I’ve Been to All 50 States—Here Are The 10 Most Overrated Tourist Attractions In The U.S.
Not every bucket-list spot deserves a checkmark.
After crisscrossing all 50 states, I’ve hit the highs, the lows, and the painfully overhyped. Some places are packed with so many tourists, they feel more like theme parks than landmarks. Others are just… underwhelming.
If you’re traveling soon, save yourself the disappointment. Here’s the truth about 10 overrated attractions—plus smarter ways to make the most of your trip.
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame
The stars may shine, but the sidewalk sure doesn’t.
In your head, it’s a glamorous stroll through Hollywood history. In reality? It’s a chaotic, grimy sidewalk packed with tourists and pushy street performers. You’ll spend more time dodging Elmo impersonators than admiring the names beneath your feet.
Want real Hollywood magic? Skip the sidewalk and head to Griffith Observatory for unbeatable city views. Or better yet, catch a movie at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre—you know, where actual stars go.
2. Times Square, New York
It’s bright, it’s loud, and it’s a full-body workout just trying to move through the crowd.
Times Square is like staring at your phone screen at full brightness… but with a thousand other people doing the same thing at once. The overpriced restaurants, slow-moving tourists, and aggressive billboard ads don’t help either.
For a real NYC experience, explore Greenwich Village or the Lower East Side. The food, music, and culture will give you a way better taste of the city—without a neon sign telling you to buy something every five seconds.
3. The Alamo, Texas
“Remember the Alamo?” More like… try not to forget how small it is.
History buffs will appreciate it, but casual visitors expecting a grand fortress will be shocked to find a small mission surrounded by souvenir shops and a Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The crowds and underwhelming size make it hard to soak in its significance.
For a deeper dive into Texas history, check out the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. You’ll get a richer, less-commercialized look at the state’s past—minus the theme park vibes.
4. The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
It’s got a crack, it’s got a crowd, and that’s about it.
Philadelphia is packed with history, but waiting in a long line just to see a cracked bell might not be the most thrilling experience. And once you finally get your turn? It’s a quick glance, a photo, and you’re shuffled along.
Instead, spend time at Independence Hall. The stories of revolution come to life there, and guess what? You can see the Liberty Bell through a window on your way out—no wait required.
5. The Space Needle, Seattle
A $35 elevator ride for a view you can get for free.
Yes, the Space Needle is iconic, but you don’t need to go to the top to enjoy Seattle’s skyline. The long lines, high prices, and cramped observation deck make it feel more like an obligation than a must-do.
For a better view (and better photos), head to Kerry Park. It’s free, less crowded, and includes the Space Needle in the actual skyline—because let’s be real, that’s what you want in your Seattle photo anyway.
6. Graceland, Tennessee
The King deserved better than this overpriced tourist trap.
Elvis’s home is a pilgrimage site for fans, but if you’re expecting a grand, opulent estate, think again. The tours are expensive, the crowds are massive, and it’s all wrapped in a commercialized bubble that feels more theme park than tribute.
Instead, experience Memphis through its music. Walk down Beale Street, visit Sun Studio, or catch live blues at a dive bar. That’s where the real soul of the city—and Elvis—still lives on.
7. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Four giant faces in the middle of nowhere.
Look, the carvings are impressive, but they don’t change. Once you’ve taken a picture, there’s not much else to do. And unless you live nearby, you’ll drive for hours just to spend 10 minutes staring at a rock wall.
If you’re making the trip, spend more time in the Black Hills. Hike Custer State Park, see the Crazy Horse Memorial, or drive Needles Highway. The scenery is way more memorable than four stone faces.
8. Niagara Falls, New York
An incredible natural wonder… surrounded by casinos and gift shops.
Niagara Falls is undeniably stunning, but the experience can feel over-commercialized and crowded. The New York side, in particular, has fewer viewing options and more tourist traps than you’d hope.
For a better view, head to the Canadian side. The panoramas are unbeatable, and you can still do all the classic Niagara activities—without the cluttered backdrop of fast food chains.
9. The Gateway Arch, St. Louis
It looks cooler from the ground.
The Gateway Arch is an engineering marvel, but the cramped tram ride to the top isn’t exactly thrilling. The observation deck is tiny, and the view? A little underwhelming for the price.
St. Louis has so much more to offer. Explore Forest Park, visit the City Museum, or catch a Cardinals game. The Arch is fun to see—but you don’t need to go inside it to appreciate it.
10. Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts
Spoiler: It’s just a rock.
You hear “Plymouth Rock” and imagine something massive, historic, and awe-inspiring. What do you actually get? A medium-sized rock in a cage. That’s it.
If you want a deeper look at America’s early days, Plimoth Patuxet Museums is the way to go. There, you can walk through a realistic re-creation of the original colony, interact with historical interpreters, and get a much richer experience than staring at a rock.