7 main American tourist traps that are really great

It would be a shame to miss the unique experiences offered by these spots.


It is not surprising that many travelers want to avoid "Tourist traps." Popular tourist destinations often have long lines, predatory sellers and dark views by masses of people of people taking photos with smartphones. Actually, 68% of travelers , according to to get your guide, say that " They decided not to visit the attractions and excursions that are considered tourist traps. ""

But all so-called tourist traps are not disappointing; Some of them have gained their popularity in the shovel.

I used to be one of those people who turned my nose to the Eiffel Tower and jumped the Grand Canyon under the erroneous impression that I would find in a way experiences that felt more authentically linked to the local culture .

When Covid-19 has closed almost all destinations, including Disney world , which is even open on Christmas Day - I realized how sad it was to live in a world where we could not revel in Elmo photo sessions in Times Square. I now choose to find the wonder in the kind of places that bring joy to many people - instead of missing.

From the electrical energy of the Vegas strip to the endearing attractions by the road, some of the largest tourist traps in the United States are worth visited. Because life is too short to be bored.

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7. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls NY
Brunovalenzano / Shutterstock

Niagara Falls is the American honeymoon capital And soak in a fragile poncho may not seem fun. But do not let all the newlyweds dissuade you from a visit.

It is difficult to understand how much the majestic Niagara falls are until you are face to face with the blue water waterfall of 325 feet crashing on the backdrop of a blue sky. It is impressive, and you are almost always guaranteed to catch a rainbow with the amount of mist that the falls generate.

The site, which connects the United States and Canada, also has a lot of historical importance. I recommend planning a boat visit for the start of the evening when the observation zones are less crowded, and you can sunset For really breathtaking photos.

6. Mural drug, southern dakota

Two boys pose for a photo on the Jackalope at Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota during the summer of 2017
istock

Travel expert Olive Christine love Mural —The international renowned sales complex on the theme of cowboys with a 80-foot brontosaurus sculpture. "It's kitsch and unexpected in the best way, with a mixture of shopping, restoration and various original attractions such as a giant dinosaur and the famous free icy water," she said. "There is a certain ironic humor of all the establishment that I like."

She recommends getting out of your road trip to explore the complex: "Whether it's the western art gallery or the backyard. Take a coffee meal, take a lot of photos and don't forget to get your free ice water As a memory of your visit. "

Read this then: The 10 most romantic cities in the United States that you should visit with your partner .

5. Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles

Hollywood Boulevard
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

The natives of Los Angeles often have a romantic relationship with the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is crowded, disorderly and bordered by cheese souvenir shops. But Laura Lynch , founder of Go travel to California , sees the boulevard for what it is beyond the stars.

"If you land on the Walk of Fame, don't just pass the stars. Slowly," she explains to Better life. "Walking in the promenade of fame, each star has unveiled a story of struggles and triumphs, dreams and inspiration - it's a nostalgic journey."

4. The band, Las Vegas

neon museum
Istock / page light studios

Casinos, wedding chapels the same day and the overabundance of Elvis imitators and baccalaureate and bachelor parties are all the reasons why someone might want to avoid the Las Vegas band . And if you don't like to play, it may seem too expensive for an ordinary vacation destination.

Badlyer, travel blogger of Mal Raw Roams , begs to differ. "One of my most expensive memories is this early morning walk along the strip. The city, generally buzzing with life, was quiet. The signs of neon against the sky of dawn - it was a show To see, "she explains.

"The next time you find yourself in a tourist trap, I would say, jump directly," she adds. "It could prove to be the adventure you are looking for."

3. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

fisherman's wharf san francisco
TravelView / Istock

In operation since the time of the gold rush, today's fisherman quay, which offers access to Alcatraz Island, overflows with expensive stores, Dear restaurants And Golden Gate Bridge Photo ops.

Ady Meschke, founder of Verbal gold blog , think that Fisherman's Wharf is a must for owners. "I lived in San Francisco and each time someone would visit, I would always take them to the Quai de Fisherman," she explains. "The Bushman, which jumps and scares you, is an unforgettable local experience. The view of the seafront, the fresh sausage bread that they make in small animal forms, the boosts in a bowl to bread that you cannot get elsewhere is like no other, and the Sea Lions at Pier 39. "

The emblematic Irish coffee of Buena Vista Cafe also occupies a special place in her heart. "Make sure you sit down at the bar, you will not regret it. In addition, this is supposed to the place where Irish coffee was presented for the first time in the United States in 1952."

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2. Bourbon Street, New Orleans

bourbon street during mardi gras
Joel Carillet / Istock

Bordered by bars, music clubs and souvenir shops, Bourbon Street New Orleans This is where supporters love to go. Its reputation is certainly wild, invaded by groups of birthday celebrators, spring breakers and others who seek to detach themselves. It is also a strong Street, with rock rhythms and artists who entertain people while falling from bar in bar with open containers (it's legal in New Orleans). We will save you bloody details of how this area can become disorderly accordingly. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

It is easy to write on Bourbon Street, but the inhabitants like Richard Campanella, Dean associate for research at the Tulane School of Architecture and author of New Orleans urban landscapes, understand that this is one of Best parts of New Orleans .

In his essay, "to hate rue Bourbon", he wrote, "there is something refreshing in a place that diverts freshness and measures the old-fashioned success: by millions. What you see when You look at the neon is exactly what you get. "

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1. Times Square, New York

Times Square
Luciano Mortula - LGM / Shutterstock

I will close this list with the tourist trap that makes New York what it is: the largest city in the world. I almost grew up in Times Square, it was the first place where my parents let me go alone when I was in New York with my friends in adolescence.

Times Square is the most useless collection of shopping, entertainment, restaurants, etc., but it is almost a rite of passage for travelers who strike the city.

It's overwhelming, but the crowd is thinner once Broadway shows are starting. If something else, you must go and appreciate the bustle of people disguised as an imit-off-iron, a monster cookie or the statue of freedom-which earns their life taking their pictures every day. There is no place like that on earth.

Tourist traps are sometimes cheesy and not always respectful of portfolios, but they can also be unique and unforgettable experiences. There are a lot of wonderful things to live in these places that you cannot get anywhere else.


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