I’ve traveled to all 50 states. These are the 7 most overrated tourist attractions in the US.
In her recent article, travel writer Emily Hart shares her insights on some of the most overrated tourist attractions in the United States, drawing from her extensive experience visiting all 50 states. While Hart appreciates the charm of many iconic landmarks, she emphasizes that not all of them merit a dedicated trip. Among the attractions she critiques are the Four Corners Monument, Mount Rushmore, and the Las Vegas Strip, each of which she believes offers limited experiences beyond their initial appeal. For instance, the Four Corners Monument allows visitors to stand in four states at once, but Hart notes that it primarily serves as a photo opportunity with little else to engage travelers. Instead, she suggests exploring nearby natural wonders like Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which provides a richer experience.
Hart also discusses her preferences for alternative destinations that showcase the local culture more authentically. In New Orleans, she recommends Frenchmen Street over the bustling Bourbon Street, which has become a magnet for tourists, often overshadowing the city’s unique atmosphere. Similarly, while Mount Rushmore is undeniably impressive, Hart argues that the surrounding Black Hills region offers far more to explore, including Custer State Park and the Badlands National Park. She even goes so far as to advise against visiting Times Square more than once during a trip to New York City, suggesting that visitors would gain a better understanding of the city’s culture by wandering through its vibrant neighborhoods.
The article also highlights the challenges of visiting popular destinations during peak seasons, particularly in Salem, Massachusetts, where the influx of tourists in October can detract from the experience. Hart’s reflections serve as a reminder for travelers to consider the broader context of their visits, encouraging them to seek out lesser-known gems and local experiences that may provide a more fulfilling adventure. Ultimately, her insights invite travelers to think critically about their itineraries and prioritize destinations that resonate with their interests and values.
I wouldn’t plan trips around some of the major US tourist attractions.
Emily Hart
I’ve visited all 50 states and most major
US tourist attractions
— some of which I found overrated.
I wouldn’t plan trips around the Four Corners Monument or Mount Rushmore.
I’d also recommend avoiding
Salem, Massachusetts
, in October due to the immense crowds.
I love visiting kitschy or unique tourist landmarks on a road trip or weekend getaway. In fact, after
visiting all 50 states
solo, I’ve enjoyed my short visits to nearly all the major tourist attractions in the United States.
However, in retrospect, I’ve found some to be overrated and not places I’d plan an entire trip around.
Here are the seven
tourist attractions
I think are overrated.
The Four Corners Monument doesn’t offer much beyond a photo opportunity.
Emily Hart
For geography enthusiasts, the Four Corners Monument — where visitors can stand in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico simultaneously — is likely a
bucket-list attraction
.
However, although the quick stop makes for a fun photo opportunity, there’s not much more to do in this relatively remote area.
It’s worth visiting this unique attraction once, but I’d much rather stick to the nearby Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, known for its tall sandstone buttes.
In New Orleans, I’d recommend visiting Frenchmen Street over Bourbon Street.
Emily Hart
New Orleans
is one of my all-time favorite cities, and the iconic French Quarter neighborhood is always a must-see when visiting. Despite that, I don’t recommend a trip to the city just to see Bourbon Street.
While it can be interesting to walk along in the morning or pop in quickly at night, the overwhelming crowds of tourists do not, in my opinion, best represent the city or its culture.
If I want to escape the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, I prefer the more low-key Frenchmen Street — which some tour guides call a “local’s Bourbon Street.”
Although Frenchmen Street has become more popular over the years, I still don’t find it as overwhelming as Bourbon Street.
South Dakota’s Black Hills region offers more than just Mount Rushmore.
Kurt Nichols/Shutterstock
Like most spots on this list, I’d revisit Mount Rushmore if I were in the Black Hills area of South Dakota, but I wouldn’t center an entire trip around it.
The monument is impressive, but in its immediate vicinity, there isn’t much more to do than hike a couple of very short trails.
I’d instead plan a trip around the entire Black Hills Region, with stops at Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park.
The Las Vegas Strip is near the top of my list of overrated destinations.
Paparacy/Shutterstock
Although the
Las Vegas Strip
is a sight unlike any other, its artificiality puts it near the top of my list of overrated tourist destinations.
Despite that, I’ve enjoyed my time on the nearby Fremont Street and in the surrounding natural areas near the city, such as the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
I wouldn’t visit Times Square more than once on a New York City trip.
Benjamin Lebrun/Shutterstock
Similar to the Las Vegas Strip, Times Square is one of the most iconic US landmarks. Although I’d visit if I were nearby, there are so many other spots in
New York City
that I prefer.
In my opinion, spending time walking around smaller neighborhoods in Manhattan or Brooklyn gives visitors a much better understanding of the local culture.
For those looking for a more touristy experience, I recommend checking out The High Line, which offers great views of Manhattan, or Little Island, which is an artificial island within Hudson River Park.
The line for photos at the Southernmost Point of the US in Key West, Florida, is often extraordinarily long.
Emily Hart
Key West, Florida, is one of my favorite cities in the US. Despite all the city has to offer, many visitors first make a beeline for the Southernmost Point.
As the title implies, it’s a simple monument that marks the southernmost point of the US, just 90 miles north of Cuba. Although I visited the point and thought it was a fun photo opportunity, the line for pictures was extraordinarily long.
There are many other places in the area where I’d rather spend that time, with Key West’s exciting culture, museums, history, food, and excellent outdoor-recreation opportunities.
I recommend avoiding Salem, Massachusetts, in October.
Heidi Besen/Shutterstock
I first visited Salem, Massachusetts, on a whim while traveling nearby one October. However, I didn’t realize the city is inundated with visitors throughout the entire month — not just on Halloween.
Infamous for the Salem Witch Trials, the city has become a tourist destination for lovers of everything spooky, especially as Halloween approaches.
Most of my visit was spent finding a parking spot, with the hoards of crowds limiting the appeal for me.
I’d love to visit outside October and recommend only spooky-season fanatics plan a trip during that time frame.
This story was originally published on September 26, 2024, and most recently updated on November 24, 2025.
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