We’ve all experienced it at least once: a destination that is very much talked about everywhere, it gets on our must-visit list, and we start to picture our trip there as the most wonderful… only to come back feeling less irritated, or utterly disappointed. Recently, I have been thoroughly examining reliable travel forums and Reddit threads where people just tell it like it is, and a certain pattern started to become noticeable. There are some U.S. places whose beauty is seen in selfies, but no longer remains the same once you are there. Beauty is definitely subjective, but when the reviews for the same place keep on being regretted, then it is definitely a reason to think twice. Here are the 10 places in the US that some tourists say they would not visit again.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
The visitors labeled it as a dirty location with almost invisible stars and many beggars, uncertain artists to be seen in the streets, and stores offering worthless mementos. It’s overcrowded, it has a bad smell, and it is totally the opposite of the glamour that you expect.
Las Vegas Strip
Well, I understand that for some it might be a great fun if they like partying, but still, a lot of people say the place is nothing but a very fake and exhausting experience. An anonymous user posted some comments about the experience: “Argh, errr, on the once it is ‘cool,’ but I’d not dare leap back up there again.”
Times Square, New York City
It overwhelms people, they say, with its chaotic character, rude and demanding mascots going after the tips, huge crowds constantly on your way, dirt all over, and nothing priced reasonably. A man even went so far as to describe it as a “neon-lit scam fest.” The rest of the city is fairy tale-like, but this place?
Niagara Falls (American side)
The falls themselves are stunning, no doubt. But the surrounding area? Everyone says it is dilapidated, mixed-up, with low-quality attractions, and has the atmosphere of a deprived tourist area. The hotels appear miserable, and the whole place is shouting “overpriced.”
Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts
After reading about the rock, my quilt gets uncovered. It is a very small stone, and in the first place, a pit has been built around it only to show “1620” written on it!. Protected by a little gazebo. Travelers go: “Drove hours for… that?” Super underwhelming, especially if you’re into real history vibes.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
My initial thought was that it would be an epic event, but a lot of reviews say that you will have only a distant view, that you will waste most of your time in lines and gift shops instead of admiring it, and that it is much smaller than it appears in pictures. The area around is remote, so the drive does not feel worth it for many. Cool once, but not a “must-return.”
Four Corners Monument
The idea of standing in four states at once sounds fun, right? But people complain it’s in the middle of nowhere, costs to enter, just a plaque on the ground, surrounded by vendor stalls selling trinkets. Hours of driving for a quick photo op—many say skip it entirely.
Branson, Missouri
Heard it’s big for shows and family stuff, but travelers call it cheesy overload: outdated theaters, traffic jams, overpriced dinners, and feels stuck in the past. One person said: “Like a low-budget Vegas for grandparents.” If you’re not into country music revues, it falls flat hard.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
So close to the Smokies (that are beautiful!), but the cities? Mini-golf, go-karts, Dollywood hype, endless tourist traps, and back-to-back felt traffic. Visitors regret staying here—so it seems to be commercialized and crowded. It is more convenient to stay in silent places and take day trips to the parks.
Wall Drugstore, South Dakota
Those billboards for miles promise free ice water and fun, but arrivals say it’s a massive souvenir maze—animatronic dinosaurs, junk shops, crowded cafes. Feels like a giant scam after the buildup. Fun for kitsch lovers maybe, but most say: “Drove way out of the way—total letdown.”
