Times Square, New York
With 50 million tourists per year, Times Square is one of the most visited attractions in the world. But in the midst of the fun, gullible travelers can become entangled in a web of tourist traps. You will probably see Batman, Mickey Mouse, Captain America, and many more in Times Square. If you make the mistake of taking their picture or getting a picture with them, be prepared to pay a ridiculously high price for those pictures.
Some of the more common tourist traps include paparazzi who take your pictures and force you to buy them, caricature artists, pedicabs and many more.
The Original Starbucks, Washington
If you are a Starbucks lover, you may want to experience the coffee from the first Starbucks.
You will basically get the same coffee just with a longer waiting time which will only take up your travelling time.
Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts
Well, it’s a rock. You are better off spending that precious time of yours elsewhere otherwise there’s a big chance you would be disappointed.
TripAdvisor user mikedoiron shared “Get ready to say 'This is it?!?!' and then walk away and return to your car. It's a small rock. In mud.”
The Alamo, Texas
It is labeled as one of the worst tourist traps in Texas. Sure it has historical importance as the 1836 battle between Texas revolutionaries and the Mexican army took place right here.
But it’s better to read about it on the internet rather than visiting the place because chances are you will be disappointed.
Salem Witch Museum, Massachusetts
The 1692 Salem Witch Trials are documented in the Salem Witch Museum. Although adult admission to the museum is $17.50, which isn't too expensive, most visitor evaluations claim that the exhibits once inside are somewhat boring.
Trip Advisor user Daniel L shared “The outside of the building at night was the best part. Other than that, there was nothing good. Do not waste any time or money on this place.”
Georgia Aquarium, Georgia
The Georgia Aquarium, which has seven distinct sections and hundreds of kinds of creatures, is located in Atlanta.
It is difficult to obtain a comfortable view of anything because it is not only teeming with marine life but also frequently crowded with tourists.
You might want to avoid this tourist site if you don't want to spend $52.99 for a one-day ticket.
Disneyland, California
Disneyland is undoubtedly one of the top tourist destinations in California; its history draws in adults, while younger guests are drawn to its rides and character meet & greets. Having said that, tickets are highly expensive, with adult prices starting at $96 a day.
You exit each attraction into a gift store, where you may purchase pricey food, beverages, balloons, picture opportunities, and rain ponchos. Before you go, you might want to think about whether the expected high expense of having to stand in queue and pay a considerable amount of money for lunch and a water bottle is really worth it.
Niagara Falls, New York
It's not difficult to acknowledge the beauty of Niagara Falls or at least the actual waterfall. However, the neighborhood is rife with tourist traps including souvenir stores, pricey dining establishments, paid picture ops, and other attractions that will cost you a hefty amount of money.
Before making a hotel reservation here, you might want to give it some more thought. Instead, you might wish to stop at the Falls and continue your journey.
House on the Rock, Wisconsin
Located between Dodgeville and Spring Green in Wisconsin, the House on the Rock is a unique tourist destination that includes a golf course, spa, gardens, shops, and more. It was first opened in 1960.
For the regular season, an adult admission ticket costs $35.95 which might be too expensive for most people.
Amana Colonies, Iowa
One of the longest-surviving communal communities in America once resided in the seven ancient towns known as the Amana Colonies. This independent community was founded on religious principles and is now open for visitors to tour and sample their products.
In 1965, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. There are restaurants, souvenir stores, bed & breakfasts, festivals, and more in the vicinity.
Rich in history, indeed, but rich in opportunity for blowing money as well.
International UFO Museum and Research Center, New Mexico
This museum, which is situated in Roswell, New Mexico, is primarily concerned with the 1947 Roswell UFO crash and the purported UFO sightings and occurrences that followed.
The "official" examination of alien corpses following the 1947 crash is shown on film, so whether or not you want to stop here actually depends on your beliefs.
Calico Ghost Town, California
Calico Ghost Town is a regional park located in San Bernardino County that was formerly a mining town.
It contains a few attractions, such as the bizarre and perplexing Mystery Shack, train rides, and ghost tours. Overall though, it's a really expensive and run-down location.
South of the Border, South Carolina
In Hamer, South Carolina, there is a roadside attraction called South of the Border. It offers dining options, convenience stores, lodging, mini-putt golf, arcade games, and retail establishments with a deliberately cheesy "Mexican" theme.
If just for a genuine laugh or good time, tourists can be drawn in by the place's campiness. However, you could be better off ignoring it and conserving your money.
Preservation Hall, Louisiana
A historic music venue, Preservation Hall's mission is to present live music that honors the legacy of New Orleans traditional jazz.
While in town, you can catch a set there, but if you're looking for a more real jazz experience, you might be better off going somewhere else.
Corn Palace, South Dakota
Corn Palace serves as a location for exhibitions, athletic activities, and other community gatherings. It was initially built to highlight Mitchell, South Dakota's abundant crop production, and it has since continued to serve as a hub for community gatherings.
That being said, it's really just a structure with lots of gift stores and some tasteful design, unless you're attending a particularly interesting event.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
One of the most iconic images of America is Mount Rushmore. The four US presidents engraved into the mountain are the main draw, but there's also a nearby museum.
Though getting there is quite the walk for only an hour or two of looking around, if that, this carved achievement is very astounding.
Southernmost Point, Florida
The southernmost point of the continental United States is The Southernmost Point, which is situated near Key West, Florida.
While you're there, you can take in the view of the lake and a lovely sunset. The marker is an anchored concrete buoy. Well, unless you count standing in long lines, that is all there is to it.
Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
The biggest theme park in all of Pennsylvania is Hersheypark, a family-friendly amusement park located in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
It was once established as a park for Hershey Chocolate Company employees, but it has since changed to become a popular destination for food, entertainment, and rides. Park entry is about $85 for a single day.
Prior to determining whether the expense is justified, keep in mind that it's usually really packed, making it challenging to use your day pass.
Empire State Building, New York
This enormous tower in New York City is recognized as a key icon for both the state and the city.
Having said that, a visit to the building isn't as captivating as you might imagine. When you reach the top, check out the view, and take a few pictures, there are always large lineups. Then it's time to take the lengthy elevator ride back down.
The cost varies based on the floor you want to see from; the 86th and 102nd levels cost $44 and $79, respectively. Overall, rather high costs for a picture opportunity.
Dollywood, Tennessee
Though it contains a lot of the attractions, entertainment, and food that a conventional theme park offers, many Dolly Parton fans could still view this as a must-see.
Before making the trip to Dollywood in particular, you might want to think about visiting the theme park that is nearest to your home.
A one-day ticket costs $60–$80, and given the potential for crowds, it might not be worth it.
Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota
South Dakota is home to the Crazy Horse Memorial. This is a carving of Crazy Horse, an Oglala Lakota warrior, on a mountain.
The memorial is still being built as of right today, as it has been since 1948. It is quite the wonder, but it is a walk to gaze at something and take a few pictures, and admission is $15 per person.
The Bean (Cloud Gate), Illinois
Cloud Gate, often known as "The Bean," is a public artwork found in Chicago's Millennium Park.
Most of all, it's a photo opportunity, so if you're already there, you might want to take a picture since it's free.
Even so, it's not worth making the particular effort to visit, especially considering that it's usually under construction and fenced off.
Space Needle, Washington
One of Seattle, Washington's most famous monuments is the Space Needle Observation Tower.
The Space Needle has three main viewing sites and provides a restaurant along with a magnificent view of the city, but it costs about $40 and you have to share the viewing area with other tourists, so it might not be worth it
National Aquarium, Maryland
Situated in Baltimore, Maryland, the National Aquarium is regarded as one of the top aquariums in the United States. Having said that, not every traveler feels this way.
This aquarium is more on the average side of things, especially when you take the price into account.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Tennessee
Elvis Presley lived in the home known as Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, at the height of his stardom. Today, the whole region has been turned into a shopping, entertainment, and museum hub dedicated to Elvis lore.
Though this is a popular tourist destination overall, you might want to reconsider before spending the money unless you're a major fan of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Winchester Mystery House, California
A visit to the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is about $42 per person. The mansion, which was originally inhabited by widow Sarah Winchester, is known for being among the most haunted locations in the United States.
Nevertheless, unless you have a strong interest in paranormal activity, you might not want to pay for an old building tour, especially since a spooky experience isn't assured.
Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Vermont
Everyone loves ice cream, but should we all take a trip to see an ice cream factory together? Most likely not.
Though the idea of touring the factory that makes this well-known ice cream is quite cool, it can be time-consuming.
Dole Plantation, Hawaii
A former pineapple plantation that is now a popular tourist destination is The Dole Plantation.
It's become a popular family destination with a pineapple maze and train ride, but you might want to reconsider visiting there and waiting in queue.
San Antonio RiverWalk, Texas
The greatest tourist destination in Texas is the San Antonio RiverWalk, a city park. It is crammed with hotels, restaurants, retail stores, theme parks, and nightlife.
Although it offers a lot, the sheer number of options can also make it costly.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, California
You may be surprised to see fewer stars in your eyes than you would on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Even if the stars appear flawless in pictures and other media, the area is nevertheless populated with people and isn't always as tidy as one might think.
In addition, you'll probably run into a lot of people dressed as characters attempting to charge you for pictures, which might be awkward.