The 7 largest tourist traps to be avoided in the United States

You don't want to waste your money in these well -known tourist attractions.


In the United States, some destinations attract large crowds for a reason - they house either a famous monument, known for delicious specialties , or a great place to take the landscape. But some may not be worth media threshing. If you are not familiar with the area you visit or have not done your research, you can be attracted to one of these tourist traps and end up wasting time and money. Fortunately, travel experts have a few words of wisdom on the most notorious places in the United States that you should avoid. Read the rest to find out which sites and streets, they say you should jump.

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1
Waikiki Beach - Honolulu, Hawaii

waikiki beach
Jewyte / Istock

Many of us dream of having a chance to explore Hawaii, but Lisa Shehan , travel blogger behind Wanderlust with Lisa, warns you to spend too much time at the famous Waikiki beach.

"Once you got there, you have met heavy crowds and marketing," says Shehan. "It is worth a quick stop to say that you have seen it, but it is not worth spending the day relaxing or surfing here. If you seek to discover a real Hawaiian culture, you will certainly find it Not in Waikiki. Instead, spend your time exploring the rest of Oahu for a more authentic experience. "

If you still want to soak up the sun, see Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach. "The two are on the east coast of Oahu and have views of the island of Mokal. They are less crowded than Waikiki and much less marketed," said Shehan.

Surfers should rather go to the north shore.

"My favorite is Sunset Beach, who has massive waves in winter!" Shehan Notes. "Waikiki may be known for its surfing, but you will be surprised to see smaller waves and many beginners taking lessons here!"

2
Times Square - New York City

View of crowded Times Square in New York City. People are at major commercial intersection and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan. Commercial signs are on buildings in city. Travel Locations.
istock

New York City is a fairly common travel destination on the list of buckets, offering so many things to do and see. However, if you find yourself in the center of Manhattan, avoid Times Square at all costs, say the travel experts.

"People come from all over the world to walk through Times Square," Larry Snider , vice-president of operations for Sequoia vacation rental , said. "There is not a single stop in this small part of New York. Different periods of the year are more popular than the others, but even during a snowstorm, Time Square is overcrowded with tourists trying to Fill their Instagram with selfies. "

Instead, Jeremy Albelda ,, travel blogger And creator of Theworldorbust.com, recommends consulting the Dumbo district of Brooklyn. "With a breathtaking view of Manhattan's horizon, delicious cuisine and unique stores, it's an excellent alternative," he said.

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3
Spatial needle - Seattle

seattle space needle
Veni / Istock

Another tourist site that is not worth your time is the space needle in Seattle.

"Despite the emblematic form and its panoramic views of the summit, this is not worth the money you pay," explains Kristin Lee , travel expert and owner of the travel blog Global Travel Eask . "An adult ticket costs $ 32.50 to $ 39, which gives you the impression of having been scammed for essentially a rise in elevator and a view of the city from more than 500 feet."

Are you looking for another option to fill your days in this city? Take the advice of Lee and visit the Sky View observatory at the Columbia Center, which is sometimes called the Columbia Tower.

"An admission ticket at the top of this tower costs $ 20 if you are a Washington resident and a few dollars more if you are not. In addition, the Columbia tower offers visitors a 902 feet view, This makes it the highest audience observatory in the northwest of the Pacific, ”explains Lee.

She notes that the experience is also more pleasant than the space needle. "Going to the top of the tower is an experience in itself," says Lee. "While you go up 73 floors in an elevator, one of the staff members will tell you about the building and its history by watching a visual show on the walls of the elevator."

4
Bourbon Street - New Orleans

bourbon street in new orleans
Lisa-Blue / Istock

If you are looking for a good story in the south and the rich history, New Orleans is the place for you. This city of Louisiana has everything: wonderful restaurants, many visits and experiences and a lively nightlife. But according to Jessica Schmit , of the travel blog Uproot traveler , you can ignore the main trail.

"While the French district of New Orleans is incredible, the famous rue Bourbon can certainly be missed," she said Better life . "This famous street is full of stands selling too expensive drinks and saccharine and many, many drunk tourists."

Schmit suggests checking Decatur or Royal Street, which are both to a few Bourbon houses. "[These have] all the great architecture and energy, but with less tourist vibrations," she said.

Read this then: The 10 best 3-day weekends in the United States

5
Niagara Falls - Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls
CPQ / Shutterstock

Cascades are certainly a site to see - and Niagara Falls is one of the best known places in the United States but according to Fred Hoffman , professional camper, passionate traveler, and founder and editor -in -chief in The real desert , falls are actually a natural tourist trap.

“Located on the border with Canada and New York, Niagara Falls has a large waterfall that attracts millions of visitors each year. Unfortunately, while visitors come for majestic views and exciting experiences, they often leave with many regrets because of its overwhelming marketing, "Hoffman explains.

He adds: "The site is bordered by souvenir shops, guests and other companies focused on tourists who charge premium prices for lower experiences. A crowded market than a quiet vacation destination."

Hoffman says that travelers "should avoid" falls and spend their vacation time in another natural destination. If your budget allows, consider a visit to the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park , which "offers a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking views without too much marketing," explains Hoffman.

6
Fisherman's Wharf - San Francisco

fisherman's wharf san francisco
TravelView / Istock

Another notorious tourist trap is in San Francisco. According to 2023 data from the Casago holiday home rental site, Fisherman is in fact the largest tourist trap in the United States - and the world. The site is mentioned 1,049 times as a "tourism trap" in TripAdvisor critics, which is more than any other place around the world.

"The Quai de Fisherman in San Francisco is overrated - and tends to be overcrowded, too expensive and touristy". Peter Hoopis , owner and CEO of Peter Hoopis Ventures , recount Better life . "He has kitsch attractions like [Madame Tussauds] Wax Museum and Ripley's Belief It Or Not Museum which is not particularly authentic for San Francisco. There are also many arrogant sellers, and many seafood restaurants are, Unfortunately, sub-parts. "

When you travel to San Francisco, Hoopis recommends heading to the ferry buildings market on the Embarcadero seafront.

"This beautiful building is home to a lively market," he said. "Although it can have tourist aspects, such as more expensive souvenir stores and food options, it also offers a wide variety of high -quality food and craft products. It is a dynamic and important part of The culture and history of San Francisco. "

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7
Museums of the National Mall - Washington, D.C.

 National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution
Florin1961 / Istock

When you visit the capital of our country, there is a good chance that you want to see all the "big strikers", including monuments and museums along the National Mall. But according to Taylor Beal , owner and author of the travel blog Crossed with Taylor , your time has spent better elsewhere. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"The museums of the Washington shopping center, D.C. are among the biggest tourist traps," she says Better life . “People are flocking here because it is the national capital, and, well, because they are free. Ask anyone to DC, and they will tell you [to visit] the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and National Air and Space Museum! Sometimes they will add the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Although these museums are super - well determined, full of artifacts, incredibly renowned - they are also typical. ""

Rather than spending too much time on these sites, Beal recommends visiting other museums, including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM). This could be a more emotional experience, but Beal highlights its importance.

"Ushmm is a moving tribute to the victims of the holocaust, and the powerful stories that tell the museum are not to be missed," she explains. "You will be standing in front of Auschwitz artifacts, hearing oral testimonies, and, if you are lucky, you will even have the chance to meet a survivor of the Holocaust in person - something that will soon be impossible because aging survivors. "


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