You’ll Really Regret Visiting These 9 U.S. Tourist Traps

Overcrowded, overhyped and overpriced – these are phrases that usual describe tourist traps. Keep you wallet full and spend your precious time more valuably by avoiding these 10 U.S. tourist traps when planning for your next trip.

Times Square, New York

Via Shutterstock

Summed up, Times Square is the center for advertisements of brands you already know about it and chain stores and restaurants you’ve already been to before. It sucks tourists in with its bright lights, like a moth to a flame.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, California

Via Gunther Hagleitner

All you’ll find along the street are etched names of familiar actors and actresses, with less than spot-on imitators hoping to peddle pictures.

Wall Drug, South Dakota

Via m01229

If you’re looking for free ice water, an 80-foot dinosaur and a jackalope, then Wall Drug is for you. Otherwise avoid pulling over for this roadside attraction.

South of the Border, South Carolina

Via Sarah Samoraj

You’ll find plenty of sombreros and mediocre attempts at recreating a little bit of Mexico in South Carolina at South of the Border – characterized by the 97-foot freestanding sign signaling its location.

Mystery Spot, California

Via Simon Davison

The only mystery that Mystery Spot will leave you with is why you wasted precious time in Santa Cruz at this locale. The Mystery Spot claims to be where the laws of physics don’t matter, compasses point crazily and unseen forces push buildings at impossible angles.

Cheers Bar, Massachusetts

Via Jun

Despite the memorable theme song, nobody will know your name at the namesake of the fictional Cheers Bar. The only thing you’ll find in common with this bar and the one made famous on the small screen is the iconic Cheers sign on the exterior.

Pea Soup Andersen’s, California

Via Arnold Gatilao

If you’re a pea soup connoisseur, then by all means, please visit the restaurant for a tasty dish. Otherwise, just keep driving and save your appetite for clam chowder in San Francisco.

The Thing?, Arizona

Via Tim Patterson

The Thing? capitalizes on human nature to seek out answers to the unknown. Billboards drive tourists in with the promise of unveiling the “Mystery of the Desert.” If you really have to know what is remaining shrouded in mystery, then pay a mere $1 to enter the attraction.

Space Needle, Washington

Via Shutterstock

The Space Needle towers above Seattle with its original purpose literally being to lure tourists. The problem is Seattle is blanketed in clouds for a majority of the year, making the expensive view from the top not so magical.