From coast to coast, the United States is packed with iconic landmarks that attract millions of visitors every year. But not every famous stop lives up to the hype. Some of America’s most recognizable attractions are often described by travelers as overcrowded, overpriced, or simply underwhelming.
While these spots may be on countless bucket lists, many who make the trip end up calling them tourist traps rather than must-see destinations. Below, I’ve rounded up the top U.S. landmarks that tend to disappoint—along with the reasons why they don’t always deliver on their reputation. These results are pulled from Trip Advisor’s “Top 100 Biggest Tourst Traps Worldwide.”
Top Overrated Tourist Attractions in the USA
1. Fisherman’s Wharf – San Francisco
A survey of online reviews named Fisherman’s Wharf one of the worst tourist traps in the U.S., citing overcrowding, high prices, and a lackluster experience. Visitors described it as a “washed-up wharf.”
2. Wall Drug Store – South Dakota
Despite its iconic status, Wall Drug earned top marks as one of the most overrated attractions—critics called it underwhelming, suggesting it simply didn’t live up to the hype.
3. Times Square – New York City
Always teeming with crowds and bright lights, Times Square is often slammed as “too crowded, dirty, and boring.” A notable poll even ranked it among the world’s worst tourist traps.
4. Dole Plantation – Hawaii
Despite being a pineapple-themed destination, many travelers found the Dole Plantation disappointingly bland and campy, with complaints about its overly commercial atmosphere.
5. Navy Pier – Chicago
This lakeside landmark has been criticized for being overly tourist-focused—crowded, overpriced, and lacking in authentic cultural value.
6. The Alamo – San Antonio
Reddit users frequently called The Alamo “a huge disappointment,” noting it’s tucked among commercial shops—and that its historical content and presentation often fall flat.
“The Alamo was such a letdown.”
“Especially when you’re humiliated at the end of the tour when you ask to see the basement.”
7. Mount Rushmore – South Dakota
Guests have complained that its massive parking lot, distant viewing areas, and stark setting detract from the experience—making it feel more like a staged photo opportunity than a meaningful visit.
“It looked tiny and unimpressive … the huge parking lot smack in front of it takes away from the experience.”
8. Hollywood Walk of Fame – Los Angeles
Frequently labeled as tacky, overcrowded, and overrated. Many visitors and locals alike warn that the area feels dirty, overrun with souvenir shops, and inauthentic.
“The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a huge tourist trap … surprisingly gross.”
9. Plymouth Rock – Massachusetts
What seems monumental in photos is, in reality, just a modest-sized boulder with minimal context—leaving many visitors bewildered and underwhelmed.
“Plymouth Rock is literally just a midsized rock with a year carved into it.”
Table Summary of America’s Biggest ‘Tourist Traps’
1 | Fisherman’s Wharf | Overcrowded, overpriced, underwhelming |
2 | Wall Drug Store | Disappointing façade over substance |
3 | Times Square | Dirty, crowded, lacking authentic appeal |
4 | Dole Plantation | Too touristy, overly commercial |
5 | Navy Pier | Generic, overhyped lakeside attraction |
6 | The Alamo | Hype doesn’t match actual experience |
7 | Mount Rushmore | Scenic interruption by parking lot; anticlimactic viewing |
8 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | Tacky, dirty, overpriced merch-centric zone |
9 | Plymouth Rock | A mundane rock elevated to cultural significance prematurely |
Final Thoughts
While these landmarks may hold name recognition and photo-worthy appeal, many travelers agree they don’t always deliver on the experience. It’s best to set your xpectations beforehand. If you’re planning a trip, it may be worth swapping these tourist traps for hidden gems and local favorites that offer a more authentic—and memorable—taste of America.