or the waterfront Olympic Sculpture Park.
3. Read Recent Reviews, Not Just the Top Ones
Filter TripAdvisor or Google reviews by “Newest” to get a sense of what’s currently happening. Some attractions decline in quality, jack up prices, or undergo construction and old reviews won’t reflect that.
Red flag words to look for: “Disappointed,” “Not worth it,” “Overrated,” “Only gift shops.”
4. Talk to Locals (Even Your Uber Driver!)
Locals know which places are overhyped and where you’ll actually have a good time. Strike up a conversation with your hotel concierge, barista, or Uber driver and ask, “Where do you take visitors when they come to town?” They’ll often steer you away from traps and toward underrated gems.
5. Shift Your Expectations: Experience Over Photos
If you’re visiting a touristy place, go for the vibe or the moment not the perfect picture. Let go of the checklist mentality and try to notice something that surprises or delights you.
Example: Instead of complaining about the crowds at Fremont Street in Vegas, enjoy the live music, street performers, or vintage neon signs most people overlook.
Tourist traps get a bad rap, and sometimes, it’s well deserved. But others just need a second chance or a smarter approach. Whether you decide to skip or stay, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
