Let’s face it, not every stop on a road trip lives up to the brochures. You show up expecting jaw-dropping sights or once-in-a-lifetime moments, but instead, you’re stuck in a crowd, overpaying for average food, and wondering why you even stopped. After years of road-tripping and van life adventures across the country, I’ve hit a few of those exact places.
Here’s a list of nine tourist traps across the US that look great on Instagram but leave a lot to be desired in real life.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles, California
It sounds iconic, but it’s really just a long sidewalk with a lot of unfamiliar names. The stars are often dirty or faded, and the area gets packed with tourists and impersonators hoping for tips. It doesn’t help that the neighborhood can feel unsafe after dark.
If you still want to get a feel for Hollywood, skip the sidewalk and visit Griffith Observatory for a better view of the Hollywood sign and LA’s skyline. Rodeo Drive or Malibu are better bets if you’re hoping for a celebrity sighting.
Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California
This waterfront neighborhood promises seaside charm but delivers wall-to-wall crowds and overpriced clam chowder. Souvenir shops and chain restaurants dominate the space, making it feel more like a tourist mall than a working wharf.
For better local flavor, visit the Ferry Building Marketplace or grab a picnic and enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field or Battery Spencer.
The Las Vegas Strip During the Day, Nevada
There’s no denying the Strip’s appeal after dark, but during the day, it’s a scorching, slow-moving maze of crowds and concrete. The daylight kills the glamour, and the heat makes exploring a chore. Everything feels overpriced, from drinks to souvenirs.
Spend your daytime hours exploring nearby Red Rock Canyon or the Hoover Dam instead. If you’re staying in the city, check out the 18b Arts District for food and galleries with a local edge.
Four Corners Monument, Southwest USA
Standing in four states at once sounds fun until you arrive. After paying the entrance fee and waiting in line for a quick photo, you’ll realize that’s really all there is. It’s located in a remote area, so getting there is a commitment.
Unless you’re already passing through on your way to Monument Valley or Mesa Verde National Park, it’s not worth the detour.
Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington
This market is often romanticized as a hub of local flavors and fresh seafood. While it does have history, it’s also packed with tourists elbowing for space to watch someone throw a fish. Walkways are narrow, the food is pricey, and the experience feels more like a performance than a market.
Swing by for a quick photo, then check out Capitol Hill or Fremont for a more laid-back Seattle vibe.
The Original Starbucks, Seattle, Washington
Coffee fans might feel drawn to the birthplace of Starbucks, but once you’re there, you’ll see it’s not much different from any other location. The only real difference is the longer line and tighter space.
Seattle is loaded with world-class indie coffee shops. Try local roasters or take a neighborhood café tour for a more unique and personal coffee experience.
The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo holds major historical value, but the visit itself can be underwhelming. The building is small, the exhibits are limited, and the area is crowded with tourists. Most people spend less than an hour here.
If you’re in San Antonio, combine a short visit to the Alamo with a stroll along the River Walk or explore the lesser-known San Antonio Missions National Historical Park for a broader and more relaxed historical experience.
Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Once a postcard-perfect beach, Waikiki now feels more like a theme park. High-rise hotels block the views, crowds take over the shoreline, and the beach itself is narrow and noisy. Prices in the area are some of the highest in Hawaii.
For a better beach day, head to Lanikai, Sunset Beach, or the North Shore. These spots are quieter, more scenic, and closer to the Hawaii people dream about.
Times Square on New Year’s Eve, New York City
It might seem like the ultimate bucket-list celebration, but the reality is far from glamorous. You’ll stand for hours in freezing temperatures with no access to restrooms or food, and you probably won’t even get a decent view of the ball drop unless you arrived before lunch.
A better option? Watch the ball drop from a rooftop bar nearby or join a neighborhood block party in Brooklyn or Queens for a more local, comfortable celebration.
