Definitely a place to visit when in North Dakota! The many awesome attractions in Boston and the beaches found along its capes and islands get most of the recognition. To help tourists avoid disappointing attractions, Rent Cafe surveyed 2,500 people throughout every U.S. state to get the local perspective on which spots are the most overrated (too pricey, too many crowds, too boring) and which attractions are the most underrated (gorgeous, interesting, affordable, crowd-free). April 20, 2023. You will not be disappointed!". Like a second-rate Vegas,Atlantic City's good ole days are long gone. The restaurants are all just ok along with overpriced souvenir shops so I have no idea why they are charging more nightly than what I pay to go to Myrtle Beach that offers way more to do. But just because people haven't wisened up about these . Hiking is one way to explore the park, although scenic drives are plentiful as well. It has nothing interesting to see. Says gwenw184: "The drive around Acadia National Park is just so stunning and fun. Complaints that did pop up focused on its relatively limited offerings compared to other national parks. In 8 hours you get 3 rides. Although Tennesseans don't like the tourist trap that once housed the King of Rock 'n Roll, they do love their country diva, Dolly Parton, and the amusement park she built in her hometown in eastern Tennessee. 8 of the 20 most overrated tourist spots are theme parks, including Sea World in San Antonio (Texas) and both of America's LEGOLAND parks-Winter Haven . The tickets aren't too costly, with adult prices at $17 and children's at $13, but battling the overwhelming crowds and long lines just to walk through what is essentially a huge advertisement, is downrightsilly. After all, how much time can you spend ogling volcanicrocks? Disney's Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Says TeleOp: "Crazy. The hike is well worth it. 1. American pioneers traveling out West first encountered this rock, now a national monument. Miami Admittedly, Miami probably has the best nightlife on the planet. Says Yodatravel: "We just thought [it'd be] a small pool of water. North Carolina's biggest and best amusement park receives more than 2 million visitors during its season, but considering its hot summer temps, stifling crowds and steep rates, it's not the place to be when visiting the state. Otherwise, it's mainly a museum, and a small one at that. Everyone knows the tourist trap in their own city and state. Louisiana is truly unlike any other state, filled with gulf-front beaches, tree-lined trails and bayous that can be explored by airboat. On top of that, the North Pole is freezing in the winter, and actually reallyhot in the summer, and swarming withmosquitos. I have been to numerous beaches across the country and this one was by far the worst. Once at the top, about 5 times as many people as should be allowed in such a tiny space are squeezing around each other and children are crawling all over the windows, so you again wait in line to get to the window and snap your picture and then wait in line again to get on the elevator down.". Very easy, paved trail in and little rougher trail around the edge, if you wish.". ", Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising. There's a maze, mini golf, and a zip line, but their main attraction is several crooked shacks built into hillsides thattrick kids into thinking everything is gravity defying. That's why residents suggest visiting the state's other fantastic park instead. They treat the place like it is their own and the grounds are neat and clean because of it. TripAdvisor reviewers speak as highly of this under-hyped national park as the people of Oregon do, with 97 percent of reviewers rating it as very good to excellent. The grounds feature a zip line, because what would a biblical theme park be without one? But at the end of the day, it is a mall. There are better places to spend your time and money in Louisville. So sorry fellow Virginians, but Shenandoah is on the most overrated list. Its nickname says it all: Heaven's Amphitheatre. There are multiple stores and restaurants to go to. The formations seen and the way they were highlighted was great.". We went up to the pedestal and it was all for a less than overwhelming view. There are trails and waterways to explore, not to mention the cave itself. The views are incredible. We wandered around for about an hour trying to figure out what all the hype was about. You can take a scenic 7 mile drive through the park with stops along the way. No admittance fee is charged to enjoy the park, which feels more like a huge carnival with its ticketing for rides, arcades and Midways. Reply. You cannot walk up to or around Chimney Rock and must view it from a distance.". Empire State Building, New York City, New York "The kids loved listening to the audio tour and skipped round the museum finding exhibits to listen too." https://t.co/zSKMzMQm4v Every island has trails it's easy to hike a different trail every day of your trip and uncover something new. No States hate Colorado, good job Colorado. But we will say that while, yes, parts of The Shore are as tacky as what's shown on the reality show, the farther south you go "Down the Shore," the better it gets. As the birthplace of Coca-Cola, this museum/tourist trap wants to convince visitors it's not just trying to sell more soda. But you can't climb it or get very close. Food was OK not great, but our overall trip was GREAT!!! Alas, the mountains of Western Massachusetts don't enjoy equal fanfare. If you want real New England bravado old salts, Red Sox fans, and Irish pubs visit Massachusetts. Says mtzstang: "It was just a rock. Here are the 10 that had the best food. Derby is not cool either. I visited all 50 states by the time I turned 13 and I've been to many of them more than once. But there are also perennial traveler favorites that simply don't deserve their accolades. Says MNwanderers: "What's the hype about? Here are some of the responses. 39 reviews out of every 1,000 are disappointed by their experience. People rave about the sights you can see from yourcar or on trails throughout the many parks. Says Pat N: "I've lived in central Iowa all my life and still do not understand the appeal of the Iowa State Fair. Says Jessica W: "We hiked almost all the trails in the area. Take your time visiting this place! 50. Thats why only D-list celebrities attend.". Says Brettwhit of Vail Mountain Resort: "This resort is more for rich people who aren't interested in real skiing. The sandstone erosion "cave" is touted as an ancient landmarkand natural history museum, but it's not even a cave that was built or used by Native Americans. Domestic terrorism devastated the nation when a bomb was detonated outside of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. So why all the hubbub about one sculpture? Colorado is amazing, but there's more to explore in the American West. Comparing the opinions of Rent Cafe respondents to traveler experiences and ratings on Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel information platform, we present to you the must-see attraction in every state as well as the one you should skip. If you want to learn about Hoosier basketball, you're better off heading50 miles east to theIndiana Basketball Hall of Famein New Castle. Now, it features a museum and covered upTNT, asbestos, mercury, radium andradioactive uranium. There's also a motel, tons of RV parking, a casino, and Montana's largest gift shop. TripAdvisor travelers agree: 99 percent recommend it! When a New England summer is in full swing the best thing to do is as little as possible.". Here are the 10 I think are the most underrated. What visitors expect is a quiet cabin in the woods. You'll find waterfalls, river rafting, hiking and horseback trails all the things you can do in Yellowstone, basically, with thinner crowds around to hinder your experience. Cleaning up an eyesore and giving it new life. Says Tabatha E: "I thought it was going to be a magical experience. With surprisingly littlememorabilia on display and in dire need of a renovation, you'll be in and out of this museum, which pays homage to student athletes, in 30 minutes or less. Everywhere is busythe queues, the ferry, the island! share. 1 attraction in Memphis than locals. Says bayoutown1958: "The Natchez Trace Parkway is the most amazing experience for driving, camping, and hiking. Panhandle of Florida is gross. Don't rush through it! There is a lot of information. Do yourself a favor and don't bother! The sound and sight lines are perfect.". Says H7617SBjanem: "Overpriced & overrated. If you happen to be driving down the road, it might ease some road trip boredom, but it's certainly nothing to drive out of the way for. It is a beautiful mountain drive with lots of scenic views to look stop and look around it is that kind of drive where you can immerse yourself into nature and enjoy the scenic views.". You'll feel like you're walking on the moon. This Montana bar is home to over 50,000 silver dollars, and thus one of the largest coin collectionsin America. We wholeheartedly agree with novelist Paulo Coelho, who famously said: "With all due respect, the Mona Lisa is overrated." 3. The other thread got me thinking about what cities are overrated in the U.S. because it seems like most cities are underrated. Says MichiganCrew: "This drive is one not to be missed. The fact that it is crowded with hundreds of tourists each andevery day (42 million visitors each year)makes it all the worse. Be sure to visit the iconic lighthouse, Breakwater Light, which can only be reached by seafaring vessel. So many just want a pic on social media doing outrageous thingsstanding on the edge, feeding squirrels directly in front of the sign that says not tothere was no peace. Hike or go on a guided tour to explore the unique geology found under the desert. It is also about all the other guests that attend here. Apparently, finding a parking spot is about as rare as spotting a unicorn, and many complain about inflated prices, and call the boardwalk "average," or even "extremely average.". Immaculata University Immaculata University/Facebook Location: Immaculata, Pennsylvania US News ranking: 183 Median mid-career. Connecting Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, this 444-mile greenway makes for a relaxing, uncrowded and peaceful drive. Its a beautiful, peaceful walk through a garden and history as well. Again, a great spot in West Virginia. Also, the only sound is the birds! The food is also extremely mediocre, and many customers havecomplained on Yelpthat the steak is tough and dry. If you want posh-meets-prep sophistication, head south to New York City's Upper East Side. It needs some investment. In the majority of states, the city residents identified as overrated most often was also the town most familiar to the general public: take Indianapolis for Indiana, or Chicago in Illinois. Nearly 13,000 reviewers on TripAdvisor give it a coveted 5-star rating. And crazy prices. Many are drawn to Arizona's mild climate and natural beauty. and ploppedthe plaque in the middle of town, declared it Kirk's future birthplace, and the rest, as they say, is history (or thefuture). We had to wait around 1 and a half hour for each ride and tens of minutes in the foodcourt. So basically it's a matter of what you're looking for. If you have an affinity for mysterious landmarks, then you might enjoy thetinytower that sits in the middle of Newport. This quirky roadside siteisone of the highest-rated attractions in the state, though it's little more than39 cars stacked to resemble England's famousStonehenge. Says ngFriday: "No traffic to get here from Boston like Cape Cod! Once upon a time, Franconia Notch State Park's mountain had a rock formation that looked like the side profile of a man. What's not to like about this attraction, Rent Cafe? ), Says _kcnlu2 of The Shore's Atlantic City Boardwalk, the most iconic attraction on the coast: "Dirty, dingy, smelly awful. But did you know it's under construction into 2021? He didn't even make it to Lexington, which was where he was meant to deliver the news. For a more immersive experience, Nebraskans suggest a visit to the Henry Doorly Zoo, which includes an aquarium, underground caves and exotic animals across its 130 acres. (Nearby Bellevue is a haven for local vintners). I was thrilled to visit such an iconic property and was excited for our visit. The subpar entertainment, lack of glamor, and shabby properties and amenities make Mississippi casinos a big tourist trap, locals say. Those who dislike the aquarium complain about its relatively small size. A symbol of New Hampshire, the Old Man of the Mountain can still be found on state license plates. Millard Fillmore Millard Fillmore did as much as any President to lay the groundwork for the Civil War. Says bbbob84: "Nature and Natural Beauty is everywhere, but Lake Champlain is amazing. 2. The uneven contours of the mountains contrast with the regular horizontal stripes from the geologic layering. EVEN BETTER, it's really just a brass, CD-like disk that's allegedly 1,800 feet from the actual intersection of those four states. The town is now a giant gimmick, whereeverything that could possibly be shaped like an alien or UFO, is. Says Partera60: "I had fantasized about seeing a gig at this concert venue, and finally made it happen. Yet the rock formation tumbled in 2003, and all that is left is the plaza where people once viewed him. The people of Alaska know just how beautiful their state is, and consider its fjords sadly underrated. "The characters are all extremely unlikable. Where some may see fairytale worlds as heaven on earth, others (us included) see extremely long lines as the money in our pockets flies away. You will be unable to visit the museum section of the memorial. But tasting rooms, advertisements and films all hype Coke meaning you're paying to essentially experience one giant ad. The Hollywood walk of fame has become one of the biggest hotspots for tourists visiting California. Yup. Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an underrated city. It's no Alcatraz, but tour guides dolet you sit in old gas chambers and see the "Punishment Pole," both of which will likely cause nightmares. 11 UNDERRATED: Beautiful, Sunny Florida Like You've Never Seen It (Tampa Bay) So many other cities in the great state of sunny Florida get all of the love and Tampa Bay is one of the most overlooked. Plus, the natural attraction is located less than two hours from Manhattan. What's the most overrated movie you've ever seen? The gardens include various topography and more than 80,000 flowers and 5,000 species of cacti, as well as a special 9/11 memorial. Reasonable pricing on the monthly plan.". However, Mars Cheese Castle, which beckons tourists driving down I-94, is a pretty obvious trap. Says mysterioustraveler90: "Extremely expensive. I'm a travel writer who's been to all 50 states. "Avatar" , 2009. Lots of scenery and wildlife!". I will probably say Nashville, TN because it is overpriced and it can get boring after 2 days easily. Well worth it.". insider . The list was made using the 2020 United States Census.The total population of the United States was 331,449,281 at the 2020 Census, not including U.S. territories, or 335,073,176, including U.S. territories.. There, I said it. TripAdvisor reviewers generally love it of 1,600-plus reviews, less than a dozen were negative. This is a place to go to see the Gorge. The speed limit stays low to help you sit back and enjoy the state. . Wait in line to wait in a line to wait in a line to get into a tiny claustrophobic pod with no air filtration or views of anything besides steel beams to help alleviate the 4 minute ride to the top. It could be any rock with a year engraved. Rather, you'll stand behind a fence with a plethora of other people to catch a glimpse of the president's home. By clicking Sign Up, you also agree to marketing emails from both Insider and Morning Brew; and you accept Insiders. Some devotees swear by the charms of New Hampshire's lake region Lake Winnipesaukee, in particular. To find the semblance of substance that it does have, you'll have to drive at least an hour to get to it. Maybeyou're touring the US as a citizen out to see your homeland. He's noted as a hero in history textbooks for riding on horseback shouting "the British are coming". This is a waste of time. Did New Yorkers really pick the symbol of America as the most overrated attraction on Rent Cafe's survey? 9 1. But New Hampshire's neighboring states, Maine and Vermont, outshine it as a travel destination. "The Notebook" , 2004. Says pennstatekelly: "The beach itself is fine. Why not check out another Southwest city, instead? It is as unremarkable as it sounds.". Says Emma B: "My friend wanted to add twine to the ball, but they only allow people to do this once a year so that it can measured and added to the total. This one stumps us, too. Of course, hiking is a great way to see the snow-fed lake, but you can also drive along the rim to take in the views. I especially like the Asia Gardens and the numerous trails.". If you're headed to New England, consider skipping New Hampshire in favor of Maine or Vermont. Still, it can get over-busy, and there are some who say it's attractions aren't worth the prices they charge. Made infamous in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," Devils Tower National Park features a beautiful hiking trail around its base. Walking a 3.5-mile path along the cliff of Newport may sound overrated, but considering the path is behind the back lawns of Newport's biggest mansions built by the likes of Rockefeller, for one we are surprised Rhode Islanders think visitors should skip this attraction. Says onetermandout: "Fully engrossing, well laid out and very educational.". Says Michelle D: "Looks like American Pickers have been there, took all the best stuff and left bits and pieces. It's crowded, hot and full of overpriced food. Enjoy the beauty!". If you're headed to New England, consider skipping New Hampshire in favor of Maine or Vermont. The boardwalk has cheap tourist beach type stores and cheap restaurants where quantity is more important than quality. Albany, GA (31701) Today. What's better than watching horses sprint around a track? Seattle is also closer to the rugged wilderness that defines the region. If you get too hot there are incredible shows you can watch and sing along too while you cool off. What a great place to visit. Not only is it overcrowded, it's also full of expensive souvenirs and tacky chain restaurants that you can find anywhere else in the country. A great spot to just relax and get away from it all.". The beach's pier is covered with bars and games New England's answer to a tourist-trap beach boardwalk. (Think Dylan's Candy Bar in New York or Georgetown Cupcakes in Washington, D.C.) Voodoo Doughnut wants to be that place by putting whimsical food items on doughnuts. If this picture doesn't say it all! Trips to New England are always a good idea in my book. Says TheSessions: "Recently visited Mackinaw Island and stayed at The Grand Hotel upon the recommendation from friends. But sometimes a state needs a couple of obvious flaws or idiosyncrasies to truly cohere as a magical destination. Colorado has no shortage of attractions in hotspots from Aspen to Vail to Denver but if you want a more remote and authentic cowboy experience (not to mention the best skiing in the country), also consider visiting Wyoming and Montana. While it doesn't have a beach and arcade games, the waterfront of downtown Baltimore provides a relaxing, yet cultured setting. These numbers include all people other than people just visiting: These include citizens, non-citizen permanent . He figured, 'Why not Riverside?' Making its second appearance on this list are the heavenly Blue Ridge Mountains John Denver sang so sweetly about. It might sound romantic, but once you seethe gamblers and shoppers strolling by as you float through what is essentially a shopping mall in a chlorine blue pool water for less than 15 minutes, you might think differently. This giant pile of rocks is essentially a mound of nuclear waste. A photo of me jumping into Glen Lake in Michigan. The crew was very friendly shared a lot of information about the lighthouses, the bay and the coast of Lewes.". I would never go back.". Capitalizing on Area 51's rumored UFO/alien research base, Roswell is filled with kitschy E.T.-inspired attractions and that's just not what this state is all about. Most overrated states, according to someone who's been to all 50 - Insider. Says mainemountainbear: "Northern New Englands perfect four-season destination. With a one-way scenic loop trail, you can easily walk through the red rocks and forget you are in Vegas. The U.S. is a constitution-based federal republic composed of 50 states. Plus, we'll admit, these resorts can get overcrowded in the high seasons and typically cater only to those with lots of cash to spare. Do like a local and avoid it. It's essentially like Cancun duringSpring Break neon signs advertising cheap, tacky bars line a street that's full of drunk people throwing plastic beads at your head when they aren't throwing up. The methods of presentation are dated. Those . 1. The main complaint: Some of the hedges of the mansions are becoming too overgrown to get a view. Both experiences were very interesting and quite stunning.". If it's the seaside you're looking for, I'd say bypass the 13-mile coast of New Hampshire for the hundreds of miles of rugged splendor in Maine that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Locals were quick to comment that LA is a fabulous place to live, but understood why tourists wouldn't like it. The Inner Harbor is home to an aquarium, science museum, children's museum, historic ships, shopping and dining, not to mention boat rides. Did you really come this far, to one of the most beautiful, untouched, wild and untamedstates,to see a fake little Christmasvillage? Says RPM9: "With such a history, expectations were high for this museum. We helped them open up and would have helped them closed but the family finally ran out of gas! Red Rocks in Colorado may be more famous, but Washington's outdoor amphitheater set into a hill touts fabulous views and is the perfect spot for music lovers. This mall is the largest shopping centerin America, with 520 stores and so many square feet that the Yankee Stadiumcould fit inside of it nine times. 77% of Alaskans have pride in their state, more than any other state. The history, the geography, the scenery is wonderful. If youre bored and its too hot or too cold you can go shopping for all the things you dont need. Says JDGal1987: "The Henry Doorly Zoo never fails to deliver a fun day. Says borna_9999: "Seriously guys?! Hate is a harsh word. As Yellowstone is so large, it's mostly located in Wyoming but crosses into Montana and Idaho as well. Designed to celebrate the history of rock and roll in 150,000 square feet of museum space, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame feels like, frankly, one large Hard Rock Cafe. However, tourists who don't feel the nostalgia will likely feel differently. Says Ruth B: "When a New England summer is in full swing the best thing to do is as little as possible.". One of the best parks is Delaware Water Gap, where the Delaware River runs between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as other parks along the river. It's a two room shack. It is paved with some relatively steep parts at the beginning and end. Buzzfeed asked its readers for their suggestions. Says atasteofcreole: "It was an amazing visit, my only complaint was the hooligans who came running and jumped over the barrier and pushed everyone out the way and blocked the view.". Loads of waterfalls and canyons in the Wyoming section of the park doesn't stop some from finding Old Faithful yawn-inducing. There were so many people that you literally could not walk down the path. We loved every minute of our trip therereally feeling close with nature.". All that's left are gaudy casinos, tackysouvenirs, and overpriced taffy. Listen, we get it: Ben & Jerry's makes some damn good ice cream. Biggest rip off in the country. Thought it was a waste. Hmph. The tallest building in the city is the head office of the church. Age on election day 2024: 60. According to locals, these are the spots that should and shouldn't be missed. New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Area seems run down, dirty and overall not a good impression. Despite its appearance, this block of land is not actually desert. There's tons of sightseeing to do in the US but some spots have become tourist traps. Plus, theBuffalo Bill Grave and Museumopened in 1921, and hasn't changed much since. Magazine Mountain (the state's highest point) is a regional hang-gliding mecca and the area also boasts gnarly mountain biking routes. Says colleenh233: "Giant mall. But make no mistake: This is no Las Vegas. Los Angeles is a city that's all style, but it's also the one with the smallest amount of substance. More than 80 percent of reviewers give it "excellent" marks, and the zoo is considered one of the best in the world. they seemed genuinely cared for.". Says Nancy T: "Ridiculously crowded! Part of the far more extensive Appalachian Mountains, when I visited, in mid-summer, many parts of the White Mountains were immensely popular and heavily visited, intensively used, and yet still somehow sublime.