The Two Most Overrated Tourist Spots in the World Are Both in the U.S.
A new analysis by Nomad eSIM brings the problem of tourist traps into sharp focus. By combing through thousands of traveler reviews from around the globe, they tracked mentions of the dreaded phrase “tourist trap” to see which destinations disappointed the most in 2025. Despite the study’s global scope, the two worst offenders in the world are surprisingly right here in the United States.
What the Data Really Shows
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Nomad’s study reviewed attractions in 50 of the world’s most visited destinations. The research zeroed in on where travelers explicitly felt cheated or let down by filtering reviews for phrases like “tourist trap” and then tallying how often those words appeared. They also factored in entry costs and created a unique “price of disappointment” metric.
While every country has its share of overhyped spots, the data revealed that the most common feelings of regret came from two American landmarks that millions of visitors flock to every year. Wall Drug in South Dakota and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco tied for first place as the world’s most disappointing tourist attractions.
America’s Twin Offenders
On the surface, Wall Drug and Fisherman’s Wharf couldn’t be more different. One is a sprawling roadside attraction in the rural Midwest, and the other is a historic waterfront in a global tech hub. Yet both embody the same problem: they pull in enormous crowds but leave behind a trail of underwhelmed visitors.
Wall Drug began in 1931 as a small pharmacy luring road-trippers with the promise of free ice water, and has ballooned into a 76,000-square-foot spectacle. Today, Wall Drug is part Western museum, and part kitsch carnival.
You’ll find a giant jackalope, an 80-foot dinosaur, five-cent coffee, fresh donuts, an old-time photo studio, and hundreds of pieces of Western art. The site attracts around two million people annually, many of whom stop out of curiosity after seeing billboards scattered along the highways.
But the charm doesn’t land for everyone. Over a thousand negative reviews describe Wall Drug as overcrowded and tacky. Many visitors feel the relentless commercialism is a ploy to take advantage of them, and storeowners look for every chance to overcharge.
The problems with Fisherman’s Wharf, on the other hand, are extensive, and visitors are quick to point them out. Thousands of online reviews mention feeling disappointed, with the most common complaints focusing on the overwhelming crowds and a lack of genuine charm.
Many visitors find the food to be expensive and bland, with seafood that tastes like it came straight from a freezer. Beyond the culinary disappointments, the financial cost starts even before you enter, with parking rates climbing to $8 an hour. The crowds can be so dense that you spend more time looking at the back of a stranger’s head than the famous sea lions.
The Price Tag of Hype
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Beyond disappointment, there’s also the financial side of tourist traps.
Graceland in Tennessee had entry costs up to $84. With more than 200 negative reviews, Nomad estimates over $17,000 in wasted spending. Elvis fans may still make the pilgrimage, but for many, long waits and poor organization sour the experience.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona offers tickets starting at $99 for all-access. Visitors complain that the experience doesn’t live up to the price tag, and the collective disappointment is pegged at nearly $14,000.
In North Carolina, the lavish Biltmore Estate charges $130 for entry, the highest single ticket price on the Nomad list. Though the property’s history is undeniable, nearly 100 reviewers dismissed it as a tourist trap, resulting in wasted spending close to $13,000.
Even international icons aren’t immune. Jordan’s ancient city of Petra, with a $70 ticket, racks up nearly $7,000 in regret thanks to pushy vendors and inflated costs.
The Global Pattern of Disappointment
Of course, America doesn’t have a monopoly on tourist traps. Around the world, the most hyped destinations often suffer from the same issues of too many people, too little authenticity, and too steep a price.
In Canada, Niagara Falls perfectly captures this tension. While the sheer power of the natural wonder is breathtaking, the experience on the Canadian side is frequently overshadowed by cluttered views and a gauntlet of gimmicky attractions. The majesty of the waterfall is lost in the noise and expense of its developed surroundings.
The Trevi Fountain is a dream for millions of visitors to Rome, but the reality is often less cinematic. The fountain is slammed for being more of a stressful scramble for a photo.
Then there’s the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the ultimate symbol of the city. It promises stunning views, but aggressive vendors and huge tour groups distract from the landmark’s beauty.
Rethinking How We Travel
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There are a few ways to avoid falling for a tourist trap.
Start by seeking advice from locals, hotel staff, or cab drivers for genuine recommendations. You can also search for candid reviews on forums or Google Maps that use keywords like “tourist trap.”
Also, consider traveling during the off-season to avoid crowds and experience a destination’s true character. Walking a few blocks from major landmarks can also help you find more authentic and affordable food and shops.
Finally, travelers should prioritize experiences over documentation. Cooking classes, neighborhood tours, or visits to smaller towns often create richer memories than standing in line for a photo.