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- I’ve traveled to all 50 states. These are the 7 most overrated tourist attractions in the US. (businessinsider.com)
Local Traveler Shares Seven Overrated U.S. Tourist Traps
Ever hit the road with grand visions of iconic American landmarks, only to find them… well, a little underwhelming? You’re not alone. One seasoned traveler, Emily Hart, who has explored all 50 states, is spilling the tea on some major U.S. tourist attractions that, in her opinion, just don’t live up to the hype.
While she loves a good quirky roadside stop, Hart cautions against planning entire vacations around these seven spots.
1. The Four Corners Monument: A Quick Photo Op, and That’s It
Standing in four states at once sounds cool, right? But according to Hart, that’s pretty much all there is to it.
The Four Corners Monument, where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet, is a fun stop for a quick picture, but the remote location offers little else. If you’re in the area, she suggests heading to the stunning Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park instead.
2. Bourbon Street, New Orleans: Skip the Crowds for Local Vibes
New Orleans is a beloved city, and its French Quarter is a must-see. However, Hart advises against making Bourbon Street the focus of your trip.
While a quick stroll in the morning or a peek at night can be interesting, the overwhelming tourist crowds don’t, in her view, truly represent the city’s rich culture. For a more authentic experience, she recommends Frenchmen Street, often called a “local’s Bourbon Street,” for its vibrant music scene and laid-back atmosphere.
3. Mount Rushmore: Impressive, But Not a Trip Centerpiece
Mount Rushmore is undoubtedly an impressive monument, but Hart suggests it shouldn’t be the sole reason for a South Dakota trip. Beyond a few short hiking trails, there isn’t much to do in its immediate vicinity. Instead, she recommends exploring the entire Black Hills Region, which boasts the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park.
4. The Las Vegas Strip: Too Artificial for a Full Vacation
While the Las Vegas Strip is a spectacle unlike any other, its artificiality landed it high on Hart’s list of overrated destinations. She prefers the energy of nearby Fremont Street and the natural beauty of the surrounding areas, like the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
5. Times Square, New York City: One Visit is Enough
Much like the Las Vegas Strip, Times Square is an iconic landmark, but Hart advises against spending too much time there. She believes exploring Manhattan or Brooklyn’s smaller neighborhoods offers a much better understanding of local culture. For a more tourist-friendly experience with great views, she suggests The High Line or Little Island.
6. Southernmost Point, Key West: Long Lines for a Simple Photo
Key West is a fantastic city, but many visitors flock to the Southernmost Point, a monument marking the southernmost tip of the U.S. Hart notes that while it’s a fun photo opportunity, the lines for pictures are often “extraordinarily long.” With Key West’s vibrant culture, museums, history, food, and outdoor recreation, she suggests spending that precious vacation time elsewhere in the city.
7. Salem, Massachusetts in October: A Spooky Season Swarm
Hart learned the hard way that Salem, Massachusetts, becomes completely inundated with visitors throughout October, not just on Halloween. Infamous for the Salem Witch Trials, the city transforms into a spooky-season Mecca.
Her visit was largely spent battling crowds and searching for parking, severely limiting the appeal. Unless you’re a die-hard spooky season fanatic, she recommends visiting outside of October for a more enjoyable experience.
This story was originally published on September 26, 2024, and most recently updated on November 24, 2025.